stuff
I'm not going to argue the spirit of the rules with you. I presented a concept, mapped it out mechanically and presented it to the GM. He said it was fine, I went with it. I can't see anywhere that my character has done anything overpowered or diminishing to others in anyway. If I do, call me on it. I'll listen.
I'd really rather not argue this further. Nightflier has done a great job moving the game along, and I'm enjoying it a lot. I think we'd all like you to stay, but if you decide this isn't the game for you I doubt anyone will begrudge you for it. Its all contingent on if you feel you're having fun.
In response to Scranford's concerns, I guess I hadn't really noticed the balance issues at this point because I've been so focused on the roleplaying side of things. And since we haven't done anything extraordinary at this point, I guess balance issues haven't yet come to the fore. I trust that Doomed Hero is using his animals and spirits as a tool for roleplaying and storytelling first, and foremost (I really like the way he had played Muni and the spirits so far).
Also, maybe the fact that I've never played or DMed in a game that's gone beyond level 4 (I'm right there with my real life Midnight campaign!) means that I've never read too far ahead rules wise, or had any experience with higher level stuff... maybe ignorance is bliss?
If you have more experience with higher level games, and you can see balance issues coming down the pipe, I can appreciate that. But as most of the others have said, I'm sure that we as a group can resolve balance issues as they occur, and hopefully everyone will have their chance to shine in the spotlight... so I'm glad that you'll stick around to give it a shot.
That having been said, I can sympathize with your concerns over group size, as well... that was one of my big concerns in the beginning, but so far, so good (IMO)... this game has a phenomenal posting rate!
As for how I view Eyvindr's role...
Despite what one might think from my PC's characteristics, I have never been a min/maxer power gamer type, and I certainly don't mean to hog the spotlight. To be honest, the concept was kind of suggested to me by others, and I thought it was something different, something I've never done before. As far as I'm concerned, Eyvindr is not aware of most of the things he can or can't do, because he doesn't even realize what he has become. He is coming to grips with certain new and unusual "gifts" right now (e.g., being able to see in the dark), but he's still relatively ignorant about the nature of his current reality (due to Ragnar's covenant item). I see him as a proud Dorn who carries the burden of being the eldest surviving son of his people, who struggles with that burden of assumed leadership (which he does not want), who has inherited (like his brother) strange and frightening powers, and who seeks only to protect his brother (whom he sees as a prophet/messiah) and to strike back against the Shadow and restore pride to his people. He is guarded and mistrustful for the time being, and is all the more dour as a result of the burdens and worries he carries. As time passes and the others earn his trust,Eyvindr will warm to the other PCs, and might even develop the qualities of a leader... just as other blessings and curses will manifest... Oh, and I also thought it was pretty cool that I had a deep relationship with another PC from the start...
So there you have it, Eyvindr's role, as I see it, in a nutshell...
I have no problems with your role, we all have our parts to play, he he.
My two cents:
-If Ragnar`s animal buddies start overshadowing the rest of the party, I`ll start worrying. But I`m not worried yet.
-I have absolutely no concerns about what might or might not happen at level 7, because I`m 99% sure that this game will be dead long before then. I`m a pessimist at heart -- prove me wrong, kids!
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I'm back. Had to watch Hurt Locker with my fiance.
Now, Ragnar has potential to become overpowered character. But I won't let it. And I think that Doomed Hero (his player) won't let it. I have a lot of experience with high powered games and difficult characters and I'm trying to bring that experience to this game.
You have to understand one thing - Ragnar's "pets" are not solely under his control. They are half-NPCs and I intend to use the ravens to move the story at some points. So far I didn't have to do it, because this game has seen some excellent role playing. If this game reaches high enough levels, I will let Ragnar assume more and more control over his ravens and wolves and whatever, but he'll have to "pay" for that with feats and role playing.
As to what happens at 7th level - you have a lot to go until you reach it. I wouldn't worry about it just yet.
I'm back. Had to watch Hurt Locker with my fiance.
What did you think?
Now, Ragnar has potential to become overpowered character. But I won't let it. And I think that Doomed Hero (his player) won't let it. I have a lot of experience with high powered games and difficult characters and I'm trying to bring that experience to this game.
