Brilliant Gameologists Forum
Play Like You Have To! => GM Gameology => : Necrosnoop110 December 06, 2010, 01:03:08 AM
-
The purpose of this thread is to serve as a catch-all for minor questions or mundane rules queries that don't really warrant a brand new thread.
Please follow the format of
Q#: [Question Here]
And respond to that question in a subsequent post with the format of
A#: [Answer Here]
Cheers,
Necro
-
Q1: Are there any "expert-like" divine core classes out there? Like a divine rogue of some sort? (3.5 D&D)
Thanks,
Necro
-
Is there any reason you felt a need to make a new one of these threads, when there's already one in the Min/Max forum already (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=10149.0), and has been for ages?
To answer your question, though, check out the Cloistered Cleric variant in Unearthed Arcana (also found in the SRD). 6 skill points/level, a bonus domain (Knowledge) and all the usual Cleric goodies and spellcasting, all for the cost one a reduced hit die (1d6 instead of 1d8), wizard-like BaB, and the loss of medium and heavy armor proficiency.
-
Is there any reason you felt a need to make a new one of these threads, when there's already one in the Min/Max forum already (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=10149.0), and has been for ages?
couldn't find it/thought it was joke thread with gazebo stuff in first couple of posts and title/different kinds of questions are likely to crop up in this forum/we can just let this die/delete it if it's a problem
-
Yeah, after about the 10th Simple Question thread, they started getting silly names. There's usually a bunch of silly questions on the first page or two, but it gets back to business after the previous thread dies down and people move on to the new one.
-
Q1: Are there any "expert-like" divine core classes out there? Like a divine rogue of some sort? (3.5 D&D)
Thanks,
Necro
About the best you can do is an Archivist, I think, due to their having Int dependence. Of course, they still only get 2+Int skill points per level, but if you start out as a human rogue (or factotum) and take Able Learner, you should have enough skill points to fulfill the role.
There might be a homebrew class somewhere that fills this role, if you're interested in those. In fact, I'm pretty sure I saw one in the homebrew section not too long ago. Check Boz's Homebrew Compendium thread, which is now stickied in that forum.
-
Q1: Are there any "expert-like" divine core classes out there? Like a divine rogue of some sort? (3.5 D&D)
Thanks,
Necro
About the best you can do is an Archivist, I think, due to their having Int dependence. Of course, they still only get 2+Int skill points per level, but if you start out as a human rogue (or factotum) and take Able Learner, you should have enough skill points to fulfill the role.
There might be a homebrew class somewhere that fills this role, if you're interested in those. In fact, I'm pretty sure I saw one in the homebrew section not too long ago. Check Boz's Homebrew Compendium thread, which is now stickied in that forum.
Off the top of my head, I remember Rich Burlew's Divine Trickster. (http://www.giantitp.com/articles/5M5QGsJ5mpbLfAHduZG.html)
-
I think he wanted base classes and not PrCs, although he used the terminology "core classes" instead. If he's truly looking for Core, then he's pretty SoL, other than maybe a Cleric with the Trickery and Travel domains.
-
I think he wanted base classes and not PrCs, although he used the terminology "core classes" instead. If he's truly looking for Core, then he's pretty SoL, other than maybe a Cleric with the Trickery and Travel domains.
Yeah, I was looking for base class, thanks guys.
-
Q2: I'm looking for a creature that will be able to "pester" a 5th level party. By pester I mean a creature that has abilities and powers that allow it to pop in and out, make fun of the PCs, grab a loose item, but always be able to evade the groups attacks. Not something that would be used to TPK but one that could infuriate the party and just always remain out of reach. (I'm not looking to harm the party outright, just need a creature for a specific encounter.)
-
pixies are always fun.
-
Q2: I'm looking for a creature that will be able to "pester" a 5th level party. By pester I mean a creature that has abilities and powers that allow it to pop in and out, make fun of the PCs, grab a loose item, but always be able to evade the groups attacks. Not something that would be used to TPK but one that could infuriate the party and just always remain out of reach. (I'm not looking to harm the party outright, just need a creature for a specific encounter.)
A2: Do you have Heroes of Horror? The bog imp is a nasty version that takes a more scary twist on it (and it's even an evil fey!).
Basically, it can wait in the water mostly out of sight, and simply make someone sink into the mud and start drowning from a short distance. You can have it be malicious and just do this for fun, or it can wait until it thinks it will be successful and try to nab several people at an inopportune moment.
Here's a pic of it:
[spoiler](http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/hoh_gallery/91991.jpg)[/spoiler]
-
Q3: Any suggestions for a good "caravan guard" adventure?
-
Q 4 I'm reading over an adventure module that actually says "The adventuring party should consist of five to seven characters that are single classed and from 13th to 15th level. Multiclass characters should have a total character class level of from 16th to 18th level." Are mutliclass characters really that weak by comparison to single class characters?
-
Q 4 I'm reading over an adventure module that actually says "The adventuring party should consist of five to seven characters that are single classed and from 13th to 15th level. Multiclass characters should have a total character class level of from 16th to 18th level." Are mutliclass characters really that weak by comparison to single class characters?
:bigeye
:lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao
-
Q 4 I'm reading over an adventure module that actually says "The adventuring party should consist of five to seven characters that are single classed and from 13th to 15th level. Multiclass characters should have a total character class level of from 16th to 18th level." Are mutliclass characters really that weak by comparison to single class characters?
:bigeye
:lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao
I know I'm missing the joke.
-
Q 4 I'm reading over an adventure module that actually says "The adventuring party should consist of five to seven characters that are single classed and from 13th to 15th level. Multiclass characters should have a total character class level of from 16th to 18th level." Are mutliclass characters really that weak by comparison to single class characters?
:bigeye
:lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao
I know I'm missing the joke.
Yes, you are. The joke being: how many single classed characters do you see in the min/max forum?
-
Yes, you are. The joke being: how many single classed characters do you see in the min/max forum?
Exactly. That's why I'm wondering if I was missing something from the module. I can't even imagine what they were referring to. Maybe they're thinking about something going Ranger 8/Rogue 2/Fighter 4 or something. I had to ask regardless because I was quite confused.
Q 5 How do I go about making this http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/ch/ch20001225b adventure into a pdf so I don't have to worry about accessing it online while gaming with the group?
Q 6 Did anyone make a 3.5 conversion for Bastion of Souls? Namely the half devil/half demon NPC. There's a bunch in there with DR 20/+4 or DR 10/+3, etc. I know it's not all DR magic.
-
Q 5 How do I go about making this http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/ch/ch20001225b adventure into a pdf so I don't have to worry about accessing it online while gaming with the group?
Q 6 Did anyone make a 3.5 conversion for Bastion of Souls? Namely the half devil/half demon NPC. There's a bunch in there with DR 20/+4 or DR 10/+3, etc. I know it's not all DR magic.
5. Print out the page using a PDF converter. PrimoPDF is pretty good, but it has drawbacks.
6. Halve it and make it DR/good (maybe silver as well, depending on how high the CR is supposed to be; take a look at the MM devils for inspiration).
-
5. Print out the page using a PDF converter. PrimoPDF is pretty good, but it has drawbacks.
6. Halve it and make it DR/good (maybe silver as well, depending on how high the CR is supposed to be; take a look at the MM devils for inspiration).
Didn't even know such a thing was possible.
It's a lot more difficult than that. The main reason I'm looking for the conversion is you've got dragons (unnamed, but I'm kind of guessing red dragons), half-dragons (again unnamed), creatures with DR 20/+6 (I'm guessing epic), half breeds, and other creatures that simply don't exist outside of the module.
-
5. Print out the page using a PDF converter. PrimoPDF is pretty good, but it has drawbacks.
6. Halve it and make it DR/good (maybe silver as well, depending on how high the CR is supposed to be; take a look at the MM devils for inspiration).
Didn't even know such a thing was possible.
It's a lot more difficult than that. The main reason I'm looking for the conversion is you've got dragons (unnamed, but I'm kind of guessing red dragons), half-dragons (again unnamed), creatures with DR 20/+6 (I'm guessing epic), half breeds, and other creatures that simply don't exist outside of the module.
Yes. DR x/+6 is definitely DR x/epic.
Dragons are always DR x/magic. So are half-fiends. The rest is up to you. You're the DM.
-
5. Print out the page using a PDF converter. PrimoPDF is pretty good, but it has drawbacks.
6. Halve it and make it DR/good (maybe silver as well, depending on how high the CR is supposed to be; take a look at the MM devils for inspiration).
Didn't even know such a thing was possible.
It's a lot more difficult than that. The main reason I'm looking for the conversion is you've got dragons (unnamed, but I'm kind of guessing red dragons), half-dragons (again unnamed), creatures with DR 20/+6 (I'm guessing epic), half breeds, and other creatures that simply don't exist outside of the module.
Yes. DR x/+6 is definitely DR x/epic.
Dragons are always DR x/magic. So are half-fiends. The rest is up to you. You're the DM.
That's the problem. I don't like it being up to me. I don't exactly know what I'm doing. Hence why I'm asking if there's a conversion for the module.
-
5. Print out the page using a PDF converter. PrimoPDF is pretty good, but it has drawbacks.
6. Halve it and make it DR/good (maybe silver as well, depending on how high the CR is supposed to be; take a look at the MM devils for inspiration).
Didn't even know such a thing was possible.
It's a lot more difficult than that. The main reason I'm looking for the conversion is you've got dragons (unnamed, but I'm kind of guessing red dragons), half-dragons (again unnamed), creatures with DR 20/+6 (I'm guessing epic), half breeds, and other creatures that simply don't exist outside of the module.
Yes. DR x/+6 is definitely DR x/epic.
Dragons are always DR x/magic. So are half-fiends. The rest is up to you. You're the DM.
That's the problem. I don't like it being up to me. I don't exactly know what I'm doing. Hence why I'm asking if there's a conversion for the module.
LEARN!
:P
-
LEARN!
:P
I think you mean "make $#!t up on the spot".
-
LEARN!
:P
I think you mean "make $#!t up on the spot".
Wasn't that hard to figure out, was it? Welcome to DM-hood.
-
I think you mean "make $#!t up on the spot".
Wasn't that hard to figure out, was it? Welcome to DM-hood.[/quote]
It is, actually, yes.
-
I think you mean "make $#!t up on the spot".
Wasn't that hard to figure out, was it? Welcome to DM-hood.
It is, actually, yes.
