Dungeons and Dragons

[paladinoflunaria]

... Satan's game. Your children, like it or not, are attracted in their weaker years to the occult. And a game like DND fuels their imagination- makes them feel special- while drawing them deeper and deeper into the bowels of El Diablo...

Heheheh. Anyone play or have played DND? If anyone would like to make a DND online group, or is otherwise interested, tell me so.

[Utopmk]

Ah, the original RPG. I love this game and all its reincarnations.
Count me in!

[cloakable]

Whoop! I love DnD, but I don't play much - the books are expensive, and there are no DnD groups in my area. You can count me in though.

Also, Utopmk ^nice sig^ :)

[Jkrs]

I've never played, but I'd be interested if someone started a group.

[paladinoflunaria]

I have several hundred dollars worth of books, 3E and 3.5 . I'm currently doing a group and I might be starting another group online. Is there anyone who can DM besides me? We may do more than one group.

[jimkopelli]

I may or may not have time this fall... but I'll see what I can do...

[Hunter]

Hee hee, i played an odd DND game last year at college...I'd be up for an online game come this fall, or now. Come fall I've got a d20 Star Wars game I'm in, but I'd LOVE to bring in my Level 10 druid...who happens to be woefully underpowered thanks to the nature of our campaign...

[Claverhouse]

... Satan's game. Your children, like it or not, are attracted in their weaker years to the occult. And a game like DND fuels their imagination- makes them feel special- while drawing them deeper and deeper into the bowels of El Diablo...

Fancy. Nope, never played it. Disapproved, as fantasy killed off classical war-gaming with serried ranks of little metal figures. But my worried question is: does having completed Castle of the Winds in one's wilder days lead you to the pits of Hell as well ? :D


Claverhouse :ph34r:

[Hunter]

... Satan's game. Your children, like it or not, are attracted in their weaker years to the occult. And a game like DND fuels their imagination- makes them feel special- while drawing them deeper and deeper into the bowels of El Diablo...

Fancy. Nope, never played it. Disapproved, as fantasy killed off classical war-gaming with serried ranks of little metal figures. But my worried question is: does having completed Castle of the Winds in one's wilder days lead you to the pits of Hell as well ? :D


Claverhouse :ph34r:

Holy crap, I remember Castle of the Winds...

And you say DND killed of wargaming? I've been playing Warhammer 40,000 on and off for a few years, it's far from dead....

ANd who here HASN'T seen that flash movie?

[paladinoflunaria]

DND didn't kill off wargaming. DND spawned wargaming. Think of wargaming as a deformed offspring. It isn't as strong as its parent. That quote at the beginning of my post is from a satirical group, so yes Claverhouse, Castle of the Winds has taken you beyond the point of no return.

[Claverhouse]

And you say DND killed of wargaming? I've been playing Warhammer 40,000 on and off for a few years, it's far from dead....

No, no, no, no, no.

Warhammer ( although I noticed that rather engagingly it was based upon the WWII OstFront, from the nazi point of view ) is fantasy ! I was referring to old school wargaming: Napoleonic, Ancients, English Civil War, American Civil War etc.; and that's different to paper-based counter war-gaming like the old SSI ? stuff, that transferred over to computers quite easily as Panzer General I. The later PG series got away from hex sided gaming ( overtly = it's still there ). Actually we spent more time painting figures than gaining strategic insights...



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[Claverhouse]

DND didn't kill off wargaming. DND spawned wargaming. Think of wargaming as a deformed offspring. It isn't as strong as its parent. That quote at the beginning of my post is from a satirical group, so yes Claverhouse, Castle of the Winds has taken you beyond the point of no return.

No that is total and utter nonsense, and I'm surprised that anyone could believe it for a moment --- it's like saying Hitler was spawned by the Vietnam War: figure-based war-gaming started in the late 19th century, partly from it's parent KriegSpiel, as performed by the Great General Staff of the ever-glorious Imperial German Army for training purposes and examination of theory, and partly from boys' model soldier games as developed by H. G. Wells amongst others. After a lull during and after WWII, it picked up in the 50s; it reached it's apogee in the 1960s to 70s before PCs were invented & just when Tolkienism was in it's infancy.

