tdewitt274's page

secretturchinman wrote:

This looks fantastic

It's really easy and quick to make, and almost always turns out really well. The secret for me (besides lots of garlic and the hint of red pepper) is catching the chicken just as it's finished baking; the last batch I made was tender enough to cut with just a fork, even after being refrigerated and re-heated in the microwave. It can be a little tricky getting it just right, though, and undercooked chicken is nothing to mess with ;p

Edit: oops, I put it at four servings, really two chicken breasts is two servings. To get four servings, double the recipe!

Sounds good, but would it work a sauce (something gravy like)? Just sounds like there should be a little more...

Yeah, I don't have enough paper either. Let alone toner...

I wouldn't mind seeing a high res desktop image. I've had good luck converting some of those into large posters. I made Hero System's Ambrethel an 18"x23" using Paint and a PDF converter. Very little distortion.

I also did a 6 page landscape (approx 48"x60") of the Tuala Morn from the PDF. Noticeable distortion on the words, but if it's a geographic map, no worries (still a little fuzz here and there).

In either case, it's a pain to put together because you have to trim the borders off. And it's not color, but black and white does a good job too!

Yeah, I'm still on board for the poster map, but the wallpaper's are desired as well. Goes good with my GM screen (full post GM screen).

So, is there anything new on this? I only just stumbled upon it.

Please? : )

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not a "flashy" kind of guy. I think that Hero Games has some of the best products out there because they print in black and white and have so few pictures. It speaks loudly to me that they can produce a product that is twice the size, has strong content, and is the same price as a WotC product.

While the RHoD is a nice product, do you really need all the flash? Let's just say you got rid of the border. You could easily fit a 4 or 5 letter word that will fit within that border region.

Let's say 75 lines at 4 letters (300 characters a page) for 96 pages is 28,800 characters. Subtract 1/4 of that from the total for pictures/maps/diagrams and you have 21,600 characters. That's another 3,085 seven letter* words or 4,320 five letter* words. Or, you could save the money with the images and give us 4,114 and 5,760 respectively.

Help a gamer out, will ya?!

Also, a desktop wallpaper of the world would be nice : )

*I made 7 letters to be 6 and a space.

I would actually be concerned about the playability of the abilities at lower levels.

I find that after 5th level, standard armor is no longer a factor (against a Fighter that is) and it is increasingly easy to hit the target. Ex, 5th level Fighter 1 [+5], 18 STR [+4], Masterwork weapon [+1] = +10; Fighter 2 in Full Plate [+8], 12 DEX [+1], Heavy Steel Shield [+2] = +11; Fighter 1 needs an 11 or less to hit Fighter 2 without any circumstance bonuses (flanking, bless, bull's strength, etc).

Without figuring the numbers, you have the opposite happen. Furthermore, you may run into problems at the high levels maintaining enough defense for the armored characters. Especially if you limit the bonus to the Max DEX.

Of course, the option may not be taken. I like that it is optional. I would make them feats with a pre-req of "Can only be taken at character creation". This gives the player the option to take them, but it also requires some sacrifice (heavy armor protects and hinders, can't be all positives). They still have the option to use the heavy armor if they need it. It's not like heroes always adventure in the same place, they may go north for an adventure or the rest of their lives.

I would also suggest re-reading pages 171-2 of the PH. Be careful of the way you classify the bonuses, stacking can cause issues later on. I would give the bonus as an unnamed bonus. You already have enough restrictions on how it can be used to warrant this type of bonus.

Careful with your Weathered Skin bonus. Natural armor bonus is a very strong bonus. I would DEFINATELY require this as a feat. No sense giving the kind of bonus that Dragons are made of at first level. Much less if they plan on multiclassing to any other class for that matter (effective 14 flat footed AC).

I'd also stat these up similar to the Monk ability (negated if helpless, etc).

Regarding your DR, that's what makes the Barbarian so cool! You're giving the Fighter abilities that require feat selections or multiclassing for "free" (yeah, at the cost of 2 feats later on, but you get the benefits before the "cost" at tenth level).

Your Martial Defense is much better laid out. My problem is "What makes the Monk so special?"

Yeah, this is a bit harsh, but I also have constructive criticism : )

Me, I don't think I'd use them. Of course, that's my opinion. That, and I'm grappling with my issue (see begining).