[/quote]
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/DnD35_update_booklet.zip
-
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/DnD35_update_booklet.zip
I have one, but thanks. It's not really the best update booklet they could have given, but at least it was a start. It explains things, but leaves it too open to interpretation. Even they barely follow it in their 3.5 updates of other books.
-
This is true but that is as close as rules come to converting a lot of the more esoteric parts of 3.0
-
Q 4 I'm reading over an adventure module that actually says "The adventuring party should consist of five to seven characters that are single classed and from 13th to 15th level. Multiclass characters should have a total character class level of from 16th to 18th level." Are mutliclass characters really that weak by comparison to single class characters?
Who wrote it? I have a guess as to who.
-
Q 4 I'm reading over an adventure module that actually says "The adventuring party should consist of five to seven characters that are single classed and from 13th to 15th level. Multiclass characters should have a total character class level of from 16th to 18th level." Are mutliclass characters really that weak by comparison to single class characters?
Who wrote it? I have a guess as to who.
I... don't actually. I can totally see either WotC or Paizo saying that.
Suffice it to say, whoever wrote that line didn't know what they were saying and you should ignore them.
-
Q 5 How do I go about making this http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/ch/ch20001225b adventure into a pdf so I don't have to worry about accessing it online while gaming with the group?
Copy the url and paste it into this (http://html-pdf-converter.com/).
-
Q 4 I'm reading over an adventure module that actually says "The adventuring party should consist of five to seven characters that are single classed and from 13th to 15th level. Multiclass characters should have a total character class level of from 16th to 18th level." Are mutliclass characters really that weak by comparison to single class characters?
Who wrote it? I have a guess as to who.
It doesn't say. It gives the editor, lead designer, the cartographer, typesetter, creative director, art director, and artwork person, but not the person responsible.
-
So, blame the editor and lead designer?
-
So, blame the editor and lead designer?
Possibly. I still find it confusing as to why they'd say that, because personally I'd figure a cleric 10/radiant servant of pelor 10 would be just as powerful, if not more powerful than a cleric 10. Maybe they're referring to those who'd do something like barbarian 6/rogue 2/cleric 5/sorcerer 4/fighter 2/rage mage 1.
-
That is because Cleric/RsoP isn't multiclassed he is Prestige classed. ;)
I would say blame the editor since he/she has the final responsibility of checking the product before it goes out, and well that is too idiotic a statement to have not been at least questioned.
-
Well, Multiclassing done by a blind man does get weaker. :P
Multiclassing with a goal in mind on the other hand...
-
Well, Multiclassing done by a blind man does get weaker. :P
Multiclassing with a goal in mind on the other hand...
Well on reading that line the editor, assuming they have never played an RPG before, should have asked "if multi-classing makes people weaker why allow it?" If they have played and RPG before they would have known it to be foolishness and told the person to re-write it.
-
Wait, now. Multiclassing tends to make you stronger if you're melee, yes, and single classing makes you stronger if you're a caster?
... Wouldn't that, indeed, imply single-classed characters are more likely to be able to take on the adventure? :p
-
Wait, now. Multiclassing tends to make you stronger if you're melee, yes, and single classing makes you stronger if you're a caster?
... Wouldn't that, indeed, imply single-classed characters are more likely to be able to take on the adventure? :p
That would again depend on whether or not you had a goal in mind. Take for example a rogue/cleric. That might seem like a weak combination, but if you add in the Sacred Outlaw feat, where the two now stack, and Practiced Spellcaster to get back the CL you're missing, it just became a lot stronger. Same thing if you went with a ranger/scout with Swift Hunter, again you're balancing out. Then there's prestiging. A sorcerer/monk or a barbarian/wizard may look weak, but if you're working your way up to be an enlightened monk or rage mage, again it should balance out.
I'm thinking that the adventure was made back before all of these books and extra feats came out. So thinking about it like that, yeah it'd make you weaker. Like, I've seen a ranger 3/rogue 2/fighter 2 with a -1 to Wisdom. You're dead meat when it comes to making will saves.
-
Wait, now. Multiclassing tends to make you stronger if you're melee, yes, and single classing makes you stronger if you're a caster?
... Wouldn't that, indeed, imply single-classed characters are more likely to be able to take on the adventure? :p
That would again depend on whether or not you had a goal in mind. Take for example a rogue/cleric. That might seem like a weak combination, but if you add in the Sacred Outlaw feat, where the two now stack, and Practiced Spellcaster to get back the CL you're missing, it just became a lot stronger. Same thing if you went with a ranger/scout with Swift Hunter, again you're balancing out. Then there's prestiging. A sorcerer/monk or a barbarian/wizard may look weak, but if you're working your way up to be an enlightened monk or rage mage, again it should balance out.
I'm thinking that the adventure was made back before all of these books and extra feats came out. So thinking about it like that, yeah it'd make you weaker. Like, I've seen a ranger 3/rogue 2/fighter 2 with a -1 to Wisdom. You're dead meat when it comes to making will saves.
What Sacred Outlaw feat?
Swift Hunter is an example of exactly what she said. The enlightened monk and rage mage... suck. Horribly. :P
-
What Sacred Outlaw feat?
Swift Hunter is an example of exactly what she said. The enlightened monk and rage mage... suck. Horribly. :P
The one in Dragon 357. It stacks cleric and rogue together so you don't lose sneak attack or turning checks/damage.
Swift Hunter is an example of a feat that the creator of the adventure probably wasn't aware of at the time, or didn't think it would be something someone would take. As for enlightened monk and rage mage, you're entitled to your opinion about how you feel about them.
-
Q 4 I'm reading over an adventure module that actually says "The adventuring party should consist of five to seven characters that are single classed and from 13th to 15th level. Multiclass characters should have a total character class level of from 16th to 18th level." Are mutliclass characters really that weak by comparison to single class characters?
If you multiclass with a 50/50 split, yes. I have to assume that's what they mean, since slapping three free levels of monk on any single classed build will make it marginally better
-
Q6: When people refer to the "339 boards" what are they talking about? I'm guessing they are talking about the WotC forums (http://community.wizards.com/go/forum/viewcategory/75882/Dungeons_38;_Dragons) but have no idea why on earth they're called the 339 boards (despite being a regular on that board for years).
-
URL used to have boards?=339 in it. The TO board had boards?=330 in it.
-
URL used to have boards?=339 in it. The TO board had boards?=330 in it.
Shows what I know. Never noticed that ever, despite daily visits for years on end. Thanks. :D
-
What Sacred Outlaw feat?
Swift Hunter is an example of exactly what she said. The enlightened monk and rage mage... suck. Horribly. :P
The one in Dragon 357. It stacks cleric and rogue together so you don't lose sneak attack or turning checks/damage.
Swift Hunter is an example of a feat that the creator of the adventure probably wasn't aware of at the time, or didn't think it would be something someone would take. As for enlightened monk and rage mage, you're entitled to your opinion about how you feel about them.
Optimizers don't have opinions. That's the whole point.
-
Q : Drows of the Underdark features a metamagic feat that allows the caster to use a dose of poison as a spell component, thus adding the poison effect to a touch attack spell.
Can it be combined with an eyeball familiar spellray ability to deliver poison as a ranged touch attack?
-
Q8: I'm looking for a 3.5 adventure that plays around with the classic trope "the heroes must guard the caravan" but was hoping to put a new twist on things. Any adventure recommendations or other suggestions? (5th level party)
Thanks,
Necky
-
Any particular level? Or just something in general, and you'll scale it later?
-
Any particular level? Or just something in general, and you'll scale it later?
I'm DMing for a large 5th party but would be willing to scale things up or down if the flavor was right.
-
Give me a few minutes, and I'll edit this with adventures. Just going to take a bit to do up.
Random traveling encounter http://www.traykon.com/encounter/encounter4.html
Funeral Procession, Dungeon 135 pg 18 (caravan is a hearse coach)
Final Resting, Place Dungeon 122 pg 19 ("caravan" would be going through the Underdark and back)
The Buzz on the Bridge, Dungeon 110 pg 15 (get the caravan across the bridge infested by a hive of giant bees)
Riding the Rail, Dungeon 143 pg 18 (the caravan is a moving train)
The Chasm Bridge, Dungeon 101 pg 59 (Underdark bridge with pay or slay toll booth)
The Coming Storm, Dungeon 136 pg 36 (caravans are attacked by bandits during thunderstorms)
Capture the Queen http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/oa/20001101a
Road to Oblivion http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/oa/20030614a
Caravan Guards, Dungeon 26 pg 30
Courier Service, Dungeon 27 pg 24
Yes these are AD&D, but they shouldn't too hard to convert. For instance, the bhuts in Caravan Guards are also in the Fiend Folio.
That should give you a few ideas.
-
I don't know that you could convert this one to fit, but maybe you could. Al-Quadim adventure Caravans.
-
Q9: I am having a hell of a time trying to figure out how a ghast gains Nat Armor (in 3.5). At 2nd lvl the ghast has +2, and then at 4th lvl it has +4. But if I just gave it +2 AC every 2 lvls, wouldnt that be a bit unbalanced, especially if that ghast were wearing a +2 full plate? I am trying to give a reasonable amount of AC to a lvl 15 ghast, without going for a TPK.
-
Are you talking about the difference between a ghoul (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/ghoul.htm) and a ghast, or is there some other book that has this progression?
-
Q 10 Got a question about Crusaders and their randomly given maneuvers. How do you go about choosing what's given? Flash/cue cards? Dice? What's the best way to determine the randomness of what's given? Especially at later levels.
-
Q 10 Got a question about Crusaders and their randomly given maneuvers. How do you go about choosing what's given? Flash/cue cards? Dice? What's the best way to determine the randomness of what's given? Especially at later levels.
I personally roll a die of size equal to the maneuvers withheld at any given time (so a d6 when I have 6 readied maneuvers and none granted), and count down on my list of maneuvers to get the granted one, repeat for every granted maneuver, skipping any non-readied maneuvers and any already granted ones. E.g.:
I have White Raven Tactics, Mountain Hammer, Crusader's Strike, Stone Bones, and Foehammer readied at the start of combat. I roll a 1d5 and get a 4, so Stone Bones is granted. After that, I roll 1d4 and get a 1 for WRT, then a 1d3 and get a 2 for Crusader's Strike.
Obviously, this doesn't work too well with physical dice, as I've yet to see a d5 in real life. For online play where RNGs are able to simulate such die rolls, it works like a charm.
In a physical game, I'd personally just use maneuver cards, although it can be hard to really shuffle a deck that consists of at most 10 or so cards.