Model soldiering continued through the 80s & 90s, leading to great amateur research into arms & armour & tactics through some quite excellent society magazines ( The Society of Ancients probably being the best ): however from the middle 90s D&D and other fantasy stuff slowly superceded the real thing. D&D was started sometime about 1980 I guess; and relies on adventitious magic and other stuff that doesn't help people in real live battles.

You never studied history much, did you ?

( Terrible though it may seem, I have to tell you: orcs don't exist ).


Claverhouse :ph34r:

[jimkopelli]

I think he means that DnD spawned modern wargaming. Wargames like those you speak of have been around much longer than that... Napoleon very likely had a set of army guys, but they were probably more for on site practical application, during the battle in question.

[Claverhouse]

I think he means that DnD spawned modern wargaming. Wargames like those you speak of have been around much longer than that... Napoleon very likely had a set of army guys, but they were probably more for on site practical application, during the battle in question.

What do you mean 'modern wargaming' ? I have run most sorts: and excluding computer-based systems, referred to the movement of 15mm or 25mm metal or plastic figurines on a table according to a book of wargame rules ( there's also 5mm, but they don't really offer much scope for visuals, although they convey mass well & the earlier 20th century stuff was based on 54mm figures same as kids use ): fantasy wargaming with figures followed on from that.

Mind you, I was never particularly good at it: even with computer stuff I set it at 'easy' :rofl:


Claverhouse :ph34r:

[ohnoaninfp]

[quote]... Satan's game. Your children, like it or not, are attracted in their weaker years to the occult. And a game like DND fuels their imagination- makes them feel special- while drawing them deeper and deeper into the bowels of El Diablo...


Oops, I have played DND once it was really cool. I don't know if it is banned by the church though. It shouldn't be, because it is just a game. Its not like we are calling up spirits with a oegi board or something. I have still yet to talk to a priest. It shouldn't be banned because everyone knows it is just a game.

[paladinoflunaria]

You'd be surprised sometimes, but I'd guess that most churches don't ban it. Anyway, I can DM the game if I must, but I've never gotten the chance to actually play a character, so I wouldn't mind if someone else with some experience DMs. If it turns out I'm the one with the most levels in the DM class, then I don't mind doing it.

Important: The best setup is one DM (of course one) and 4 players. 3-6 PCs is alright, but it is easiest to work with 4. We can do multiple groups, but I won't DM more than one. Also- I'm not sure how much time I'll have to write gaming material, so don't expect this to be a biweekly thing.

[ohnoaninfp]

[quote="paladinoflunaria"]You'd be surprised sometimes, but I'd guess that most churches don't ban it.




Do you know if it is banned by the Catholic Church. I don't see why it should be, since the church didn't ban Harry Potter. I just wanted to know, becaause I wasn't sure.

[Vagabond]

Even the idea of a church banning ideas/beliefs makes me sick. Especially christian churches that do this are major hypocrites... didn't Jesus say not to judge in order not to be judged? (OK, I don't have a clue how the phrase is in its english version, but you know what I mean). Aren't they supposed to save the sinners (by their book) anyway? So if it was a sin to play a certain game or have a certain idea or whatever, shouldn't they try to "save" the sinner instead of banning them?

(On the other hand, I think I would prefer to be banned and left alone than have them on my case, trying to make me repent :devil: )

Still, too much hypocrisy...

[Birnam]

If it was banned would you stop playing it? ;)

edit- Vagabond, at least they don't burn people anymore- slow but steady improvement :devil:

I've never played, though I have messed around with some of the computer versions (Neverwinter Nights and the like). I couldn't guarentee that I'd be able to be actively involved (RL is being intrusive right now :angry:) but I'd be interested in "watching" so to speak.

[file cabinet]

it's too bad I don't usually play games.. D&D sounds interesting.

[ohnoaninfp]

Even the idea of a church banning ideas/beliefs makes me sick. Especially christian churches that do this are major hypocrites... didn't Jesus say not to judge in order not to be judged? (OK, I don't have a clue how the phrase is in its english version, but you know what I mean). Aren't they supposed to save the sinners (by their book) anyway? So if it was a sin to play a certain game or have a certain idea or whatever, shouldn't they try to "save" the sinner instead of banning them?

(On the other hand, I think I would prefer to be banned and left alone than have them on my case, trying to make me repent :devil: )

Still, too much hypocrisy...


I really don't think it is a sin to play Dungeons and Dragons, just as long you know it is a game. I just wanted to know if was banned or not.