On the flipside, I wouldn't mind help making my character powerful enough. I have no desire to power game, or play in a game where min/maxing is a must, but I would like a little guidance if I am going to do something that will gimp my character.
For example, I took Scorpion Style, thinking the Chops would be able to help with battlefield control. But if you have seen it in practice and know that it sucks, go ahead and let me know.
I posted back story though I will say that writing back stories isn't my strong suit.What do you have in mind for bonus feat? Remember, it should be based on your background.
Haunted from Ravenloft 3rd edition.
Haunted
The spirit of a friend, ally, or loved one has
returned from the grave to watch over you as a
geist.
Prerequisite: For the obvious reason, someone
close to you must have died.
Benefit: Your guardian spirit normally remains
in the Near Ethereal. Those who can see
ethereal creatures may spot the geist lurking near
you, but it is otherwise invisible and intangible.
The geist acts as a second pair of eyes and ears
when it manifests, allowing you a second roll on
Search, Spot, and Listen checks. The geist can also
inform you of events that take place in your
presence while you are asleep or unconscious, or it
can simply offer companionship.
Special: The geist communicates through
phantasms; it cannot affect physical objects. You
can ask the geist to manifest whenever you are
alone. The geist immediately vanishes if another
intelligent, living creature enters the scene. You
can summon the geist as often as you want, but
each time it manifests, it inflicts 1 point of temporary
Charisma damage as it unconsciously draws
strength from your will to live.
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** spoiler omitted **I posted back story though I will say that writing back stories isn't my strong suit.What do you have in mind for bonus feat? Remember, it should be based on your background.
Your character concept is awfully close to Ragnar's I'm afraid there will be a lot of overlapping. Also, you don't have the skills, offense, traits and equipment chosen and defined. I'm sorry, but your character is far from finished. There is still room for you in the game, but please finish your character. Take a look how Ragnar, Ilona or Pete, if you want simplicity, did their sheets.
Your character concept is awfully close to Ragnar's I'm afraid there will be a lot of overlapping. Also, you don't have the skills, offense, traits and equipment chosen and defined. I'm sorry, but your character is far from finished. There is still room for you in the game, but please finish your character. Take a look how Ragnar, Ilona or Pete, if you want simplicity, did their sheets.** spoiler omitted **I posted back story though I will say that writing back stories isn't my strong suit.What do you have in mind for bonus feat? Remember, it should be based on your background.
Me and Ragnar have already sat down and talked at length about our characters and there actually is surprisingly little overlap. My ghost companion will be the only companion I plan on picking up and his role will be minor. He will basically be my source for spell research seeing as how wisdom based casters learn from spirits. Also our character flavor and play styles are so far different.
And I know how to make a character sheet, I will have that done soon enough. I just assumed that it was really back story that was holding me back from entering the game.
Your character concept is awfully close to Ragnar's I'm afraid there will be a lot of overlapping. Also, you don't have the skills, offense, traits and equipment chosen and defined. I'm sorry, but your character is far from finished. There is still room for you in the game, but please finish your character. Take a look how Ragnar, Ilona or Pete, if you want simplicity, did their sheets.
Actually, he and I talked about this. There will be some overlap, but we're concentrating on very different areas of the Necromancer schtick. I think it will actually synergize rather than toe-step. His concept also ties the plotline of the 3 Dorns together really nicely.
I don't mind if he doesn't.
In related news, we should get back to discussing party roles (mechanical, not background) especially for all us magic-usery types.
Ragnar is basically a fighter-mage, so he'll start out as a frontline warrior (barbarian) but rapidly turn into a combat support character. He'll be slinging around Necromancy, and I don't really have plans to pick up any other schools. Maybe Divination to go with the whole Shaman vibe.
Right now he's basically the Party Tank. Later, he'll be the Save-or-Die guy who makes sure you all get Flanking bonuses.
I see Sky'tor as the ultimate Guerrilla warrior; Stealthily approach, kill with either bow or knives, sneak back out and cover the evidence...particularly against Fell creatures. Also pretty descent with herbs and natural plants.
Ilona's probably going to end up as an Arcane Warrior, Enchantment first, Illusion, maybe Transmutation or Abjuration. She may very well end up the party face at times.
Good for melee, group control, and team bonuses due to the Charismatic chaneller class.