There's a lot of these already out there called CNC Mills (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNC). Allows you to create from pretty much any substance.

Yes, still pricey, and you can't get anything like the D&D minis, but they are impressive (so, also, is the cost).

Carmeled Crescent Rolls

Cinamon & Surgar Mixture
Melted Butter
Crescent Rolls
Jumbo Marshmallows

Roll marshmallow in butter, roll in sugar mixture, wrap in crescent rolls (dip bottom of crescent roll in butter so it will not stick to pan). Bake in a cupcake pan as per directions for crescent rolls.

Best eaten hot*

Enjoy.

* The poster of this recipe is not responsible for injuries caused by hot, sticky goo dripping from crescent roll when eaten. Face protection should be used, or at least caution should be taken, when eating.

If the PCs don't have a magic item and come up against Vantus, that 10/Magic DR will slap them in the face.

Let the PCs take their first swipe at him and see it doesn't do anything. Then, after the attack...

Your [weapon] glows with the heat of molten lava. Vanthus takes notice, "It seems you have friends in high places. Don't worry, Worm, you'll see your friend soon enough."

Give the weapon a magical bonus as needed. Whether it is temporary or permanent is up to you.

Or, you could do the effect as magic weapon and give them a little bump if the dice are cold.

Not to worry. I'll see how the first 6 months go. It'd be nice to see the product.

If the PDF option is available, I'll look at it in month 9.

Thanks!

Maybe it's just me, and not trying to stir up any arguments, but I bought a 2 year subscription (each mag) back in August. For all purposes, that money is gone to me. Spent, no longer in my check account, etc.

I take this as a possibility to see something new. Sure, the D&D part will be gone (campaign specific). However, I've enjoyed the Shackled City and Savage Tide APs (haven't read the AoW yet). I've always thought that 12 months was too long to wait.

If the new format is not to my expectations, I'll just cancel. If it's good, I'll weigh the cost to the product and go from there. I did a post in another thread, but I'd be interested in a PDF Only subscription.

I hope that they continue to support the product like they are with the Dragon and online information.

I am torn by the silence on the WotC end. A little insight into their plans would be nice.

Don't forget, all you "across borders" people will be able to use the PDF. Instant delivery, no more waiting.

Honestly? I could care less about the magazine. It just takes up space.

Is there a way to do a PDF Only subscription? I've been buying my Hero books as PDF for some time. Searchable, portable, printable, and they work well with my eDM Screen (3 monitors linked to a PC).

Yeah, it's a bit harder to read. But if the PDF is done right, Adobe will read it to me. Will this functionality be a possibility?

Thanks

OK, I just want to test this. I'm having the same problem with the Charter Subscription transition page. I'll try the checkout way.

Also, why wasn't I emailed on this? I went to Giants in the Playground's site while setting up my email and see this shock?!

Although I'm willing to give it a try, I still would have appreciated an email saying "Hey, um, check out our website for important information regarding your subscription(s)."

I can't seem to find the Dragon/Dungeon that had the editorial that explained it, but this should do...

From GamingReport.com
Johnny Wilson:
Paizo is the Greek verb meaning, "I play, I jest, or I dance."

At the WofTC's D&D website there is a random city builder download called Building a City. It is under downloads for the Players Handbook I think.

Actually, the 3.5 DMG:

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20030719a

todd, try to outline a scenario in which the numbers don't work out for you.

With my recent realization, I'll have to get back to you. However, the standard NPCs in the DMG coupled with the appropriate CR from the MM for any single man sized (I agree that larger opponents should be stronger) creature should do the trick.

When doing the mock combat, look only at To Hit. This is my issue. Add some flavor by adding AC and Attack tactics, but don't focus too much on Feats and Spells (this just blurs what I am trying to get at). The Core mechanic is the focus.

This post is a recap of the infamous "Grimcleaver System".

Although interesting, It's a bit more complicated than what I'm looking for. If you don't mind me asking, what prompted you to go this route?

Statistics are great, but roleplaying is more than just number crunching and "who can do what": it's about fun. Have some and see. :)

True, I've never said that it isn't. But the Core mechanics do drilldown to the numbers. If you don't have the numbers, you're playing Amber (the Diceless RPG). There's luck, skills, munchkinism, fudging, interaction, desperation, triumph, humbling, and some guy that touches your dice to add to the numbers...