[file cabinet]

I wasn't allowed to watch Power Rangers or The Simpsons when I was younger.. my parents are Christian Fundamentalists.. I think..

[Strephonade]

I've played one or two games--also a few games of various other rpgs, but never really got into it enough to make a character of my own--just played with "loaners". Might be more fun if I were to play with one of my own characters....

[ohnoaninfp]

I wasn't allowed to watch Power Rangers or The Simpsons when I was younger.. my parents are Christian Fundamentalists.. I think..

Man that sucks.

[Hunter]

Also- I'm not sure how much time I'll have to write gaming material, so don't expect this to be a biweekly thing.


Heh, my last DM practically made stuff up off the top of his head as he played, so little time for preperation did he have. That's how we ended up killing a Frost Wyrm and pulling a Rancor on a 12-headed Lenarian Pyrohydra in the same session, and within a few minutes of each other with no casualties...not to mention the halfling-tossing ogres...

So don't worry too much about it.

[paladinoflunaria]

Yeah, I've done a good amount of improvisation, so I'm not really worried about it.

A Frost Wyrm and a Pyrohydra within a few minutes of each other?! How did you pull that off? Teleportation?

[Claverhouse]

Even the idea of a church banning ideas/beliefs makes me sick. Especially christian churches that do this are major hypocrites...

What about cannibalism ?



didn't Jesus say not to judge in order not to be judged? (OK, I don't have a clue how the phrase is in its english version, but you know what I mean).

'Judge not, that ye be not judged'.


Claverhouse :ph34r:

[Claverhouse]

I wasn't allowed to watch Power Rangers or The Simpsons when I was younger.. my parents are Christian Fundamentalists.. I think..


You think ? I'd have thought it either so or not so. :blink:

Not that I ever heard the Simpsons pulled anyone down into the fiery pit anyway. :)


Claverhouse :ph34r:

[Hunter]

A Frost Wyrm and a Pyrohydra within a few minutes of each other?! How did you pull that off? Teleportation?

Well it has this big round arena with 12 gates, each holding some beast, and several teams trying to get the most points by killing off the beasts. First we killed an Umber Hulk, then we saw some guys fighting the Pyrohydra so we moved to the next gate and opened it to find a Frost Wyrm, which we dispatched. Then we went back tot he Pyrohydra, which was about half dead, but the people fighting it were pretty much all dead, and we dorpped the gate right on it's necks, and one or two survived that and we killed those.

It was a rather, extra-ordinary campaign.

[paladinoflunaria]

Sounds like a lack of story to me- "Now you have to kill a bunch of big monsters!"

But it sounds fun regardless. I'll admit that I've resorted to such tactics before.

[Vagabond]

I really don't think it is a sin to play Dungeons and Dragons, just as long you know it is a game. I just wanted to know if was banned or not.
Hm, I did not imply that *you* are a hypocrite, sorry if I sounded like that :blush: I was talking about those that make the rules in a church...

[Hunter]

Sounds like a lack of story to me- "Now you have to kill a bunch of big monsters!"


Well, our DM had no time to prepare due to his classes. That is why. But it was great fun. But more fun was the American Gladiator style obstacle course and maze. We ended up doing hobbit tosses in the maze, our half ogre threw them to the center to get there first, which was just funny.

Improvisation = Gold.

[paladinoflunaria]

Anyone have anything against edition 3.5 and the Eberron Campaign Setting? That's the plan.

We need a place to do this, too. Posting would be terrible, and it would become a gargantuan post. A Chat room or something of the kind would best suit this endeavor.

If anyone is not familiar with 3.5 edition rules and the Eberron Campaign Setting, let me know. You can get the books on filesharing programs.

[Hunter]

Well, I don't have the 3.5 rules or the Eberron setting, but I can go look for them. I doubt I'll have an objections though.

And if I recall, AIM may actually have a dice-rolling script built in...too bad AIM chat sucks. But we might be able to scrounge something up for IRC.

[paladinoflunaria]

There are dice rolling programs all over the place. IRC is preferable, but we'll make do with whatever. Look on file sharing programs for the books.

For those of you already familiar with the rules, I am trying to make a Paladin with arcane, rather than divine, spells. If anyone has some ideas, especially on the topic of balancing the class, it would be much appreciated.