-
In a physical game, I'd personally just use maneuver cards, although it can be hard to really shuffle a deck that consists of at most 10 or so cards.
I've seen the maneuver cards. Just downloaded the zip file now. The problem I'd be worried about is losing them. That's a lot of paper to be cutting up.
-
For online play, I agree, just use a d(whatever). For RL, I'd just get some cards(poker would do, but TCG cards are fun too) shuffle and draw.
-
Are you talking about the difference between a ghoul (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/ghoul.htm) and a ghast, or is there some other book that has this progression?
It was my understanding that (basically) a ghast was just a ghoul with a few more hit dice, and a single extra ability. Your link does imply they are related but not actually the same. So . .. .. .. . If I were to advance a ghast to 15 hit dice, would it's + Nat AC bonus also improve, and by how much? Is there a diffenitive chart, or pattern to follow?
If I just gave the ghast class levels, should I add to it's +Nat AC? That is assuming it should gain +Nat AC as it gains hit dice. .. .. .. . I'm so confused.
-
Q11 What exactly happens when you "trip" a flying creature?
-
Q11 What exactly happens when you "trip" a flying creature?
A 11
Depends on how it flies. For creatures with wings, it drops. Creatures with a (Su) fly speed are basically unaffected.
-
Q 12 Anyone know of the Savage Tide module? I know someone's running it in the PbP board. Anyways, can someone explain to me how a half-fiend human death knight ex-paladin/blackguard gets DR 15/cold iron and good as well as Unholy Toughness, yet the human half-lemorian demon death knight fighter/rogue/tempest only has DR 15/magic and no bonus HP at all? Did I miss a memo somewhere? I thought half-fiends got DR 10/magic if they had more than 11 HD, and death knights get DR 15/magic.
Where did they get this from, besides their @$$?
-
Q11 What exactly happens when you "trip" a flying creature?
A 11
Depends on how it flies. For creatures with wings, it drops. Creatures with a (Su) fly speed are basically unaffected.
For a creature with wings what exactly does "it drops" entail? Does it drop it's move rate? What if you "tripped" a flying creature and you were high up in a cliff would that flying creature immediately drop to the ground prone regardless of the distance? Or does it only fall so far? If only 'so far", how far is that exactly? As a follow up what are the falling rates for 3.5 D&D? Standard real world physics or something else?
-
Are you talking about the difference between a ghoul (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/ghoul.htm) and a ghast, or is there some other book that has this progression?
It was my understanding that (basically) a ghast was just a ghoul with a few more hit dice, and a single extra ability. Your link does imply they are related but not actually the same. So . .. .. .. . If I were to advance a ghast to 15 hit dice, would it's + Nat AC bonus also improve, and by how much? Is there a diffenitive chart, or pattern to follow?
If I just gave the ghast class levels, should I add to it's +Nat AC? That is assuming it should gain +Nat AC as it gains hit dice. .. .. .. . I'm so confused.
Here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/improvingMonsters.htm#increasingHitDice) are the rules for increasing a monster's Hit Dice. There's no flat natural AC increase for increasing the monster's HD. Size increases will increase NA, but a ghast stays medium throughout its advancement, so a ghast won't gain any AC.
Although, if you look at the monster's advancement, it only lists 5-8 HD for a ghast, which means that they're not really intended to go beyond 8 HD. It's not to say you can't follow the advancement rules I posted and make a 15 HD ghast, but it wouldn't really be a good challenge at that level.
-
Q13
What is the best way to design encounters? I believe most of the people here acknowledge that CR is a poor way to judge how tough an encounter will be. So for an adverage party of 3-5 players what should I use to determin a good challenge?
-
Q11 What exactly happens when you "trip" a flying creature?
A 11
Depends on how it flies. For creatures with wings, it drops. Creatures with a (Su) fly speed are basically unaffected.
For a creature with wings what exactly does "it drops" entail? Does it drop it's move rate? What if you "tripped" a flying creature and you were high up in a cliff would that flying creature immediately drop to the ground prone regardless of the distance? Or does it only fall so far? If only 'so far", how far is that exactly? As a follow up what are the falling rates for 3.5 D&D? Standard real world physics or something else?
I'd say 'dropping' means 'fall as normal'. For falling rates, look here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/environment.htm#falling).
EDIT: I guess that doesn't actually say how far you can fall... I'm sure I saw rules for that somewhere, let me break open my Rules Compendium.
-
Q13
What is the best way to design encounters? I believe most of the people here acknowledge that CR is a poor way to judge how tough an encounter will be. So for an adverage party of 3-5 players what should I use to determin a good challenge?
It stands to reason that an average party of 3-5 characters can take on a CR of its level +3. So a party of level 5 characters should have a difficult time with it. Is it going to be very difficult? Possibly, but it depends on their arsenal. A basilisk and medusa aren't going to be much of a threat to a party that's immune or resistant to gaze attacks.
I like having a back up. If the party's going through the encounter too easily, have a creature's mate show up, or maybe the creature the party's fighting is actually the baby, and momma's right around the corner. If it's bandits, give one of them a signal whistle to blow so reinforcements know to back them up. Heck, make one of the guys who show up their boss and give him a few more levels.
But really, just keep taking notes on your party, and adjust as needed.
-
But really, just keep taking notes on your party, and adjust as needed.
Yeah. That's your best bet.
Keep track of their average AC, attack bonus, damage, saves, and DCs. You may want to keep a mini-character sheet of each of them. This will help you figure out what the monsters can do to them, and what they can do to the monsters. So, if the fighter has an AC of 18 and 21 HP, and the ogre attacks at +8 and deals 2d8 + 7 damage (average of 16), then you can figure out that he'll hit 55% of the time, giving him an average expected damage per attack of 8.8. He'll likely drop the fighter in about three rounds.
Now, this might be more involved than you want to get, but you can still at least figure out what a full attack will do to the beatstick when he's in melee. Figure out if the monster is strong or weak against the party's common tactics.
-
Q13
What is the best way to design encounters? I believe most of the people here acknowledge that CR is a poor way to judge how tough an encounter will be. So for an adverage party of 3-5 players what should I use to determin a good challenge?
The best way is to determine WHY CR is flawed, and then work around those flaws.
For example stupid enemies are never level appropriate at high levels, and are only barely such at mid levels regardless of what the numbers say. There are a number of reasons for this, and they don't all start with Ray and end with of Stupidity.
Magical Beasts, as a type are not credible threats. Same goes for anything of the Construct type.
Beatstick enemies generally stop being relevant past low levels. Brute monsters last a bit longer. Conversely, it's hard to go wrong with a spellcaster enemy when it comes to making fights that pull their weight.
Enemies that are the opposite: More powerful than their CR says are surprisingly rare. Generally it only comes up when an enemy either has an accelerated casting advancement, or you are deliberately trying to optimize an encounter. And that latter one doesn't work very often either.
-
That, and caster enemies can hit disproportionately hard. A caster who wins init might do the 1/4 of party resources thing by offing a player.
-
Direct save or dies don't kick in until higher levels, and are usually blockable by Death Ward. If you are high level, and don't have Death Ward you deserve to die.
Even so yes, they are capable of taking meaningful actions in the 1-2 rounds before they are defeated.
-
Q 14 When running a gestalt game, who's all affected? Just the PCs? The PCs and BBEG NPC and their minions? Everyone including that little commoner named Joe down the street?
It's my first time running a gestalt game, and it's only got two, maybe three, players. It's also going to be an E6 or E8 game (haven't decided yet). I'm going gestalt because I felt it'd be more beneficial with so few players. But I don't know who's all supposed to be gestalted.
-
Gestalt is typically applied only to PCs and important BBEGs.
-
Gestalt is typically applied only to PCs and important BBEGs.
So if the BBEG is a ranger/sorcerer, and the minions were originally just going to be warriors, then keep them as warriors. Same for the NPC commoners, and maybe that lone cleric in the neighboring town you sometimes visit so he can heal you when you ask him nicely.
-
Pretty much, yeah. Too much work for generic NPCs who are never going to live long enough to use the extra options anyway.
-
Pretty much, yeah. Too much work for generic NPCs who are never going to live long enough to use the extra options anyway.
I'm alright with that. It's not that I don't want to put the work into it, but I do like having to deal with less headaches.
-
Q 15 Follow up. How bad of an idea would it be to allow gestalt character access to the multi-class feats such as Ascetic Hunter, Swift Hunter, Daring Outlaw, or Master Spellthief, just to name a few? Some of them wouldn't do anything, like Sacred Outlaw (wouldn't get Rogue + Cleric levels for sneak attack and turn/rebuke undead), but Ascetic Hunter adds half your FE bonus to your stunning fist's DC.
It doesn't look all that powerful, but I thought I'd ask nonetheless.
EDIT: BTW, when I say that, I'm thinking RAI, not RAW. RAW it'd be very powerful to have two classes stack with each other to equal twice their level.
-
I'd say it depends on the games power level.
Since the gestalt rules pre-date any of the multi-class feats (IIRC), there's obviously no way that the gestalt rules could have accounted for them. That being said, the spirit of the gestalt rules would indicate that such feats should be right out (given the mention of banning dual-casting and other synergizing PrCs).
however, if you're running a particularly high-powered game, I can see allowing them, but capping their benefit at character level.
:twocents
-
RAI, it wouldn't be allowed. Master spellthief is badly phrased enough to be broken even without gestalt.
-
Q16: What are some likely burial practices for underdark races?
-
A 16
Depends on who is doing it and who is being buried. Illithids officially dump their dead in the pool their Elder Brain lives in, to be absorbed in. Drow might have elaborate mausoleums divided by family, with significantly more pompus ones for the females and especially for priests. They might release ceremonial spiders on a corpse to have the corpse eaten by their goddess's favored animal. The practically-minded Duergar might just unceremonially dump their dead into a chasm or feed them to work animals.
In any case, cremation is probably out unless the civilization in question is in a really big cave or has easy access to magic items.
-
Q17: If I want to use caltrops as a trap, what should the CR and DCs be? I'm sure the disable device check is nearly an automatic success (just need a broom :)), but what would the spot/search DC be?
-
Q17: If I want to use caltrops as a trap, what should the CR and DCs be? I'm sure the disable device check is nearly an automatic success (just need a broom :)), but what would the spot/search DC be?
I'd say they'd be about equivalent to a fine creature with no ranks in hide.
So DC 16 seems about right.
-
Although there are a lot of them. I'd be tempted to count the entire square as a small or medium creature. I suppose stuff like undergrowth could make a Spot check significantly harder, but the Search check should be trivially easy.