So, basically I don´t think the game breaks down. It surely gets more difficult to DM the higher the PCs levels are.

This is another of my complaints. D&D has always been a "hack 'em up" RPG. However, it was much easier to prepare for a 2e game than 3e (so I'm told, I only DMed 1 2e game, and it was an RPGA game). I just wish the CR system was more on the spot. But then, no game is perfect because of the above.

First off, sorry about the confusion, Aubrey. The only Aubrey's I knew were female...

The complaint you seem to have is that offense does better than defense in D&D.

Bingo! I've been trying to figure out the least common denominator of my complaint. Amazing how something so simple gets caught up in the tanslation...

I believe that Defense should be given equal footing against Offense, or at least give the PC the choice. Alternity, Lord of the Rings, HERO and GURPS (I'm sure there are others) provide this by requiring the character to purchase their "Combat Skill Levels" or Rank benefits, D&D hands them out for free at each level and supplements them by weapon bonuses and combat/ability modifiers. Therefore, there is a dedication to increasing the combat abilities of the character. d20 doesn't allow for this in the Skill sense because of the Max Skill Ranks.

Armor, on the other hand, is a static number only modified by equipment. This gives Offense the "upper hand" later in the game. This has been addressed with a "patch" in Star Wars, Unearthed Arcana, and d20 Modern with the Class Bonus to AC when there is a likelyhood of less armor for protection. The designers realized that there is a greater opportunity to hit than to NOT be hit. Unfortunately, by the time these were published, 3.5 was on it's way out the door. It would take a different kind of "patch" to update 3.5 because it has so much fantasy (SW has little, d20m can't gaurantee it), versus hard science.

2e didn't have the amazing amount of modifiers to Attack as 3e does. STR bonuses were split between Attack and Damage, 3e gives the benefit (higher than 2e) to both. Also, the only way that you could increase an ability, short of a Wish, was through a manual or magic item. 3e gives you one every four levels.

Yes, 3e is a combat driven game (1e and 2e for that matter), but it hasn't been as heavy on the Attack roll as it was.

Damage has not changed from the previous versions, with the exception of DR (even that is a rehash). In fact, consistancy has gone up considerably! HP/HD are more balanced with the classifications of monster types. HP is an abstact system that doesn't reflect damage as the aforementioned game systems. Damage is harsher in those systems, D&D you stay up until you run out. Therefore, less "realism", more fantasy.

So, I guess it all boils down to a matter of Realism and BAB. I'll have to go and do some number crunching, but there may be a possibility of removing BAB entirely from the game and still achieve what I am looking for. Of course, this means that I'll need to do some modifications to AC as well (double the price of armor?).

I'll have to get back to everyone on my results.

Again, thanks!

Todd

Actually, a 7th level fighter is an appropriate challenge for a 7th level fighter. This may not be the most challenging for one person, but it will still net the same XP. Don't tell me nobody has pitted the PCs against a group of 4 leveled characters against the PCs in the group (on the way to the overboss)... Or even a solo adventure.

The Elite array used is for an example. Most rolling 4d6 usually land with a similar array, point buy close (for the higher numbers). Besides, the bad guy is going to have the Elite Array, and there's a chance of him being a 7th level Fighter.

The main point I am trying to reach is that the AC does not appeal as much as a shiny sword. Technically, Full plate +5 and a Tower shield +5 is the most powerful (straight armor/shield) combination in the game. This is a max AC of 33 (Base 10, HP +13, Shield +9, DEX +1). A 15th level Fighter can hit this with a club on a 16 or less. If it was a magic club +5, an 11. This is only assuming a 15 STR, no magic (on a 10 for bless), no aiding (on a 9), no buffing (on a 9 for bull's endurance), no flanking (on a 9), and no stacking (all combined, a 3 or better to hit).

We have played around with different options. DR instead of the AC bonus. The PC get's hit more, and it's a duel of HP. Reduce the BAB by half. This extends the issue to 12th instead of 6th. Defense roll, too slow and it just evens out in the end (high roll, low roll, high roll, ...).