[ohnoaninfp]

I heard that the church had banned it since some people took the game too seriously and comitted violent acts. Some people even comitted suicide. That is what I was told. I think, that just as long as a person knows it is just a game and nothing more, that it should be ok to play it. But of course I am not a church leader so I don't know.

[Hunter]

A magic missile flinging Paladin huh?will they still have the Lawful Good restriction? Or are you just using the Paladin class as a base? If they don't have to be Lawful good, that gives us a better idea of which abilities can/should be switched around.

I don't know what we should take out, but what the Mageadin could use would be some of the following-
Reduced chance of Arcane spell failure based on level
Spontaneous Casting (Like a sorceror)
Only light and medium armor proficiencies.

I think replacing Remove Disease with Reduced chance of Arcane Spel failure would be a good idea.



Hmmmm, maybe I ought to actually write up my Holy Knight Prestige class and toss that out...it's not this, but I've been wanting to try it.




And I've never heard of the game being banned as whole by any Religion, though some local congregations may strongly discourage it. To be frank, I don't see what the whole problem is, 95% of the time your characters are Good, usually slaying evil demons bent on subverting mankind and what not.

[Claverhouse]

To be frank, I don't see what the whole problem is, 95% of the time your characters are Good, usually slaying evil demons bent on subverting mankind and what not.

Ah yes, but do they wear especial underwear like the Mormons ?



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[Hunter]

To be frank, I don't see what the whole problem is, 95% of the time your characters are Good, usually slaying evil demons bent on subverting mankind and what not.

Ah yes, but do they wear especial underwear like the Mormons ?


*checks his DMG*

Nope, there's no Girdle of Protection From Evil. But there COULD be!



In addition, I got the Eberron Campaign handbook. And I love it. It's some twisted combination of my last campaign, my short pirate campaign, and Suikoden. It kicks ass. I most definitely have no objections to it.

[Jkrs]

For those of us without access to the 3.5 base handbook, I'm told that http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 serves the same purpose.

[Hunter]

For those of us without access to the 3.5 base handbook, I'm told that http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 serves the same purpose.

Anyone with a non-dial-up connection can AIM me and I can send them to you, I was able to get them off a file sharer. However, there aren't all that many changes. Just mostly more feats and skills.

[paladinoflunaria]

I have most DND books on my PC. I also bought the books. I have 30 Mb of the Eberron campaign setting downloaded at this moment. Eberron does kick ass. It's the book I've spent the most time reading. I could type up a glossary to go with the character sheet, or some file for beginners to help them get started.

On the "magedin," which I have yet to make a name for (maybe something with "Esoterica" or a variation of it), here's a summary. (note: the paladin is the same as normal with these exceptions)

Hit die: d6/d8 (not sure yet)
Armor prof: light armor, no shields (not sure on shields)- the paladin can cast arcane spells in light armor without failure, like the bard (I've made some feats to improve it)
Skills are basically the same but with an arcane theme.
Special abilities:
lose smite evil, get channel spell in place (they'll only get offensive spells that damage evil)
lose aura of courage, just get the immunity to fear
lose special mount, get an item familiar (weapon or shield or armor)
lose turn undead, get a watered down version of arcane fire useable 3+Cha mod times/day (maybe instead something that counters/turns spells or something, with arcane fire as a new feat)
Spells: either like a bard's or paladin's (as in 4th or 6th level), but not sure yet
Spell list: lots of abjuration, some transmutation, and some conjuration(healing)- and evocation that only hurts evil, etc.
lose remove disease

Added abilities:
Multiple channel spell (maybe they can only channel a spell based on their Wis mod, while Cha determines their spells per day, etc.)
Arcane Form- transformation (like a rage) that gives the paladin DR (1/2)Pal level/evil (or magic), a bonuse to Wis and Cha (not sure yet), and the spell absorption ability (like a staff of power) or spell turning in which the paladin can absorb/turn a number of spell levels equal to half his paladin level. This lasts for 3+ Wis mod minutes, and replaces remove disease. It can be used X times per week, and the paladin gets it 1/week at 6th, and one more per week every 6 levels after (this may be modified).

The paladin was going to cast spontaneously originally, but thanks for the input anyway, Hunter. I'm also thinking about making a variant paladin that casts spontaneous divine spells.

If you've read the Unearthed Arcana variant paladins, then you've read about the paladin of freedom (CG paladin). I was thinking that this could be like the variants, as the variants only modify aura of courage and a few spells, so multiple alignments may be allowed.