-
Yeah, I'd put the search at DC 20... if they were underwater.
Otherwise, I'd say they're significantly easier to spot than a tripwire, snare, or large pit trap, all of which are DC 20.
-
Q 18 Just read Dungeon Magazine 152's Moagim's Clone. It's not that bad. However, one thing they didn't do was give you what Moagim's stats were should he come back as a clone, or what his epic-level wizard self was. At least not in that particular adventure. Were his stats ever released/published? Did anyone run this campaign before hand and do up stats for him?
-
Q 19 I don't like the idea of "tripping" a flying creature. It's not a power issue just a conceptual hang-up. Anyone got house rules or rules of thumb on this kind of thing?
Thanks,
Necro
-
Q 19 I don't like the idea of "tripping" a flying creature. It's not a power issue just a conceptual hang-up. Anyone got house rules or rules of thumb on this kind of thing?
Thanks,
Necro
Tripping a flying creature is the same as tripping a standing creature. You're fouling up it's means of locomotion and support(wings instead of legs). So it drops to the ground unless it resists.
-
Q16 Some underdark races/monsters could use the dead as fertilizer for fungi coltures.
Others magic-users races could petrify the bodies of their deceased into statues... (mmm I think that I will use this idea myself also for non-underdark races.
-
Q16 Some underdark races/monsters could use the dead as fertilizer for fungi coltures.
Others magic-users races could petrify the bodies of their deceased into statues... (mmm I think that I will use this idea myself also for non-underdark races.
Excellent ideas, thanks!!
-
Q20
Is there an Eberron atlas?
-
Q20
Is there an Eberron atlas?
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Eberron+atlas&l=1
-
I did look...but I kept getting links to similiar questions or a FR atlas. :banghead
-
Here's a planar atlas, if nothing else.
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/eb/20040309a
-
The link Littha gave should work, requires the internet to use, but eh, can't have everything.
-
Q21 Any really good city adventure(s) you can recommend? My party is sixth level but I would willing to scale the adventure, if need be.
-
Q22
I am going to do a 1-4 level game were by the players will be playing mostly melee classes, I am making pre mades. I have checked online encounter calculators to have some nice estiments of how much exp to give for encounters. My big question is if I go by a strict hack and slash game where only combat gives exp how many fights, on average, would it take to level?
-
Q22
I am going to do a 1-4 level game were by the players will be playing mostly melee classes, I am making pre mades. I have checked online encounter calculators to have some nice estiments of how much exp to give for encounters. My big question is if I go by a strict hack and slash game where only combat gives exp how many fights, on average, would it take to level?
13 or so, give or take.
-
13...damn. Ok I will figure out something else instead. I am so not going to run 13+ encounters to level four characters.
-
13...damn. Ok I will figure out something else instead. I am so not going to run 13+ encounters to level four characters.
Most people just level the party whenever they feel like it.
It is a system that has served me well.
-
13...damn. Ok I will figure out something else instead. I am so not going to run 13+ encounters to level four characters.
Most people just level the party whenever they feel like it.
It is a system that has served me well.
In my PbP game I simply double or triple the xp rewards. It keeps the experience flowing like a river, but also means that we don't need a year of posting to get a level. If you want six encounters to a level, double the exp. If you want 4 encounters, triple it.
-
Q23:
My question is regarding a specific creature found in the Book of Vile Darkness. It is a devil - Kocrachon (page 175)
Without giving away more details than I have to, how in the world can this creature be CR6 unless I am misreading things? It looks like, amongst many other things, it gets to cast Blasphemy 1/day at CL12th. Unless I misunderstand the spell, this means that anything within 40 feet with 7HD or less is paralyzed for 1d10 minutes with no save (Blasphemy is an open spell in SRD). How can something with a CR of 6 so easily wipe out a party of character level 7s? (If you assume he paralyzes them and then coup-de-grace each one during the minute(s) of paralysis).
He also has wither limb at caster level 12th which seems way too high there as well for a CR6. Am I misreading this? Is the CR mis-represented? I was looking for a good creature that you can get with lesser planar binding with good SLAs and came across this... Thanks
-
Book of Vile Darkness is 3.0 material. The 3.0 Blasphemy, IIRC, operated on individual creatures according to their Hit Dice and not your caster level.
-
Book of Vile Darkness is 3.0 material. The 3.0 Blasphemy, IIRC, operated on individual creatures according to their Hit Dice and not your caster level.
Ah hah... makes more sense. I may use this guy yet, but just remove the two SLAs I feel are overpowered.
-
Q:24
Telekinetic Thrust, from the XPH, allows me to make attacks with a number of weapons. Do these thrown weapons get sneak attack damage on every hit, if the character has sneak attack? (And the target is valid for sneak attack)
Thanks.
-
Q:24
Telekinetic Thrust, from the XPH, allows me to make attacks with a number of weapons. Do these thrown weapons get sneak attack damage on every hit, if the character has sneak attack? (And the target is valid for sneak attack)
Thanks.
Depends upon whether or not you consider it a volley.
-
Q25
I am using a monster from a third part book. It is CR 1 and it is fine for what I wish. What confuses me is the stat aray thay was used, should I alter the stats to be as I wish or keep them as is? The monster is a boss for one level of the dungeon I am designing.
-
Q25
I am using a monster from a third part book. It is CR 1 and it is fine for what I wish. What confuses me is the stat aray thay was used, should I alter the stats to be as I wish or keep them as is? The monster is a boss for one level of the dungeon I am designing.
That depends, monsters (unless noted) in wizards material have base stats of 10s or 11s so you can work out their ability scores by taking 10 from their even scores and 11 from the odd. Then you can add a point buy or the elite array if you want it to be stronger.
I wouldn't just go around altering the stats manually without a thorough understanding of what you are doing. That way lies TPKs
-
Q25
I am using a monster from a third part book. It is CR 1 and it is fine for what I wish. What confuses me is the stat aray thay was used, should I alter the stats to be as I wish or keep them as is? The monster is a boss for one level of the dungeon I am designing.
For NPC's with NPC classes generally you use 10,10,10,11,11,11 before racial adjustments (and they don't get max hp at 1st level)
For NPC's with PC classes normally you use 15,14,13,12,10,8 (and they get max hp at 1st level)
To find more on this topic look in the DMG guide on the chapter where it stats out a bunch of NPC's with PC levels.
In the Monsters Manual it also tells you when to use which array. It's under Improving Monsters if I recall correctly.
-
Thanks Littha and Growin. I forgot the formula for finding the stats. I will change it some once I get the mods down and use elite array.
Q26
When adding racial hit die to a monster is there a way to determine CR? I figure it is not the same as adding class levels.
-
Thanks Littha and Growin. I forgot the formula for finding the stats. I will change it some once I get the mods down and use elite array.
Q26
When adding racial hit die to a monster is there a way to determine CR? I figure it is not the same as adding class levels.
A26 It depends upon the type of hit die, there's a table in the monster manual I pg 294
-
Thank you again.
Edit: Late edit due to not wanting a double post.
Q27
If a group of adventurers defeat a bunch of critters that don't have any treasure listed in their entries said adventurers don't get any treasure?
-
Never mind.
-
Q27
If a group of adventurers defeat a bunch of critters that don't have any treasure listed in their entries said adventurers don't get any treasure?
Depends entirely on the DM.
-
Thank you again.
Edit: Late edit due to not wanting a double post.
Q27
If a group of adventurers defeat a bunch of critters that don't have any treasure listed in their entries said adventurers don't get any treasure?
Well yeah, because that's a random animal or something, that does not accumulate treasure.
-
can anny1 tell me where i can find the rules on creating a warband?
-LD
-
HoB is the first place that springs to mind.
-
Seeing as my current campaign takes place in the Anauroch desert, I wanted to use a Phaerimm. There sre some things I'd like to make sure about though:
1 Does a phaerimm get any spells by default or does he have to take sorcerer levels over his base stats?
2 Phaerimms are described as having 'perfect vision' , seeing invisible and such. They aren't explicitly immune to blindness but they don't seem to have any actual eyes. So, does it work or not?
-
Q30: What is the origin and precise meaning of this "Mister Cavern" phrase I keep seeing? (I can infer some of its meaning from context but someone please shed some light here).
Thanks,
Necro
-
Q30: What is the origin and precise meaning of this "Mister Cavern" phrase I keep seeing? (I can infer some of its meaning from context but someone please shed some light here).
Thanks,
Necro
"Mister Cavern" is what the Czech word for "dungeon master" translates to.
It became a real hoot because of this (http://tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?t=51266&start=0).
-
Q30: What is the origin and precise meaning of this "Mister Cavern" phrase I keep seeing? (I can infer some of its meaning from context but someone please shed some light here).
Thanks,
Necro
"Mister Cavern" is what the Czech word for "dungeon master" translates to.
It became a real hoot because of this (http://tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?t=51266&start=0).
Thanks for the link that was ridiculously awesome.
-
Q31: Any good (preferably official) ways/rules for a character to taunt another character?
Thanks,
Necro
-
Q31: Any good (preferably official) ways/rules for a character to taunt another character?
Thanks,
Necro
depending on what you mean by taunt there is the jester class from the dragon compendium or the knight class.
-
Q31: Any good (preferably official) ways/rules for a character to taunt another character?
Thanks,
Necro
The Goad feat from Miniatures Handbook offers a not-as-good version of the Knight class feature, and just using the Intimidate skill has some of the effects as a good taunt (demoralized, not using rational tactics, &c.). I would probably use Bluff for the standard "no Mr. Bond, I expect you to die" situation to get the villain monologing.
-
Bump
Q 18 Just read Dungeon Magazine 152's Moagim's Clone. It's not that bad. However, one thing they didn't do was give you what Moagim's stats were should he come back as a clone, or what his epic-level wizard self was. At least not in that particular adventure. Were his stats ever released/published? Did anyone run this campaign before hand and do up stats for him?
Q21 Any really good city adventure(s) you can recommend? My party is sixth level but I would willing to scale the adventure, if need be.
Not really a "city" adventure, but Torrents of Dread from DUN 114 takes place in a village. There's also The Menagerie from DUN 126. However, I really, really recommend The Chimes at Midnight. Once you're done that, you've got two more modules that follow afterwards. I know it's Eberron, but it's a really nice trilogy of adventures.
-
I know Kenders have a +4 racial bonus "when using bluff skill to provoike someone" so I guess normal taunting is a bluff/sense motive opposing check.