At 15th level, every person can have a +5 weapon, +5 Armor, +5 shield, and 100,000 gp spending cash. Yes, this is the "worst case scenario", but it is outlined in the DMG. They can also pop on a Ring of Protection +5 and Amulet of Natural Armor +5 to give the above scenario fighter a 13 to hit (minimum, swap out his shield for a belt of giant strength for another +3 to hit, down to 10).

Yes, there are other factors that go into all this. I've had my fair share of bad die rolls where I couldn't hit the broad side of a gargantuan construct (barn). Yes, this is number crunching. However, it is valid number crunching. These are scenarios that both the PCs and DM should be considering in a game of survival. "I want this cool sword, but everyone is still hitting me. How do I increase my AC?" or "I can't hit this guy, I need a better sword and team up with the rogue and ranger. Cleric, hit me with a spell!"

HP are also a big deal in the game. However, everybody has them and in order to focus on damage, you need to focus on hitting them first. If my Attacking Fighter is likely to hit the Defending fighter on a 3 or less with a little help from his friends, the Paladin, Ranger, Barbarian, and Fighter in the Defending group should be able to do the same. The Rogue has a -10 to this number (Studded Leather vs Full Plate, -1 from the DEX modifier due to Max Dex on Studded leather; -9 for no Tower Shield). End result? Failure only on a 1 (I'm sure there's more that you can add to the Rogue's AC, but can't remember any off hand, besides Feats).

I agree with Aubrey on her points. But to get the players back on the "d20 bandwagon", I need to find a way around the issues that they have and still make thing enjoyable. Interesting plot hooks, unique NPC design, and overall flavor will add to their enjoyment, but I don't want them feeling bogged down when they get hit every round.

I've been playing d20 since 3.0 came out (I waited in line at GenCon) and I like 3.5 as well (again, line). I get discouraged when I can't play a character past 6th level because the other DMs see that the game is breaking. Not that they haven't tried. We were playing one (Mongoose) module that was to go to 30th. We didn't make it past 6th because we refused to leave a person behind. Creature was hitting everyone and bad die rolls.

I appreciate all your help. The other DMs in the group have attempted to post something like this on other boards and only received the "you don't know what you're talking about", "I never play d20", or "I don't have a problem" responses. They also had the chance to attend a "What's wrong with D&D" seminar at GenCon (not what they expected) and talked with a few people that see the problem I am trying to convey. I may be going at this the wrong way, but it's not the easiest concept to portray in writing.

Sorry for the long post again, and thanks for your help!

Todd

Just wanted to do a little "damage control" before going to work. I'll give this more attention later tonight.

The reason for pitting the Fighter against himself is only to show the character against an equal opponent. The CR of the Fighter is equal to himself. I also added the level percentages to reflect this "even up" adjustment.

I intentionally left out damage as an option. I feel that the HP system, including DR, is solid and challenging. The main point the others in the group is that it is a matter of exchanging HP if you can easily beat their AC.

AC in 2e meant a lot more because there weren't as many modifiers. A 2e with 15 STR isn't the same as a 3e with a 15 STR. 2e wasn't perfect, or we wouldn't have gone to 3e. But it seems that it was a little tighter on the bonus modifiers to help with higher level play and "not hitting everything". XP is also a large factor. Everyone progresses at the same rate. To change this in 3e would fundamentally weaken other classes and will make the character less effective in combat (assuming the Core classes with "special powers" will be the ones on the short end of the XP revision stick).

I honestly don't have a problem with the system. These are the views of the other DMs in the group. I'm sure that stepping up and saying "I want to run a D&D game" won't be a problem, but I want to make sure that their experience is worthwile and they don't get upset at how the system works so they want to quit. If I run SCAP or AoW, this is a considerable amount of time invested only to get about halfway through before they become bored. While I haven't read AoW, SCAP does include a big boost in keeping the players connected with the "mystery", something that can only aid the game.

There are a lot of "what ifs" that go into any game. These are too numerable to consider when trying to provide an example of a concept. I ask for your help in thinking how they think so that I can better prepare for anything that comes up.

Keep 'em coming!

Thanks

Todd

I'm planning on running a campaign, but I need to get our group back into D&D. Our group has decided to steer away from d20 because it seems that D&D seems to break down after about 6th level.