I wanted to write this class because I like the paladin, bard, and wizard classes the most, and I hate multiclassing ang prestige classing, so I wanted it rolled into one. Look at my forum name and my avatar. PaladinofLunaria, but with a picture of a wizard-ish person. I like arcane magic and psionics, and only divine magic in the form of the animistic magic of druids (and spell-like abilities and magic granted by planes, but not as much as arcane magic and psionics.) I also wanted to play an INT character class, so arcane magic/psionics and self-sufficient abilities (like the limitation of the aura) are what I'm going for. I might add uncanny dodge, and maybe limit many of his spells to personal range.

By the way, that web link only shows game mechanics information and no text for roleplaying. I'd like the group to roleplay and not use metagame thinking. The two groups I currently have don't roleplay very much, if at all, and it detracts from the game, so I would appreciate some roleplaying and creativity. I've also never gotten the chance to actually play a character, and I would like to do so eventually, so if anyone wants to DM part of the time (or another group entirely- I'm not sure how many people are interested.), that would be cool. I don't mind, and enjoy, DMing the games, too.

All I can think of at the moment. I'm going to make a poll for this.

[paladinoflunaria]

The word, "paladin" comes from French via Latin, "palatinus," which means, "of the palace." The Greek word, "esotero," inner and "eso," within would be good. So Esodin or Esoterodin would be "of the secret within," which borders on psionics, but it depends on the definition of arcane magic. Any ideas on the name of the class, or the details of the class, are welcome.

Be sure to vote on the poll.

[Jkrs]

By the way, that web link only shows game mechanics information and no text for roleplaying. I'd like the group to roleplay and not use metagame thinking. The two groups I currently have don't roleplay very much, if at all, and it detracts from the game, so I would appreciate some roleplaying and creativity.
Point. I've tried to play assorted games without an understanding of the mechanics before though, and it didn't turn out well. I've a bit more experience in the area of minimally structured roleplay. One way or another, it should be interesting.

My vote's for Esodin, since it's easier to pronounce.


Also, an intro file for the campaign setting would be quite helpful.

[Hunter]

That "Esodin" sounds pretty good, but I think he should gain an increasing decrease in the chance of spell failure in the place of remove disease, the Spellsword has something like that. And I finished downloading Unearthed Arcana last night, so I'll have to check that out.


And Jkrs, Eberron, on it's most basic level is Magic becomes technology, which some nifty magic rocks and magic markings thrown in. If you've ever played Suikoden, there are these Dragonmarks, that are like the Runes, only far less powerful. And there are things like a magic Bullet Train sort of thing, Everburning Flame becomes a streetlight, magic items are the norm and practically produced in factories.

I'm still not sure what I want to be thanks to the new thing introduced, like the Warforged race (think a sort of biogolem with sentience) and the Artificer Class (places "Infusions", or spell-like effects on equipment, and creates items like a Mofo)

This is going to be VERY fun.

[paladinoflunaria]

The Warforged list of immunities is crazy though. I'd say that a +1 level adjustment wouldn't be wrong, but most of the races are not balanced with each other anyway.

[Jkrs]

...most of the races are not balanced with each other anyway.
I'd noticed that. Are players allowed/encouraged to alter the species template or add handicaps to bring the ECL back down?

[paladinoflunaria]

Sure, but you should talk with the DM about it as well.

[Jkrs]

Of course. Thanks.

[paladinoflunaria]

I finished downloading the Eberron Campaign Setting. I can upload through MSN messenger.

[Hunter]

Couple of questions on characters. Do you care what classes we have, and are you going to require us to be a member of on eof the "Houses"

And what abotu starting equipment? Given the setting, we may want to spend some of our money on magical stuff...

[paladinoflunaria]

Good questions.

Races:
Human, Elf, Half-Elf, Dwarf, Gnome, Halfling, Half-Orc, Changeling (don't go crazy with it), Shifter, Kalashtar, Warforged (possibly).

Classes:
Anything from the PHB- No psionics (psionics is not balanced). Swashbucklers and Spirit Shamans are good too. If someone wants to be a healing-oriented class that's non-religious, I'll write one up.

You are not required to be members of the dragonmarked houses, but you may if you wish. There are feats for dragonmarks, etc..