-
Q32 The tome series mentions a "Tome of Virtue" with rules for high level play, has this ever been completed? If so got the link? If not anyone know if it will be completed in the future?
"More detail will be gone into in the Tome of Virtue, as the high level world is a really strange place."
LINK: http://dungeons.wikia.com/wiki/Book_of_Gears_%283.5e_Sourcebook%29/Playing_the_Game#The_Rigors_of_Command:_Playing_at_High_Levels
-
Q32 The tome series mentions a "Tome of Virtue" with rules for high level play, has this ever been completed? If so got the link? If not anyone know if it will be completed in the future?
"More detail will be gone into in the Tome of Virtue, as the high level world is a really strange place."
LINK: http://dungeons.wikia.com/wiki/Book_of_Gears_%283.5e_Sourcebook%29/Playing_the_Game#The_Rigors_of_Command:_Playing_at_High_Levels
No, it wasn't, and no it won't. Frank and K aren't working on the Tomes anymore. There are people at the Gaming Den website who still make some D&D 3.5 stuff, but mostly they've moved on to other systems. Here (http://www.tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?t=49848)is a link to some celestial-related material on their website. It is by other forum members, not Frank and K, though. A lot more can be found here: http://www.tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?t=50239
-
Q 33 Got a dick move here that I need to know about. Mostly for my own sanity. Now, RAW, it says that a party does not get XP for any summons that they face when going up against a spell caster. That it's part of that NPC's CR (which sucks). Here's my question. What do you for that when a summoner who spams the begeezus out of every summon spell they have, while they themselves are 100% protected from any kind of attack, suddenly teleports away and leaves you with all those summons that'll likely stay for about 30 rounds or so? Do you give them the XP for all the creatures they fight, or just the CR of the guy who left, but didn't actually run away?
-
Q 33 Got a dick move here that I need to know about. Mostly for my own sanity. Now, RAW, it says that a party does not get XP for any summons that they face when going up against a spell caster. That it's part of that NPC's CR (which sucks). Here's my question. What do you for that when a summoner who spams the begeezus out of every summon spell they have, while they themselves are 100% protected from any kind of attack, suddenly teleports away and leaves you with all those summons that'll likely stay for about 30 rounds or so? Do you give them the XP for all the creatures they fight, or just the CR of the guy who left, but didn't actually run away?
Off the cuff, I'd give out 50% of the XP for the guy who left.
-
Q 33 Got a dick move here that I need to know about. Mostly for my own sanity. Now, RAW, it says that a party does not get XP for any summons that they face when going up against a spell caster. That it's part of that NPC's CR (which sucks). Here's my question. What do you for that when a summoner who spams the begeezus out of every summon spell they have, while they themselves are 100% protected from any kind of attack, suddenly teleports away and leaves you with all those summons that'll likely stay for about 30 rounds or so? Do you give them the XP for all the creatures they fight, or just the CR of the guy who left, but didn't actually run away?
Off the cuff, I'd give out 50% of the XP for the guy who left.
Thanks. I'll be hoping to get at least that much.
-
Q 33 Got a dick move here that I need to know about. Mostly for my own sanity. Now, RAW, it says that a party does not get XP for any summons that they face when going up against a spell caster. That it's part of that NPC's CR (which sucks). Here's my question. What do you for that when a summoner who spams the begeezus out of every summon spell they have, while they themselves are 100% protected from any kind of attack, suddenly teleports away and leaves you with all those summons that'll likely stay for about 30 rounds or so? Do you give them the XP for all the creatures they fight, or just the CR of the guy who left, but didn't actually run away?
Off the cuff, I'd give out 50% of the XP for the guy who left.
Depends on if he did anything as well. If all that happened was a crapton of monsters showing up(Summons normally take a full round to cast after all, he couldn't have dumped that many), I'd just bill the PCs for the monsters CR.
Done it myself with a superbuffed familiar of a powerful mage vs the whole party.
-
Q 33 Got a dick move here that I need to know about. Mostly for my own sanity. Now, RAW, it says that a party does not get XP for any summons that they face when going up against a spell caster. That it's part of that NPC's CR (which sucks). Here's my question. What do you for that when a summoner who spams the begeezus out of every summon spell they have, while they themselves are 100% protected from any kind of attack, suddenly teleports away and leaves you with all those summons that'll likely stay for about 30 rounds or so? Do you give them the XP for all the creatures they fight, or just the CR of the guy who left, but didn't actually run away?
Off the cuff, I'd give out 50% of the XP for the guy who left.
Depends on if he did anything as well. If all that happened was a crapton of monsters showing up(Summons normally take a full round to cast after all, he couldn't have dumped that many), I'd just bill the PCs for the monsters CR.
Done it myself with a superbuffed familiar of a powerful mage vs the whole party.
He could have realized that the PCs were coming and summoned like mad for several rounds before the PCs made it too him. Summoned a few more rounds into combat with all the previous summons blocking the PCs from approaching him and keep on summoning until the PCs got within striking range and then teleport out. Or have been invisible. Or used illusions. There are many ways to make this happen for more than one round.
-
Q 33 Got a dick move here that I need to know about. Mostly for my own sanity. Now, RAW, it says that a party does not get XP for any summons that they face when going up against a spell caster. That it's part of that NPC's CR (which sucks). Here's my question. What do you for that when a summoner who spams the begeezus out of every summon spell they have, while they themselves are 100% protected from any kind of attack, suddenly teleports away and leaves you with all those summons that'll likely stay for about 30 rounds or so? Do you give them the XP for all the creatures they fight, or just the CR of the guy who left, but didn't actually run away?
Off the cuff, I'd give out 50% of the XP for the guy who left.
I think that sounds about right, because the guy did use a bunch of his spells per day against the party. So technically, they "fought" him, even if they never actually even saw him. Encountering an opponent is worth some XP, whether you "defeat" them or not. Right?
-
The PCs overcame the challenge posed by the NPC, whether they actually defeated him or not. I'd say they should get the full XP for defeating the guy. Giving them only the XP for summoned monsters isn't much, since CR of summoned monsters is generally rather lower than that of the character summoning them, even if using the highest-level possible Summon Monster spell. Alternatively, you could give them a level-appropriate actual monster encounter and just handwave the monster(s) as having been summoned, giving them the XP for that encounter.
-
The PCs overcame the challenge posed by the NPC, whether they actually defeated him or not. I'd say they should get the full XP for defeating the guy. Giving them only the XP for summoned monsters isn't much, since CR of summoned monsters is generally rather lower than that of the character summoning them, even if using the highest-level possible Summon Monster spell. Alternatively, you could give them a level-appropriate actual monster encounter and just handwave the monster(s) as having been summoned, giving them the XP for that encounter.
I don't know. Three CR 11 and five CR 8 with only two spells cast might start to add up pretty quickly after a while. Especially if they're augmented in any way. But I get your point.
-
Q 34 If you'd like to eventually run Red Hand of Doom (lvl 6-12 module), what adventures would you first want to run from 1-6?
-
Q 35 How does darkvision interact with dim lighting? (D&D 3.5)
Let's take a Dwarf for example, daylight no penalties; darkness no penalties within 60', normal darkness penalties after 60'; now what happens in low light? Does the dwarf's darkvision remove the shadowy conditions 20% miss chance? Shouldn't it?
-
Q 35 How does darkvision interact with dim lighting? (D&D 3.5)
Let's take a Dwarf for example, daylight no penalties; darkness no penalties within 60', normal darkness penalties after 60'; now what happens in low light? Does the dwarf's darkvision remove the shadowy conditions 20% miss chance? Shouldn't it?
I'm not sure I understand the question. Darkvision lets you ignore natural lighting conditions up to 60' away, the way I understand it. So yeah, they wouldn't suffer any 20% miss chance in "shadow illumination", unless it was magical darkness. I'm not sure if that's RAW, but it sure seems like obvious RAI to me...
-
Q 35 How does darkvision interact with dim lighting? (D&D 3.5)
Let's take a Dwarf for example, daylight no penalties; darkness no penalties within 60', normal darkness penalties after 60'; now what happens in low light? Does the dwarf's darkvision remove the shadowy conditions 20% miss chance? Shouldn't it?
I'm not sure I understand the question. Darkvision lets you ignore natural lighting conditions up to 60' away, the way I understand it. So yeah, they wouldn't suffer any 20% miss chance in "shadow illumination", unless it was magical darkness. I'm not sure if that's RAW, but it sure seems like obvious RAI to me...
I keep re-reading the rules and it seems that a possible interpretation could be that darkvision only works in squares without light. If that would be the case then it seems that darkvision would not help in a square of low-light.
-
Q 35 How does darkvision interact with dim lighting? (D&D 3.5)
Let's take a Dwarf for example, daylight no penalties; darkness no penalties within 60', normal darkness penalties after 60'; now what happens in low light? Does the dwarf's darkvision remove the shadowy conditions 20% miss chance? Shouldn't it?
I'm not sure I understand the question. Darkvision lets you ignore natural lighting conditions up to 60' away, the way I understand it. So yeah, they wouldn't suffer any 20% miss chance in "shadow illumination", unless it was magical darkness. I'm not sure if that's RAW, but it sure seems like obvious RAI to me...
I keep re-reading the rules and it seems that a possible interpretation could be that darkvision only works in squares without light. If that would be the case then it seems that darkvision would not help in a square of low-light.
Yeah... and it is also possible to interpret the "dead" condition as still allowing a character to take actions... Come on man...
If you want RAW to back up the fact that creatures with darkvision can see in "shadowy illumination", this line seems to indicate that:
The presence of light does not spoil darkvision.
-
Q 35 How does darkvision interact with dim lighting? (D&D 3.5)
Let's take a Dwarf for example, daylight no penalties; darkness no penalties within 60', normal darkness penalties after 60'; now what happens in low light? Does the dwarf's darkvision remove the shadowy conditions 20% miss chance? Shouldn't it?
I'm not sure I understand the question. Darkvision lets you ignore natural lighting conditions up to 60' away, the way I understand it. So yeah, they wouldn't suffer any 20% miss chance in "shadow illumination", unless it was magical darkness. I'm not sure if that's RAW, but it sure seems like obvious RAI to me...
I keep re-reading the rules and it seems that a possible interpretation could be that darkvision only works in squares without light. If that would be the case then it seems that darkvision would not help in a square of low-light.
Yeah... and it is also possible to interpret the "dead" condition as still allowing a character to take actions... Come on man...