Take the following scenario:

Human Fighter 1, STR 15, DEX 14, CON 13, INT 12, WIS 11, CHA 10

Armor: Chainmail, Heavy wood Shield
Weapon: No enhancement bonus

AC: 19 (10 + DEX 2 + Armor 5 + Shield 2 + Enhancement 0)
Attack: 3 (BAB 1 + STR 2 + Enhancement 0)

Chance to Hit: 80%

Using these stats as guidlines, progression as straight Fighter, Enhancement bonuses to weapons and armor (following armor at 3rd, shield at 6th, ...) at 1/3 level, the Core books, and putting the Ability score adjustment into anything but STR and DEX. This is not considering any Feats, Fighting Defensively, Aid Another, Size modifiers, and no Buffing/Harming spells. The percentage is based off of (Attack/20).

This same Fighter, attacking himself will miss:

1st 80%, 2nd 75%, 3rd 70%, 4th 65%, 5th 60%, 6th 55%, ..., 9th 40%, ..., 12th 25%, ..., 16th 5%, 17th On a 1

Making adjustments of Full plate, Heavy Steel Shield, and Masterwork weapon, the defender gains a little more protection:

1st 85%, 2nd 80%, 3rd 80%, 4th 75%, 5th 70%, 6th 55%, ..., 9th 50%, ..., 12th 35%, ..., 16th 15%, ..., 18th 15%, 19th On a 1

Making adjustments of Studded Leather, No Shield, and Masterwork weapon, things go south for any Rogue:

1st 55%, 2nd 50%, 3rd 50%, 4th 45%, 5th 40%, 6th 35%, ..., 9th 20%, ..., 12th 5%, 13th On a 1

I don't have the heart to pick on the Wizard (considering no spells). Of course, the Halfling (Halfling Thief, most powerful PC in the game!) always has a +10% to each of these because of racial and size bonuses.

This is being pretty stingy on the magic (at least from our group's perspective) at +1 enhancement bonus to magic weapon and armor every 3 levels as well as the PC only pumping up a "non combat" ability every 4. What do you use as a guideline for magical treasure?

So, what do you do? Do you keep with the Core Rules, or do you introduce items from Unearthed Arcana (ex, Defense Bonus) and Weapons of Legacy? House rules? Do you stick to the Elite array, or does 4d6 and Point Buy work for you? What about approving characters? Would you ask a player to rework a character if you think that the PCs are overall powerful?

With the ability to hit more often at higher levels, do you manipulate the Cleric? Or do you hand out more magical wonderous items to add armor (natural, shield, deflection, etc) bonuses to compensate? What tactics to your Players use to help? Do you use variant AC die roll?

There is also the "monster element" to this. All of the above is considering a stright Fighter attacking. I believe the CR is not an effective tool as there are too many powers out there that can lead to TPK. The Bodak is one of them. Gaze attacks are especailly strong because it only provides a bonus for averting, and a 50% miss chance for not looking. Paralysis is also tough as you lose a key player, most times it's the Fighter because he's doing the most damage. As the levels go up, the Attack Modifiers can be pretty heavy handed, or is this just from a player standpoint?

When creating NPCs to use against the PCs, what do you focus on? Is it more along the lines of Power then Protection, or the other way around? I know there's a "cinematic" option, but I'm just trying to get a feel for it. There's also considering the "boss" or the "underling", using a percentage of resources, and other factors.

Do you test out your adventures by a set of Iconics (Fighter, Wizard, Rogue, and Cleric)? How big is the party size (ours is usually 6-8, so that might be part of the problem)?

Do you advocate hit and run tactics for the NPCs? Our group has a problem with not resting and definately not backing down from a challenge (there's also a wizard that doesn't beleive that Fireball is a ranged attack, but we won't get into that ; ). How do you get players to realize that retreat is not a bad thing? As a player, I've backed away from a few fights when my back was against the wall, only to go back in to help save them.

Sorry for all the questions, but I have yet to find a good resource for the first time DM. I haven't read the DMGII, and the D&D for Dummies is a rehash of the DMG with some DMGII in it. But I believe you can't learn it all from a book.