4-6 Level 1 Characters with starting packages, or random starting gold.

There may be exceptions- send me a private message or something.

I'd also prefer that the players make up backgrounds, etc. for their characters.

Prestige Classes:
Mystic Theurge not allowed. Anything else that is blatently unbalanced will be banned.

Alignments:
Any nonevil. I suppose LE might be ok, but no NE or CE- it causes too much difficulty. If anyone wants to be a LG or CG Paladin, then no one can be evil.

Figure out basic information such as this and send me a PM or an e-mail. Customization is something that needs to be discussed, if desired.

[paladinoflunaria]

List of info needed:

-Character Name
-Race
-Class
-Alignment
-Religion
-Character Background
-Any other Details

Also Notify me:

-If you have any DND books (on the computer or not) and which ones
-If you need a dice program
-If you know of a battle-grid program (I've yet to find one)
-If you are qualified to DM (you need the three core rulebooks)

If you don't know much about the game, just ask.

Thanks.

[Hunter]

-Character Name - Tir
-Race - Human
-Class - Sorceror
-Alignment - Neutral Good
-Religion - None Really
-Character Background -
Tir was born into the lower ranks of House Deneith, but in a bloodline known to manifest Dragonmarks at an early age. When one failed to appear, he went into training, and quickly showed prowess with staff type weapons, which was good, because when he blew his teacher's helm clean off at 16, it was obvious he would become a Sorceror. After completing his basic combat and what magical training he could be given, he was sent out to "become strong enough to be useful" and told to check in with a House Deneith facility whenever he found a new one.

-Any other Details -
Tir is simply dressed, merely having to unbutton a few things depending on the weather. Unlike most Sorcerors, he's rather quiet until he's needed, and much less likely to act as the face of a party. Walking up the street with his staff, you'd think him a simple traveler, and he prefers to act the part.

I have the following DND books-
PHB, DMG, MM (3E and 3.5)
Toma And Blood, Complete Warrior, Complete Divine, Unearthed Arcana, Eberron Campaign Book.

Lots of tools here, not sure if they have the kind of battle thing you want-
http://www.dndadventure.com/dnda_dm_resources.html
And frankly, after more searching, I don't think you'll find anything...I guess battles are going to be fun with ASCII or very abstract.


EDIT- I dded the background and what not, how does that work for you?

[paladinoflunaria]

Thanks for the information and the link, Hunter. I think that sorcerers are going to be revised in complete arcane, which comes out in November. Also, I think I'm going to allow humans to use their bonus feat at any level instead of just 1st, as a balancing rule. I'll think about that.

[Hunter]

All right well, I'll probably take it at first anyway. I need to look over the 3.5 Sorceror and see if anything is different.

EDIT: Okay, mostly familiars seem different. No biggie. If I want to create a sort of custom weapon for my character is that all right? I'll run it by you first obviously.

And I assume you'll want us to roll up our characters all at the same time. I DO have a dice-rolling script for IRC somewhere that would eliminate any...dishonesty...

[paladinoflunaria]

If I want to create a sort of custom weapon for my character is that all right?

Sounds fine to me. There are feats for things such as that, or if you are just talking about non-magical customization, then that's fine too.


And I assume you'll want us to roll up our characters all at the same time. I DO have a dice-rolling script for IRC somewhere that would eliminate any...dishonesty...

I think that rolling up all the characters at the same time is preferable, but isn't necessary. The dice-rolling script is good.

[Hunter]

Yeah, I was just thinking of non-magical customization.

I was thinking a sort of a quarter staff that had one or both ends topped with a metal cap, increasing the damge to 1d8...so it would weigh more and probably cost 3 or 4 gp. Sound good?

As for hte script, I did find it, if you need it just PM me your e-mail...

[Jkrs]

Decided I'd start with something simple, for my first time through.