Similar to Sky'tor, but less stealth and range, no covering up evidence unless need be and be he will probably be more of a front line fighter. As Chops advances in levels his AC should go up two and he should be able to tank a bit more. Also, I suppose if the situation comes up, he could do a little espionage since he does look a bit like the enemy and he does have ranks in Bluff (if not any Cha bonus).
Gilian was created with the healer position in view. So that's easy to figure. Heal, alchemy for salves, Conjuration and greater Conjuration. She also has good survival and perception and should turn Druid over time.
Solvistania is the ice queen of magic.
Solvistania is the ice queen of magic.
That's a hell of a lot of feats (one for each school). Any schools that you don't plan on picking up?
That's a hell of a lot of feats (one for each school). Any schools that you don't plan on picking up?Solvistania is the ice queen of magic.
says the girl who's spent two posts addressing the fact that she's freezing. Some snow elf...
says the girl who's spent two posts addressing the fact that she's freezing. Some snow elf...
Man do some quality RP'ing, and you get teased, he he. Well, becoming a snow witch will solve that problem.
Man do some quality RP'ing, and you get teased, he he. Well, becoming a snow witch will solve that problem.
This scene could be the motivation to push her in that direction. "Gosh, I hate being cold. I should learn how to never be cold again..."
This scene could be the motivation to push her in that direction. "Gosh, I hate being cold. I should learn how to never be cold again..."
Man do some quality RP'ing, and you get teased, he he. Well, becoming a snow witch will solve that problem.
True, although there are other motivations for her than just that, he he
nightflier
I nominate Gillian.
I nominate Gillian.
Works for me. Roll G.
thirded
Works for me. Roll G.I nominate Gillian.
Go for it Gilian.
Go for it Gilian.Works for me. Roll G.I nominate Gillian.
All right, i'll do it.
Just an aside, showing coincidences and such. I have a student named Illona, and I am currently reading Glen Cook's dread Empire novels, which features a character named Bragi Ragnarson. Both his father and son are named Ragnar. My accountant's name is Pete and one of my favorite Tv shows is called 'Chopped.'
Just an aside, showing coincidences and such. I have a student named Illona, and I am currently reading Glen Cook's dread Empire novels, which features a character named Bragi Ragnarson. Both his father and son are named Ragnar. My accountant's name is Pete and one of my favorite Tv shows is called 'Chopped.'
That's awesome.
Nightflier, what will you do with Zafina, who seems to have gone missing?
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I don't know yet. I was thinking on giving some more time to her player to appear. So far you eight managed just fine, but soon you will be in situations when every set of hands are helpful. If Zafina doesn't post anything till Monday, I'll try to replace her with Gabboge's character so that you are nine again.
I'm going out of town tonight and will be without internet access. I'll be back late monday night.
If any decisions need to be made, Twiceborn can make them for me. If we get into combat, assume Ragnar takes up a stance between the bad guys and the womenfolk (he's got some old world sensibilities) and uses his Reach weapon to it's best advantage. If he takes a hit that drops him below half, he'll rage.
Other than that, assume he stays quiet and broods.
Gabboge, is your character ready?
yea, i posted everything except my offense a while ago
The Weapon Bond Trait that about half the group has is extremely powerful. it basically allows a non-str based character to use their primary attribute to calculate attacks.
Also, generally speaking 1st level characters only work as 2-weapon fighters if they have a 20 in their attacking attribute and the Weapon Focus feat. Less than that and the odds are usually against you (this average based on encounters having a 15 or so AC)
At this point in the game, Chops *is* slightly underpowered as a melee charecter, but that's just because he isn't really a frontliner yet. He will really ramp up, but for now he's a lot closer in party role to a rogue or a scout or other combat support characters. For the first couple levels, I'd recommend really playing to the Defender's strengths. He's very mobile, can take some punishment, and will really shine if he teams up with anyone with Sneak Attack.
Flanking/Grappling to provide bonuses to the heavy damage folks (and to increase his own odds of hitting), andtumbling through the enemies front lines to grapple and ruin enemy spellcasters are going to be the things that Chops does best until about level 5. At that point he'll have enough feats and a high enough BaB to really start shining in Melee.