Thanks

Todd

It's taken a while, but I've read the entire post. A lot of good points. Being an aspiring DM, here's what I've taken out of it: Roll all dice that could impact the PC behind the screen.

My table isn't condusive to rolling over the screen (it's bar stool height) so I plan to just roll behind the screen.

One point that hasn't been brought up yet, but kind of touched on, is the fear of players catching on to the attack bonus. Attack bonuses come in many forms, one of which is weapon bonuses. This is the main reason that I decided to roll behind the screen. Using metagaming, they can say that the BA is a little higher than their own, then can geuss on the STR bonus. Rolling the dice in front of them can reveal the bonus before a 100 gp pearl can.

I also like the idea of the d20 rolls pregened, but will use the idea of a d20 roll to find out where to start them.

I'm not sure about telling the PCs the AC of the opponent. If I were to force myself a decision, I'd probably give the PC the AC of the NPCs that don't have variable AC scores (Combat Expertise or the like) or magic items.

I'd probably run Wandering Encouters in front of the screen, as I've seen these are more ad-hoc basic creatures.

I've also come to the conclusion that if you set up a "social contract" (as one DM Seminar at Gencon put it) with the group that outlines what to do in what situation, all should be fine. What house rules? When to re-roll a cocked die? This way, there's less confusion. If need be, this can also be modified.

Thanks for the help!

Todd

What about a section in the Messageboards that would allow for converting the stats to 3.5? Comments could be made on how to make the adventure better with the new rules.

I'd search out at an office supply store for legal-sized pocket protectors or preprint your reference materials and get them laminated at Kinko's.

I'm not sure where they got them, but we have some clear plastic "award holders". Plastic on each facing with a solid plastic spacer along both long and 1 short side (same concept as a card sleeve). These, combined with some clear tape should do the trick.

I prefer the new D&D screen, it's a bit smaller (landscape) so you can roll your dice over the screen without fear of knocking it over. The HERO screen is nice because it's 6 pages wide and all the info is printed on both sides.

Drop one behind a female paladin in full coverage plate armor and you have an ode to role reversal.

Not to ruin a perfectly good point, but the female Paladin usually has some adaptations to the armor. Otherwise, I'd say right on...

I'd like to know where it is clarified that "undead cannot have regeneration" as this tidbit would nullify several different varities of the undead troll. Truly curious.

From an online conversion, but I'm sure it's in the SRD:

Regeneration (Ex): A creature with this ability is difficult to kill. Damage dealt to the creature is treated as nonlethal damage. The creature automatically heals nonlethal damage at a fixed rate per round, as given in the entry. Certain attack forms, typically fire and acid, deal lethal damage to the creature, which doesn't go away. The creature's descriptive text describes the details. A regenerating creature that has been rendered unconscious through nonlethal damage can be killed with a coup de grace. The attack cannot be of a type that automatically converts to nonlethal damage.

Attack forms that don't deal hit point damage ignore regeneration. Regeneration also does not restore hit points lost from starvation, thirst, or suffocation. Regenerating creatures can regrow lost portions of their bodies and can reattach severed limbs or body parts; details are in the creature's descriptive text. Severed parts that are not reattached wither and die normally.

A creature must have a Constitution score to have the regeneration ability.

Pah! He's got nothing on my half black dragon, half brass golem lich troll cleric. He takes all damage except fire and acid as nonlethal, but as undead he's immune to nonlethal. As half-dragon he's immune to acid, and as half-golem he's actually healed by fire - that, and immune to magic. He's immune to all damage and magic!

Isn't that 3 halves? (Dragon, Golem, Troll) Or is he just that great!

From the spellbook of Senor Fetishimo:

Brassier
Evocation [Force], Protection
Level: Sorcerer/Wizard 0, Cleric 0
Components: S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Area of Affect
Targets: one creature in a 5' radius
Duration: 18 hours
Saving Throw: Negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

Upon casting, the target' upper chest is surrounded by a force effect that limits mobility. The force effect stays active for up to 18 hours, or until dismissed. Casting on a target requires a willing participant (Saving throw is Will based).

Material component: a small piece of fabric (1cp minimum) consumed when cast.

Heck, I brought this one to work (and it's in the Top 5 of the Fortune 500). If I was offended, or think that someone else would be, just roll back the cover or read it with the covers on the table. If you still think it's offensive, don't bring it out in public. Out of sight, out of mind.