-Character Name: Derren, house Ghallanda (lower to middle ranks)
-Race: Halfling (male)
-Class: Ranger
-Alignment: Chaotic good, tending towards neutral
-Religion: Balinor + the Traveler (as one for the road, he isn't always sure whether this is out of reverence or propitiation) + various animal spirits (usually collectively, as he doesn't find a particular affinity among them)

-Character Background: As is traditional for Derrens' particular family, his parents had his future told by the most capable diviner that seemed to ask a reasonable price. His interrupted a long line of ancestors who would be 'lucky' or lead relatively peaceful lives by predicting that he would bring his house great benefit. Unfortunately for them he hasn't shown any particular skill with the service trades, though his mid and early teens saw him being shuffled hither, tither and yon in search of a profession (favoured-in-house feat; everyone knows him). Nor has he manifested a dragonmark, which is probably for the best as he's gained a certain amount of antipathy for the processes of an organised business.
As it turns out, the frequent travel itself (often going along with a caravan of some sort for reasons of cost) led to his current employment. With so much more of the world to be seen than a city, or two, or even the Talenta Plains, why should he tie himself to a building or a patch of ground? Expressed interest and a couple of years' training with a working ranger has allowed him to gain the skills and be set out on his own, which occasioned a lengthy letter to his parents just after his 19th birthday.
Having parted ways from the caravan in [initial location], he's now looking for something more interesting than guiding wagons through washed out or overgrown roads - not to mention enough money to overwinter somewhere without working in one of his Houses' inns.


- Any other Details -
Derren has black hair, green eyes, and a moderate tan. You can't see much of the latter though, as his dark brown pants and grey-green shirt cause him to look paler than he otherwise would. There's a small dagger in a sheath attached to his belt, simple enough for a variety of uses. His general expression is one of good-natured interest. In all, nothing special.

Posessions:
traveling clothes
Talenta boomerang
appropriately sized dagger
traveling papers signed by house Orien (student of caravan guide + guard, Talenta -> [somewhere remote] -> [initial setting], probably expired)
random cash (probably somewhat less than average)


Also Notify me:
-If you have any DND books (on the computer or not) and which ones
Eberron Campaign Setting, D&D 3.5 rules
-If you need a dice program
Will the random integer generator on my calculator work?
-If you know of a battle-grid program (I've yet to find one) or if you are qualified to DM (you need the three core rulebooks)
Sorry, neither.

Any changes or adjustments needed?

[Jkrs]

Also: How, precisely, do feats operate? I've not found a good explanation yet.

[Hunter]

Jkrs, a feat is basically some cool ability you can get. You get them every few levels, and some classes get bonus feats.

As an example, you're a Ranger, which gives you Ambidextrious automatically i believe, so you reduce the penalty for fighting with two weapons.

Another example would be Power Attack, it lets you subtract from your chance to hit and increase your damage. Or Toughness, which gives you +3 HP. Some are automatic, some give a special skill.

Any other questions?

[paladinoflunaria]

3.5 ranger gets combat styles. Jkrs, you, as well as everyone else, needs the 3.5 PHB and preferably the Eberron Campaign Setting. PM me and we'll talk about me sending it to you via the internet.

As for you, Hunter, are you going for an adamantine or byeshk staff? That sounds fine to me, but I don't think a metal quarterstaff would do more damage- it would just weigh more.

I've got it- how about something like a crook? 1d8/1d4? Sounds alright for a simple weapon. Keep talking.

[paladinoflunaria]

So far:

NG Human Sorcerer, Tir D'Deneith, to be played by Hunter
CG Halfling Ranger, Derren D'Ghallanda, to be played by Jkrs

Two more people at least. A healing oriented class would make a good addition to this party, but it's not necessary. Who's willing to join the group?

[Hunter]

A crook? The damage sounds fine, but what is a crook? I was actually thinking somethign sort of like a slashing spear maybe. Basically, putting a cutting blade on one end of the quarterstaff. I'd be willing to go 1d8/1d4 like that, and have damage types be Slashing/Bludgeoning. I wouldn't even try to fight with it as a double weapon, just use whichever end is more useful, sound good?

II'll PM the other people who expressed interest for ya paladin.

[paladinoflunaria]

I'll put it this way. Sorcerers are proficient with simple weapons. Only one simple weapon has slashing damage (the sickle) and it does 1d6 damage, and all for good reason. Your idea sounds like a shorter version of a glaive (as in not a reach weapon). Sorcerers are kind of underbalanced, so I'm leaning on your side.

1d6 slashing/1d6 bludgeoning or 1d8 slashing/1d4 bludgeoning I guess. Both ends will have a threat on a natural 20 and a x2 critical modifier. It sounds reasonable to me, but 1d8 slashing for a simple weapon seems scary to me.

We could call it a martial weapon and say you're proficient with it.


II'll PM the other people who expressed interest for ya paladin.