If you want RAW to back up the fact that creatures with darkvision can see in "shadowy illumination", this line seems to indicate that:
The presence of light does not spoil darkvision.
I was thinking the that clause meant that someone could have a light sources nearby or that you could "look through" a lit area into a dark area and have you darkvision still work in the dark area. (I'm not trying to press for this I'm just exploring the rules and wondering why low-light vision was necessary wouldn't darkvision be enough then?)
-
Q 36 Is there a way to have your alignment appear as something else for divination spells or powers? I am aware of the spell Undetectable Alignment but that just lets you appear as if you as "undetectable" not as a given alignment. For instance is there a way for a CE succubus to falsely appear as LG for divination spells and powers?
-
A 36 Misdirection Spell http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Misdirection
-
Also master of masks i think....
-
Q 36 Is there a way to have your alignment appear as something else for divination spells or powers? I am aware of the spell Undetectable Alignment but that just lets you appear as if you as "undetectable" not as a given alignment. For instance is there a way for a CE succubus to falsely appear as LG for divination spells and powers?
A 36
There are also the Planar Motes from Complete Scoundrel. Wearing one of them on your person overwrites your aura with an aura appropriate to the plane they are taken from, if it's stronger than yours.
-
Q 36 Is there a way to have your alignment appear as something else for divination spells or powers? I am aware of the spell Undetectable Alignment but that just lets you appear as if you as "undetectable" not as a given alignment. For instance is there a way for a CE succubus to falsely appear as LG for divination spells and powers?
A 36
There are also the Planar Motes from Complete Scoundrel. Wearing one of them on your person overwrites your aura with an aura appropriate to the plane they are taken from, if it's stronger than yours.
For a succubus I would think not as it only covers moderate auras and not strong.
-
Q 36 Is there a way to have your alignment appear as something else for divination spells or powers? I am aware of the spell Undetectable Alignment but that just lets you appear as if you as "undetectable" not as a given alignment. For instance is there a way for a CE succubus to falsely appear as LG for divination spells and powers?
A 36
There are also the Planar Motes from Complete Scoundrel. Wearing one of them on your person overwrites your aura with an aura appropriate to the plane they are taken from, if it's stronger than yours.
For a succubus I would think not as it only covers moderate auras and not strong.
*checks*
Ah, I thought 6HD Outsiders still have Moderate auras. guess I was wrong, they're Strong starting at 5. My bad.
-
Q 35 How does darkvision interact with dim lighting? (D&D 3.5)
Let's take a Dwarf for example, daylight no penalties; darkness no penalties within 60', normal darkness penalties after 60'; now what happens in low light? Does the dwarf's darkvision remove the shadowy conditions 20% miss chance? Shouldn't it?
I'm not sure I understand the question. Darkvision lets you ignore natural lighting conditions up to 60' away, the way I understand it. So yeah, they wouldn't suffer any 20% miss chance in "shadow illumination", unless it was magical darkness. I'm not sure if that's RAW, but it sure seems like obvious RAI to me...
I keep re-reading the rules and it seems that a possible interpretation could be that darkvision only works in squares without light. If that would be the case then it seems that darkvision would not help in a square of low-light.
Yeah... and it is also possible to interpret the "dead" condition as still allowing a character to take actions... Come on man...
If you want RAW to back up the fact that creatures with darkvision can see in "shadowy illumination", this line seems to indicate that:
The presence of light does not spoil darkvision.
I was thinking the that clause meant that someone could have a light sources nearby or that you could "look through" a lit area into a dark area and have you darkvision still work in the dark area. (I'm not trying to press for this I'm just exploring the rules and wondering why low-light vision was necessary wouldn't darkvision be enough then?)
Low-light vision is actually a lot better than it's given credit for...
Low-Light Vision
Characters with low-light vision have eyes that are so sensitive to light that they can see twice as far as normal in dim light. Low-light vision is color vision. A spellcaster with low-light vision can read a scroll as long as even the tiniest candle flame is next to her as a source of light.
Characters with low-light vision can see outdoors on a moonlit night as well as they can during the day.
They can actually see further in shadowy illumination than character's with darkvision can sometimes, also. If you have 20' illumination, with 20' shadowy illumination beyond that, a guy with low-light vision can see out to 80'. The guy with darkvision can still only see 60'.
-
Q37: Regarding Stoneskin (and generaly DR). I can make guess of the situation but not sure how the rules RAW actually handle them:
PC gets hit with flaming arrow for 8 piercing and 5 fire dmg. How does the DR handle that? Is the fire dmg subject to DR, ignores DR completely, or is not rolled at all because the arrow did not injure the PC in the first place? So how much dmg does the PC take - 3, or 5, or 0?
-
Q37: Regarding Stoneskin (and generaly DR). I can make guess of the situation but not sure how the rules RAW actually handle them:
PC gets hit with flaming arrow for 8 piercing and 5 fire dmg. How does the DR handle that? Is the fire dmg subject to DR, ignores DR completely, or is not rolled at all because the arrow did not injure the PC in the first place? So how much dmg does the PC take - 3, or 5, or 0?
PC takes 5 fire damage, energy damage isn't affected by DR.
-
Q37: Regarding Stoneskin (and generaly DR). I can make guess of the situation but not sure how the rules RAW actually handle them:
PC gets hit with flaming arrow for 8 piercing and 5 fire dmg. How does the DR handle that? Is the fire dmg subject to DR, ignores DR completely, or is not rolled at all because the arrow did not injure the PC in the first place? So how much dmg does the PC take - 3, or 5, or 0?
PC takes 5 fire damage, energy damage isn't affected by DR.
Adding supporting rules quote, as injury poisons, stunning fist, and similar effects *are* negated if the attack deals no damage. DMG pg 292 sez: "Damage reduction does not negate ... energy damage dealt along with an attack (such as fire damage from a fire elemental) ...". Fire elementals have a slam attack that deals "bludgeoning damage plus fire damage from the elemental's flaming body" (MMI 98) - the flaming damage gets through even if the weapon damage bounces off the stoneskin.
-
Q38 (A) Are recipients of enchantment spells and effects in anyway aware themselves of being under the effects of charms or compulsions while under the effect? (B) What if they make the save and avoid the effect (but otherwise had no means of detected the spell or effect, e.g. they did not have spellcraft or missed the listen check) (C) What about after the effect is over? How much do they realize/remember happening?
-
Q38 (A) Are recipients of enchantment spells and effects in anyway aware themselves of being under the effects of charms or compulsions while under the effect? (B) What if they make the save and avoid the effect (but otherwise had no means of detected the spell or effect, e.g. they did not have spellcraft or missed the listen check) (C) What about after the effect is over? How much do they realize/remember happening?
A) Not inherently.
B) If they make a save they notice something happened... IIRC, the quote was along the lines of 'an icy claw grabbing at your mind', but don't quote me.
C) Probably everything.
-
Q38 (A) Are recipients of enchantment spells and effects in anyway aware themselves of being under the effects of charms or compulsions while under the effect? (B) What if they make the save and avoid the effect (but otherwise had no means of detected the spell or effect, e.g. they did not have spellcraft or missed the listen check) (C) What about after the effect is over? How much do they realize/remember happening?
I would think it depends upon the actual enchantment. If Charm Person, then I don't think they're aware of it while it's happening. Dominate Person, I think they would be. And if you suddenly go to Sleep in the middle of the day, then afterwards you'd realize something's afoot. And even with Charm, you may wonder why you let that adventuring party enter through the door you're supposed to be guarding.
-
Q38 (A) Are recipients of enchantment spells and effects in anyway aware themselves of being under the effects of charms or compulsions while under the effect? (B) What if they make the save and avoid the effect (but otherwise had no means of detected the spell or effect, e.g. they did not have spellcraft or missed the listen check) (C) What about after the effect is over? How much do they realize/remember happening?
I would think it depends upon the actual enchantment. If Charm Person, then I don't think they're aware of it while it's happening. Dominate Person, I think they would be. And if you suddenly go to Sleep in the middle of the day, then afterwards you'd realize something's afoot. And even with Charm, you may wonder why you let that adventuring party enter through the door you're supposed to be guarding.
I'd agree with most of this and supplement it with a Spellcraft of Perception check if needs be. The more obviously odd the commands are, the more likely they would be to be noticed. But, if supplemented by some Bluffing and Diplomacy (which could be done by another party member, even), then it's possible for subtle Charms. Dominate, et al. are pretty obvious, though.
-
Q39: Is the Paladins bonded mount a summoned creature? I had a Paladin charging a priest with magic Circle against Good running last session. I forgot about the "hedge out summoned creatures" bit. Not sure how it should work. If it is hedged out this charge would end like a train wreck with the mount splattered agianst the circle.
Q40: I'm looking for a magic item creation cost table. I know about the one in the DMG (p.283 table 7-32). But I found an other one which was more extensive. It gave cost multiplication factors for slotless items and alternative slots. I thought I found it in MiC. But I cannot locate it. If anyone has a book and page number I would be very grateful.
-
Q39: Is the Paladins bonded mount a summoned creature? I had a Paladin charging a priest with magic Circle against Good running last session. I forgot about the "hedge out summoned creatures" bit. Not sure how it should work. If it is hedged out this charge would end like a train wreck with the mount splattered agianst the circle.
The Paladin's mount is a called, so no problem. Rules Compendium page 120 has a basic breakdown of the difference (basically, summoning is more like a video conference call, calling is more like actually driving there). Sucks for the horse in that it is really dead if it dies, though.
Q40: I'm looking for a magic item creation cost table. I know about the one in the DMG (p.283 table 7-32). But I found an other one which was more extensive. It gave cost multiplication factors for slotless items and alternative slots. I thought I found it in MiC. But I cannot locate it. If anyone has a book and page number I would be very grateful.
MiC has a little bit about crafting on page 233, just before the "Adding Common Item Effects" section (cost of new item = cost of old item + cost of new effect + half of whichever is lower). A quick skim of the DMG II does not reveal anything promising, and I am not sure where else would be good to check; Arms & Equipment, maybe?
edit: Unless you are thinking of the more extensive table on DMG 285?
-
Q39: Is the Paladins bonded mount a summoned creature? I had a Paladin charging a priest with magic Circle against Good running last session. I forgot about the "hedge out summoned creatures" bit. Not sure how it should work. If it is hedged out this charge would end like a train wreck with the mount splattered agianst the circle.
The Paladin's mount is a called, so no problem. Rules Compendium page 120 has a basic breakdown of the difference (basically, summoning is more like a video conference call, calling is more like actually driving there). Sucks for the horse in that it is really dead if it dies, though.