The Weapon Bond Trait that about half the group has is extremely powerful. it basically allows a non-str based character to use their primary attribute to calculate attacks.
Also, generally speaking 1st level characters only work as 2-weapon fighters if they have a 20 in their attacking attribute and the Weapon Focus feat. Less than that and the odds are usually against you (this average based on encounters having a 15 or so AC)
At this point in the game, Chops *is* slightly underpowered as a melee charecter, but that's just because he isn't really a frontliner yet. He will really ramp up, but for now he's a lot closer in party role to a rogue or a scout or other combat support characters. For the first couple levels, I'd recommend really playing to the Defender's strengths. He's very mobile, can take some punishment, and will really shine if he teams up with anyone with Sneak Attack.
Flanking/Grappling to provide bonuses to the heavy damage folks (and to increase his own odds of hitting), andtumbling through the enemies front lines to grapple and ruin enemy spellcasters are going to be the things that Chops does best until about level 5. At that point he'll have enough feats and a high enough BaB to really start shining in Melee.
Thanks you two. Chops is basically my second player character since getting back into roleplaying so those are things I didn't even consider. I just figured it was normal that a 1st level character only had a bonus of about +2 on attacks.
nightflier, with all of this said, would it be out of line if I requested to re-do some of Chops feats to make him more effective? For example, I never would have taken TWF if I knew I'd be gimping him.
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Thanks you two. Chops is basically my second player character since getting back into roleplaying so those are things I didn't even consider. I just figured it was normal that a 1st level character only had a bonus of about +2 on attacks.
nightflier, with all of this said, would it be out of line if I requested to re-do some of Chops feats to make him more effective? For example, I never would have taken TWF if I knew I'd be gimping him.
Of course it would be okay. Fun is essential part of gaming, in my opinion. But you'll need to wait to level up. I think that will happen pretty fast, so you can start thinking what to change right away.
The Weapon Bond Trait that about half the group has is extremely powerful. it basically allows a non-str based character to use their primary attribute to calculate attacks.
Yeah, I saw that feat and thought it was cheesy. You can pretty much plan on building a 5 stat character with it and be more effective than a big nasty fighter. Actually, I could have dumped Str and Cha, maxed out Dex and Con and been pretty awesome with that feat. Now that I've seen it in action, definitely cheesy.
Of course it would be okay. Fun is essential part of gaming, in my opinion. But you'll need to wait to level up. I think that will happen pretty fast, so you can start thinking what to change right away.
Thanks. I'll try and roll high and keep up with the healer and the rogue in the meantime.
Yeah, I saw that feat and thought it was cheesy. You can pretty much plan on building a 5 stat character with it and be more effective than a big nasty fighter. Actually, I could have dumped Str and Cha, maxed out Dex and Con and been pretty awesome with that feat. Now that I've seen it in action, definitely cheesy.
The Weapon Bond Trait that about half the group has is extremely powerful. it basically allows a non-str based character to use their primary attribute to calculate attacks.
On the other hand, what it does is allow the healer and the rogue, who are classically gimped in many fights, especially early on, to actually be decently effective. It also allows you to make a character who is a competent fighter, without having them have to be a hulking beast or an inhumanly graceful prissy-boy. Having the ability to customize your character's 'style' is good. (Case in point: Ilona)
More options are better than less.
Of course, what that means is that because it is suddenly easier to optimize characters for combat, those few that don't tend to stick out.
T-W Fighting will be a great investment for chops. Right now it's not much good, but it's a set-up feat for later. For now, just don't use it unless you're getting additional bonuses from somewhere else. Flanking, for example.
I see and understand the point, but aren't there feats out there that allow a character to use any stat for an attack bonus? To me, that would be more appropriate than to completely make strength unnecessary. There could be an additional feat that allows that stat for damage. I get that it allows non-full BAB classes be more effective in combat, but at the expense of making the player who wanted to play a fighter irrelevant. Of course, it only works for one weapon, but how many times are we going to find ourselves in that position?
Also, who says high strength equals hulking beast? I know we all know "that person" that doesn't look it, but is immensely strong.
Edit: This is coming from someone that wonders what strength has to do with hitting anything. I believe that strength or dexterity should be allowed for attack bonuses without need for a feat.