Thanks.

[Hunter]

Frankly, I'll lean to the 1d6/1d6 version. And yeah, it is sort of like a shorter glaive.

And utopmk got back me, said he'll brush up a bit and join in.

[paladinoflunaria]

Sounds good to me.

[Hunter]

I think we have failed...

[Jkrs]

What time of day are we looking at for this? I could try and get a couple of people from elsewhere.

[paladinoflunaria]

I'm not sure when we would do this. Friday or Saturday would be ok with me. Weekdays would be alright, but they're not always stable. I've got some friends who would probably play in this group, too. Jimkopelli, what do you say?

[Hunter]

Fridays will be the best for me, I've only got one class then this coming quarter and no other social activities. Just go get take-out from the cafeteria and roll the bones!

[Jkrs]

Friday after 18:30 EST is possible for me, but I'd prefer it to be later. Any time Saturday or Sunday could work as well.

[Hunter]

Well, I just got a job. Luckily it won't interfere with friday evenings. Are we looking to start next friday?

[Jkrs]

Of the people I've talked to, there's one definately interested, and one maybe. The guy who might be interested works Saturdays.

[Hunter]

*poke poke* You around paladin?

[paladinoflunaria]

Every so often, I'm around. School started a week ago here, and I've been fairly busy. Not doing any work, mind you ;). 18:30 EST sounds fine to me, but 19:30 EST is ok, too. Weekends are the best time, I suppose. We need two more people; preferrably INTPs.

[Hunter]

Derned lack of people...

*shakes fist*

Sadly all the people I know who would play D+D are NOT INTP...

[HairlessBluetick]

Derned lack of people...

*shakes fist*

Sadly all the people I know who would play D+D are NOT INTP...

That should't matter, should it?

[Jkrs]

We need two more people; preferrably INTPs.

Is there a particular reason for that?

If you're doing some kind of a survey of INTP roleplaying habits (which would be kind of neat in itself), wouldn't it be a good idea to have a non-INTP control or two for comparison purposes?

Neither of the people I've spoken to who've shown an interest have been typed, that I know of.

[Hunter]

We could always turn it into that. :nerd:

I'd rather have a mixed game than no game, and i think you guys would too.

[Jkrs]

Considering the general tendency towards analysis here, I think it will be on some level whether anyone wants it to or not. Not that that's a bad thing. :nerd:

I don't particularly care whether it's mixed or not, so long as it's a game.

[paladinoflunaria]

I said I'd prefer INTPs. They're not absolutely necessary, though. I'm just tired of the DND stuff I've done in the past because it always becomes roll-playing. I figured INTPs would be more inclined to role-play, but anyone who's not a powergamer, monty hauler, munchkin, metagame thinker, etc. is welcome.

[Hunter]

Who said I wasn't a metagame thinker? :nerd:

j/k, while i do seek power for my character, i'm not an idiot or a Red Mage about it. I'm perfectly competenet at role-playing.

[paladinoflunaria]

Alright. I've been busy lately, so I've not posted much. I came across another forum not long ago. The forum is designed specifically for DND games. I suggest that everyone check it out.

www.dndonlinegames.com

I'm going to be busy for awhile so I don't know if I would be able to do justice to DMing a campaign. For now, everyone can find a game on this site (there are many going on), and perhaps you'll see me as a character there (Woo! My first time as a PC!). I requested a DM for an Eberron Campaign, so we'll see how that goes.

Once I get back into the swing of things I'll see if DMing a group is going to be possible this year. I might be too busy for a few months to DM (DMing takes much more time than playing does). It may be that I have the time after all, but since I'm unmotivated it takes me forever to get things done. If I were you guys, I'd go to the site for now, and check back with me later.

I'll post if any changes are made to this plan.

Thanks for the cooperation, everyone. I am definitely interested in DMing a group, but due to time constraints it may not be possible.

[Boozer]

AD&D got me started with roleplaying (in jr high)
Then I moved to Rifts.
Then Cyberpunk
Then Gurps
Then Vampire.

Then I got tired of the limitations and cumbersome rules and started playing freeform with my friends. Didn't exactly make for the most balanced gaming but we were in it more for the storytelling aspect anyway.

An interesting system we played around with is free on the internet called "The Window"

It essentially tries to make very loose rules for a game that is more story oriented. I would suggest checking it out. It was pretty cool.