I'll look through it. Thanx.
Q40: I'm looking for a magic item creation cost table. I know about the one in the DMG (p.283 table 7-32). But I found an other one which was more extensive. It gave cost multiplication factors for slotless items and alternative slots. I thought I found it in MiC. But I cannot locate it. If anyone has a book and page number I would be very grateful.
MiC has a little bit about crafting on page 233, just before the "Adding Common Item Effects" section (cost of new item = cost of old item + cost of new effect + half of whichever is lower). A quick skim of the DMG II does not reveal anything promising, and I am not sure where else would be good to check; Arms & Equipment, maybe?
edit: Unless you are thinking of the more extensive table on DMG 285?
Can't believe I mist that. I was thinking about a table which combines the table in MiC en DMG, but I guess that one doesn't exist. Thanx for that.
New question (about a ruling)
Q40: I had a darkstalking vampire surprise a group of PC's and battlejump on top of them. They didn't spot them so the vamp gains the surprise round. The spiked chain weilding half-ogre has improved initiative so he was able to AoP the vamp. This how we read RAW. But that rankled in my mind. You don't know it's there, you don't know it's dropping on you head, but you can attack it. Does anyone know of a rule/ruling that makes an attack like that not provoke an AoO?
-
Q40: I had a darkstalking vampire surprise a group of PC's and battlejump on top of them. They didn't spot them so the vamp gains the surprise round. The spiked chain weilding half-ogre has improved initiative so he was able to AoP the vamp. This how we read RAW. But that rankled in my mind. You don't know it's there, you don't know it's dropping on you head, but you can attack it. Does anyone know of a rule/ruling that makes an attack like that not provoke an AoO?
A40: Well, if he can't see him, he has to pick the square to target when attacking. So, he has to know where the attack is even coming from. If he guesses the right square, he still has a 50% miss chance due to concealment.
-
New question (about a ruling)
Q40: I had a darkstalking vampire surprise a group of PC's and battlejump on top of them. They didn't spot them so the vamp gains the surprise round. The spiked chain weilding half-ogre has improved initiative so he was able to AoP the vamp. This how we read RAW. But that rankled in my mind. You don't know it's there, you don't know it's dropping on you head, but you can attack it. Does anyone know of a rule/ruling that makes an attack like that not provoke an AoO?
A 40
There's multiple layers to this. First of all, only creatures able to act in the surprise round even roll Initiative. Creatures that aren't aware of what's going on are simply flat-footed and unable to act until regular combat begins and they roll Initiative.
Flat-footed creatures never get an attack of opportunity, unless they have the Combat Reflexes feat. If the half-ogre has Combat Reflexes (he probably does, looking at the weapon he's wielding), then he rightly got to take an AoO, though for the wrong reasons. If he doesn't have Combat Reflexes, he shouldn't have gotten any AoOs.
-
Q40: I had a darkstalking vampire surprise a group of PC's and battlejump on top of them. They didn't spot them so the vamp gains the surprise round. The spiked chain weilding half-ogre has improved initiative so he was able to AoP the vamp. This how we read RAW. But that rankled in my mind. You don't know it's there, you don't know it's dropping on you head, but you can attack it. Does anyone know of a rule/ruling that makes an attack like that not provoke an AoO?
A40: Well, if he can't see him, he has to pick the square to target when attacking. So, he has to know where the attack is even coming from. If he guesses the right square, he still has a 50% miss chance due to concealment.
A40: According to the SRD (and the PHB as well, I believe):
"You can’t execute an attack of opportunity against an opponent with total concealment, even if you know what square or squares the opponent occupies."
I also don't think you can make attacks of opportunity if you're flat-footed.
EDIT: looking at it again, the vampire might not have had total concealment at the beginning of combat. There's also the cover rule that negates AoOs, though I don't know if that applies.
-
Presumably, if the vampire "battlejumped on top of them", he was no longer hidden by that point.
-
Presumably, if the vampire "battlejumped on top of them", he was no longer hidden by that point.
Yeah, though I don't know how the ordering of things works in D&D. Like, does he still count as "concealed" till his attacks or something. I think I was confused with RobbyPants concealment comment, though.
But, really, your post has the right of it with the whole flat-footed thing.
-
Presumably, if the vampire "battlejumped on top of them", he was no longer hidden by that point.
Yeah, though I don't know how the ordering of things works in D&D. Like, does he still count as "concealed" till his attacks or something.
I don't think so, assuming he doesn't attack from a square that provides concealment.
-
Right, some more info. The half-ogre had combat reflexes. I wrote improved initiative, but I meant this. So yeah, RAW he could make an AoO against the attacking vamp.
Thing is, the vamp was hidden in the rafters and was waiting for them to pass. They didn't spot it, didn't hear it until it jumped. I can see how with combat reflexes you can attack an ogre you didn't know is there until it charges you. In this situation the vamp is unnoticeable until it is on top of you. I know DnD has no facing so you should be able to see something as soon as it leaves the shadows it is hidden in.
Still rankles though. I guess the only way to defeat combat reflexes is being invisible?
-
Right, some more info. The half-ogre had combat reflexes. I wrote improved initiative, but I meant this. So yeah, RAW he could make an AoO against the attacking vamp.
Thing is, the vamp was hidden in the rafters and was waiting for them to pass. They didn't spot it, didn't hear it until it jumped. I can see how with combat reflexes you can attack an ogre you didn't know is there until it charges you. In this situation the vamp is unnoticeable until it is on top of you. I know DnD has no facing so you should be able to see something as soon as it leaves the shadows it is hidden in.
Still rankles though. I guess the only way to defeat combat reflexes is being invisible?
Yes. Think of it as hearing the vamp as it starts moving and looking up and swinging reflexively. It doesn't rankle that much when you translate it into dramatic tropes and realize it happens all the time in action stories.
Had the vampire maintained some form of concealment (such as magical darkness) when attacking, the half-ogre wouldn't have gotten that AoO.
-
Right, some more info. The half-ogre had combat reflexes. I wrote improved initiative, but I meant this. So yeah, RAW he could make an AoO against the attacking vamp.
Thing is, the vamp was hidden in the rafters and was waiting for them to pass. They didn't spot it, didn't hear it until it jumped. I can see how with combat reflexes you can attack an ogre you didn't know is there until it charges you. In this situation the vamp is unnoticeable until it is on top of you. I know DnD has no facing so you should be able to see something as soon as it leaves the shadows it is hidden in.
Still rankles though. I guess the only way to defeat combat reflexes is being invisible?
Yes. Think of it as hearing the vamp as it starts moving and looking up and swinging reflexively. It doesn't rankle that much when you translate it into dramatic tropes and realize it happens all the time in action stories.
Had the vampire maintained some form of concealment (such as magical darkness) when attacking, the half-ogre wouldn't have gotten that AoO.
Bah. Why do players always get the cool stuff. I want some too. O well, at least I got to dungeoncrash the cleric some time later :)
-
Q41: I know that all Dragnons are under-CRed, but in particular I'm curious about Young Adult Pyroclastic Dragons. They seem particularly under-CRed. That is a save-or-die breath weapon it has, isn't it?
-
Q41: I know that all Dragnons are under-CRed, but in particular I'm curious about Young Adult Pyroclastic Dragons. They seem particularly under-CRed. That is a save-or-die breath weapon it has, isn't it?
A 41
Sure looks like it. The DC isn't too shoddy for the relative CR, either.
-
Q42: A successful knowledge check will reveal important (or not) information about a creature. If said creature has taken class levels do you hand out this info as well? If so, what DC would you make the check?
-
AFAIK, knowledge checks tell you about a species (e.g., Humans), not a specific creature (Joe Schmoe, Bartender).
-
AFAIK, knowledge checks tell you about a species (e.g., Humans), not a specific creature (Joe Schmoe, Bartender).
Well, I'd say that depends.
If we're talking about Humanoids, then a Knowledge (local) check should give some hint as to what any given creature's class levels are (because you should also know something about traditional garb for creatures of certain professions).
If we're talking about creatures in general, then a Knowledge (local) or Gather Information check can reasonably also let you know if you're fighting a creature that's distinctive enough to have gained a class level (these creatures are usually somewhat in/famous), as well as some clue as to what that class level might be. Granted, the way I'd work Gather Information in this case would be a bit different than Knowledge (local).
-
AFAIK, knowledge checks tell you about a species (e.g., Humans), not a specific creature (Joe Schmoe, Bartender).
Well, I'd say that depends.
If we're talking about Humanoids, then a Knowledge (local) check should give some hint as to what any given creature's class levels are (because you should also know something about traditional garb for creatures of certain professions).
If we're talking about creatures in general, then a Knowledge (local) or Gather Information check can reasonably also let you know if you're fighting a creature that's distinctive enough to have gained a class level (these creatures are usually somewhat in/famous), as well as some clue as to what that class level might be. Granted, the way I'd work Gather Information in this case would be a bit different than Knowledge (local).
Problem is, I tag on classlevels on every other monster I use. For instance in the last few sessions I had a Gargoyle with fewer racial HD and a few levels in sorcerer, gargoyles with fighter levels and the dungeon crasher variant and a vampire with rogue levels.
I'll give an other example of something I might dream up. I'm just thinking out loud now.
Corpsecrafted Firbolg skeleton with fighterlevels and willing deformity Tall or Inhuman Reach. So, what knowledgecheck gives what?
I'm leaning toward 3 checks, but that will be much to identify 1 creature
Religion. DC 15 gives skeleton traits, DC 20 gives corpsecrafted. DC 25b will give the extra reach
Nature to recognise the Firbolg (assuming it is a giant. AFB)
Local to recognize the classlevels
What if I give it Martial study Thicket of blades or something. Martial Lore? This is getting ridiculous.
So, any suggestions on how to handle it? Just make it 1 check and keep pumping the DC? Are classlevels even visible? Martial stances?
-
AFAIK, knowledge checks tell you about a species (e.g., Humans), not a specific creature (Joe Schmoe, Bartender).
Well, I'd say that depends.
If we're talking about Humanoids, then a Knowledge (local) check should give some hint as to what any given creature's class levels are (because you should also know something about traditional garb for creatures of certain professions).
If we're talking about creatures in general, then a Knowledge (local) or Gather Information check can reasonably also let you know if you're fighting a creature that's distinctive enough to have gained a class level (these creatures are usually somewhat in/famous), as well as some clue as to what that class level might be. Granted, the way I'd work Gather Information in this case would be a bit different than Knowledge (local).