I've seen just as bad or worse with car, fitness, tabloids, dieting, PC gaming, and many other magazines (granted, they don't have spiders on them ; ).

If I cared what other people think, I wouldn't be carrying around a magazine with the word "dungeon" on it, as it could bring up other thoughts.

No offense, but it's like they say, "if you don't like the music, don't listen".

As far as the whole boob thing, the first brassiere was patented "in 1859 by Henry S. Lesher of Brooklyn", the first modern one was developed 30 years later (as per Wikipedia). Before that, it was restricted to a band of cloth, or belt, fitted over a shirt. One would think the Chainmail Bikini top, would fit into that category.

Although extremely cheesey,

Hercules
Xena (the later seasons of Xena got REALLY twisted).

Highlander
Star Trek (Wal-Mart is selling TNG and DSN for half price in the States)
Coupling (BBC, not US)
MacGuyver
Angel
Buffy
X-Files
Babylon 5
Crusade (had promise, but not as good as B5)
Stargate
Atlantis
Battlestar
Farscape
Quantum Leap

Enough about my collection ; )

DVD TV:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/163450/ref=d_bg_tv/104-995759 8-2182301

I usually write up a one page that gives some of the formative years and starts off the "pre-adventure" years (that gives the class information development). Then I usually throw in one or two plot devices that the DM can use against me. These usually aren't particularly nice ones, but they add a lot of flavor for the game. I'm still waiting for my Tarren Tarnruth encounter to happen...

I usually like to wait a few game sessions to create a history, as it gives me a chance to see how the character goes and get into a groove. Besides, my D&D characters have a high mortality rate for some reason (about 2-3 game sessions). I need to find some lucky dice...

The below background was for a elven cleric that I did for a GURPS Forgotten Realms game in Myth Dranor before the fall of Netheril. I was reading an article on MSN about Identity Theft and thought "That'd be cool!" Who says D&D can't cross over into real life (with the exception of cartoons ; )!

Tarren Tarnruth enjoyed a simple and quiet childhood. An only child, his parents indulged upon his whims. Even from an early age, Tarren showed an affinity for religion, but never acted upon it. He was always a bit on the conservative side, even though he insisted on having a “wild side”. He likes to partake in activities outside of his usual habits, but tends to be uncomfortable with them. His tastes are more toward the elegant side, but does not try to be blatant about it.

After his formative years, he began to branch out and explore other options than living the life of a “domestic” elf. This was not his idea, though. One day, a stranger came to his village that showed remarkable physical similarities between Tarren and the stranger. Amazingly enough, the stranger’s name was Taeryn Tarnrooth. Tarren found that Taeryn was a bit of a troublemaker. Unfortunately, Tarren was usually left with the brunt of Taeryn’s transgressions. This resulted in Tarren assuring that his name is spelled correctly.

The Tarren/Taeryn situation went off and on for a number of years, until Tarren a serious situation almost cost Tarren exile from his homeland. Tarren was found innocent and Taeryn was banished, never to set foot in the glade again. This is where Tarren decided to take more responsibility for his life. He began studies with a local cleric and was eventually relocated to Myth Dranor. Thankfully, no new Taeryn stories have populated since the incident.

Tarren has always fought with a hint of anti-authority, as he believes that leaders don’t always know what is right. They tend to be focused on the overall situation, but tend to overlook the “little guy”. Being a cleric, this focus is contradictory to his beliefs. As a result, he tends to belittle the “leader” when he feels especially oppressed. He does know the difference in authority and does not directly chastise them (although he may grumble about it when they are not around).

Tarren would like to climb the clerical ladder, but is not inclined to do so right now. He believes that he is needed “in the field” and that the experiences this teaches him will go a long way in showing him as a leader.

I typically find one, non-obtrusive (but still thematically appropriate) track and put it on repeat until they come to a specific encounter/battle. Then I put a "battle track" on repeat until the combat ends. Then switch back to repeating the original track or another less exciting "theme" track.

What techniques do you use?

I've thought about doing this as well. I'm planning on using my laptop and piping it into the inputs of the stereo/radio. Some models come with an input for the red/white audio cords that can be bought with a headphone jack that is placed in the headphone slot of the PC. Or, I could just buy some speakers.