Problem is, I tag on classlevels on every other monster I use. For instance in the last few sessions I had a Gargoyle with fewer racial HD and a few levels in sorcerer, gargoyles with fighter levels and the dungeon crasher variant and a vampire with rogue levels.
I'll give an other example of something I might dream up. I'm just thinking out loud now.
Corpsecrafted Firbolg skeleton with fighterlevels and willing deformity Tall or Inhuman Reach. So, what knowledgecheck gives what?
I'm leaning toward 3 checks, but that will be much to identify 1 creature
Religion. DC 15 gives skeleton traits, DC 20 gives corpsecrafted. DC 25b will give the extra reach
Nature to recognise the Firbolg (assuming it is a giant. AFB)
Local to recognize the classlevels
What if I give it Martial study Thicket of blades or something. Martial Lore? This is getting ridiculous.
So, any suggestions on how to handle it? Just make it 1 check and keep pumping the DC? Are classlevels even visible? Martial stances?
I don't think there's any RAW way to do that, but I would probably make it one roll and just base it all on whatever the knowledge for the race is, and then have the DC scale up for what they learn. They way I think about it is, if you know the base creature well enough, you can spot abnormalities and have a decent chance of figuring out something about what they do; "Well, that's a firblog, but wtf is up with his arms?!?" Class levels should probably be at a pretty high DC though, and only allowed if there's something visible that would tip someone off. "Do trolls normally dual wield sword-chucks?"
-
AFAIK, knowledge checks tell you about a species (e.g., Humans), not a specific creature (Joe Schmoe, Bartender).
Well, I'd say that depends.
If we're talking about Humanoids, then a Knowledge (local) check should give some hint as to what any given creature's class levels are (because you should also know something about traditional garb for creatures of certain professions).
If we're talking about creatures in general, then a Knowledge (local) or Gather Information check can reasonably also let you know if you're fighting a creature that's distinctive enough to have gained a class level (these creatures are usually somewhat in/famous), as well as some clue as to what that class level might be. Granted, the way I'd work Gather Information in this case would be a bit different than Knowledge (local).
Problem is, I tag on classlevels on every other monster I use. For instance in the last few sessions I had a Gargoyle with fewer racial HD and a few levels in sorcerer, gargoyles with fighter levels and the dungeon crasher variant and a vampire with rogue levels.
I'll give an other example of something I might dream up. I'm just thinking out loud now.
Corpsecrafted Firbolg skeleton with fighterlevels and willing deformity Tall or Inhuman Reach. So, what knowledgecheck gives what?
I'm leaning toward 3 checks, but that will be much to identify 1 creature
Religion. DC 15 gives skeleton traits, DC 20 gives corpsecrafted. DC 25b will give the extra reach
Nature to recognise the Firbolg (assuming it is a giant. AFB)
Local to recognize the classlevels
What if I give it Martial study Thicket of blades or something. Martial Lore? This is getting ridiculous.
So, any suggestions on how to handle it? Just make it 1 check and keep pumping the DC? Are classlevels even visible? Martial stances?
I don't think there's any RAW way to do that, but I would probably make it one roll and just base it all on whatever the knowledge for the race is, and then have the DC scale up for what they learn. They way I think about it is, if you know the base creature well enough, you can spot abnormalities and have a decent chance of figuring out something about what they do; "Well, that's a firblog, but wtf is up with his arms?!?" Class levels should probably be at a pretty high DC though, and only allowed if there's something visible that would tip someone off. "Do trolls normally dual wield sword-chucks?"
Yeah, maybe I'm thinking to hard about this. Playing it by ear and just pump DCs may be the quickest solution. Quick is always good at the table.
-
Q 43: I'm running a d20 Modern game, and my PC's are trying to find a secret government bunker and break into it. They will have to overcome ID cardswipes without any specialized tools beyond a basic electrical tool kit. The d20M rules don't clearly define that this type of thing is a function of the computer use skill, but I'm assuming it is. Problem is they will only have the card swipe/keypad as an interface, trying to get into a secured (but unmanned) gov't bunker. How should I go about setting this up as a skill check? The bunker should have exceptional (DC 35) or Maximum (DC 40) security, and the DC to alter passcodes would be the same.
FYI- this is actually a apoc campaign, and it's one of the Rip Van bunkers from the Plague World mini-setting.
Once inside they'll have computers to interact with, but using the computer use skill with such limited assets, seems ... odd.
-
A basic electrical tool kit like a soldering iron and such?
Well, they should be able to rig the keypad such that it doesn't show limited output (read: says more than code accepted/denied) and to re-connect it to the security computer in a way that would allow them to hack in and download an access code, fool the computer into thinking that a correct code was punched in, or something of that sort. I would allow a Craft (electronics), Disable Device, or Repair check with a DC of 40 for the first part, and at least one Computer Use check with a DC of 40 for the second. If they have an I/O device of their own, even if it's something simple like a Cell Phone, then I'd reduce the DC of the first check by 5.
-
A basic electrical tool kit like a soldering iron and such?
Well, they should be able to rig the keypad such that it doesn't show limited output (read: says more than code accepted/denied) and to re-connect it to the security computer in a way that would allow them to hack in and download an access code, fool the computer into thinking that a correct code was punched in, or something of that sort. I would allow a Craft (electronics), Disable Device, or Repair check with a DC of 40 for the first part, and at least one Computer Use check with a DC of 40 for the second. If they have an I/O device of their own, even if it's something simple like a Cell Phone, then I'd reduce the DC of the first check by 5.
Ah, good thinking, I like that.
They have a few cell phones (including an iPhone), all with dead batteries, and a GPS unit with the same problem. They also have a security card from their own bunker. So, DC 35 electronics check to interface one of the phones with the keypad, then a DC 40 Computer Use check to "change passcodes" to get one of their ID cards to work on the lock.
Of course, they'll also probably try to "garage door opener" the bunker (which is a possibility) - possibly by retasking the GPS unit in some way. (That's how their bunker was raided, and they were accidentally awakened early). Of course, that seems too easy for a military bunker - theirs was just riddled with flaws... maybe...
-
Q 44: Where are the rules for dead magic zones?
Q 45: Are there other "magical environment/effects" in 3E and what books are they located in?
Thanks,
Necro
-
Q 44: Where are the rules for dead magic zones?
Q 45: Are there other "magical environment/effects" in 3E and what books are they located in?
Thanks,
Necro
A44 Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, page 56
A45Eberron has manifest zones, covered in the Eberron Campaign setting (various, mostly page 271 for the effects)
I don't know of any others offhand.
-
Q 45: Are there other "magical environment/effects" in 3E and what books are they located in?
A 45: the only other ones I can think of are planar traits (impeded magic and enhanced magic). Look in MotP and Planar Handbook.
-
[spoiler]So in my campaign world there are no magic shops to just go buy or upgrade whatever you want, so I asked my players to tell me two specific items they want for their characters, so I can place them in the campaign. One of my barbarians has a +1 greatsword (his father's sword - it was stolen, he recovered it, and that is how he met the party), and one of his "wants" is to have it upgraded to a +1 Berserker Greatsword (I'll let him choose which version of berserker, too).
My campaign is about to start following the framework of Red Hand of Doom, so I figure I'll place a +1 Berserker greatsword in place of the +1 Frost Bastard Sword that is hidden in the vault of Vraath Keep, but I don't want the party to keep the one they've got, so I'm going to replace the minotaur bodyguard "champion" in Vraath Keep with a Tanarukk Fighter 2/Barbarian 2 that has Power Attack, Leap Attack, Improved Sunder, Imp Bull Rush, Combat Brute, and Shock Trooper (CR 6/GCR 5 - my party is gestalt, and will be 7th level by then). He will charge into battle after a few rounds have gone by, Leap Attacking to sunder the Party Barb's +1 Greatsword with a +1 Great Axe (+27 vs the PC's +13-ish opposed attack roll; 1d12+32 damage [+1 greatsword has 32 hp's]), and following that up with a Sundering Cleave. At that point, his AC will be 6, and will probably be barely alive come round 2.[/spoiler]
So, I will take away the character's father's sword (he doesn't have any attachment to his father, who disowned him), but will almost immediately replace it with the "upgraded version." (assuming they search the keep).
Q 46: Is this too dirty of a thing for a DM to do?
Q 47: When using the Heedless Charge ability of Shock Trooper, when does the penalty to your AC apply? Only after you've attacked, or would it apply to any movement-related AoO's you incur while charging?
-
Q 46: Is this too dirty of a thing for a DM to do?
Q 47: When using the Heedless Charge ability of Shock Trooper, when does the penalty to your AC apply? Only after you've attacked, or would it apply to any movement-related AoO's you incur while charging?
A 46 It'll seem like it at the time, but once the players realize it was plot device based, they should forgive. Might not like that they couldn't at least sell it for half.
A 47 It's supposed to be during the charge when the base -2 happens.
-
Q 47: One of my characters wants a "dragon rider" warrior type, aka a tough-guy who rides a dragon. What are some good class/prestige options? (I"m DMing a non-optimized 3.5 D&D group)
-
Q 47: One of my characters wants a "dragon rider" warrior type, aka a tough-guy who rides a dragon. What are some good class/prestige options? (I"m DMing a non-optimized 3.5 D&D group)
Dragonrider (Draconomicon)
Paladin with a dragon cohort as mount
Dragon Rider (Dragonlance Campaign Setting)
are the ones that come to mind, though the first one is kind of meh.
But check out the Draconomicon in general for this, the "dragons as mounts/cohorts/etc" section starts on pg136 and covers a fair amount of ground.
-
A46
Why not instead unlock new abilities in the original weapon(possibly by stabbing the right magical dohicky given the desired enchantment)? It seems to me that there'd be an emotional attachment to the old weapon, and finding new powers within heirloom weapons isn't all that uncommon.
-
A36 A46
Why not instead unlock new abilities in the original weapon(possibly by stabbing the right magical dohicky given the desired enchantment)? It seems to me that there'd be an emotional attachment to the old weapon, and finding new powers within heirloom weapons isn't all that uncommon.
Think you meant a higher number.
But you're right though. Maybe it's actually a legacy weapon. That could be it's own campaign right there.
-
Q 48: Does the cantrip Message (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Message) require line of sight? At first use? On subsequent rounds? The spell says "You point your finger at each creature you want to receive the message" so what if you have line of effect but not line of sight, can you "point" to a target you cannot see?
Tactically this spell seems way overpowered for a cantrip - virtually unfailing communication over medium duration and range.