I'd set up an "ambient noise" playlist (using something like those nature soundtracks you can get at Wal-Mart) and repeat that. Once I'm ready for the battle, I'd select a "Battle Theme" playlist.

Although I haven't tried it, you could probably set up some kind of webpage that has a Submit button you can use for sound effects. Not sure if it would override the original Media player or not...

Todd

I've been thinking about running SCAP, but wanted to make sure that the PCs knew each other. So, I created a secluded little town to the south and was going to run a little adventure where the town was harrassed by Orcs. This would help bond them to themselves as well as instill a sense of community with the small town.

Then, they would go and adventure, hear updates a few more monster raids (conveniently twarted, and just before they go out on adventures) only to come back at the end and use my new Collossal Red Dragon that's protecting an evil leveled Greyhawk dragon.

I also want them to create multiple characters so that they knew them and could interact with them in Cauldron. Kind of a "friends leaving the nest" feeling. That would also provide a pool of PCs if needed.

I agree, yet disagree, with Delericho. One of the problems with 3.0/3.5 is Feats, Synergy Bonuses, Abilities, and Prestige Classes. There are just too many of them.

I like the idea of the in-house program to create NPCs. But whenever a new Feat, Synergy Bonus, Ability (Racial or Class), or Prestige Class is introduced, there needs to be exceptions to the rule. I've been trying to create my own (I am but one person, low on the programming totem pole), but it just doesn't pay to keep up with every book that WotC is putting out.

As far as the stat blocks, this in-house program would clean up some of the easier aspects (Skill Points, Ability Score Modifiers, etc), but there is always the additional things that are harder to keep up with (namely Feats).

Another complaint with d20 is the CR. It's not a hard and fast science. In order to really come up with a fix for the CRs, the entire system needs to be looked over. Assign a CR to individual aspects of the game. Special Abilites and Feats need to be considered into the process. If something has a paralyzing touch, it's much more powerful because it can take a character/creature out of the encounter. A PC with Great Cleave is more powerful than someone that doesn't. A 1st level Human Fighter can have Power Attack, Cleave and Great Cleave right off the bat (Which leads to my third complaint at 6th level, but I don't have the willpower to address that one now).

In all honesty, WotC needs to come up with something that can do everything. A Character Generator as well as a Combat Simulator. Using probability numbers to generate success and failure (something that only WotC can do based on the OGL) while taking into consideration the feats and abilities of both sides will show what kind of CR the creature/character is in line with the encounter.

Of course, there's no way to account for all possible combinations of PC parties. Alas, there's always the human side.

I agree with everyone that says "just deal with it". After all, it's only a game. So long as the players enjoy it, that's all that matters. But, there is something to be said about accuracy. Not even HERO is perfect...

Todd

SUBJECT: Pregenerated or PC Created?

What is your take on Pregenerated characters? In our group, we tend to let the Charisma and related skills go by the wayside.

Since this campaign relies on Charisma, Diplomacy and Knowledge skills so heavily, I was thinking of pregenerating the characters. This will give them a framework to work from, but allow them to descide the future (of course, based slightly off of the pregen character).

We also tend to lack on back history, so I thought I'd come up with something to start them off.

My plan was to make up about 3 characters for each player. This will give them a choice, plus a reserve in the envent of character death. Of course, after the initial framework is done, I would entertain the players creating their own.

Thoughts?

Todd

PS, I like the post I saw about having the players level up the PC before the event. This could allow the player to focus on roleplaying multi-classing instead of just "Oh, he wants to be a rogue now".

Hello All,

I've been reading the message boards to get some information on how to run my own SCAP campaign. I have to say, there's a lot of things that I've read that I would have never thought up. This is especially useful for a first time DM like myself!

Unfortunately, all the information is scattered across the message board. I am hoping that you will join in giving a summary of the posts in one convenient location.

Post any type of comment that is associated with the subject. For ease of use, a "mini-subject" (ex, "Subject: Character Generation, Pre-created or PC Created?") at the top of the post will help to keep the board "clean". Also, instead of repeating information, please use links to different message posts and websites.

I appreciate any help!

Todd