Was wondering if there were any programs out there that could be used to build an isometric town or city map?
Playsets seemed incorporate this, but with two weeks left and not even a third of its way to goal, I'm not sure how long it'll take to even get to beta. Also, if you haven't seen it before, check it out. It's pretty spiff.
So! Does anybody know of anything that can be used to whip up these sorts of maps without having to draw them yourself?
Alternatively, if anybody knows of a collection of stock isometric building images and that could be used in lieu of an actual program, that would be great as well.
What are some potential abuses that could arise from the use of Charisma instead of Constitution for determinng Hit Points?
I'm not too concerned about casters like bards or sorcs gaining the extra health, but Paladins seem like they could be extremely potent if they just pump their Charisma. What other potential problems or abuses could arise from this swap?
Context: I've had a homebrew semi-undead race (Spirits of the dead manifested into physical bodies with ghost-like limbs) as part of my setting for a while, but I'm reworking them to make them a proper player race. That's where this question comes from.
After the duration of a charm or compulsion effect (such as Charm Person or Suggestion) expires, does the subject become immediately aware that they were under such an effect?
If so, doesn't this seem a little counter-intuitive for the more subtle spells like suggestion? ie. "If you give me the key, I'm sure it'll be worth your while *wink*". As the spell ends when the deed is done, would they attempt to take the key back, or would they continue thinking that the suggestion was reasonable?
Additional question: If a spellcaster identifies a charm spell as it is being cast on him (through Spellcraft), and he fails his save, is he aware that he is charmed? Since he retains autonomy (Merely interpereting requests in the most favourable way), would he be free to dispel the magic on himself if possible (Through the use of break enchantment/dispel magic)?
The Imperial Seal – an ancient artefact of the Reijin Empire. Whosoever possesses it can claim the Throne of Shiroishi and rule over Higashi-Rei, putting an end to years of conflict and battle. The Seal had been thought lost forever in the great battle of Ozu, but now rumours of its reappearance in the far-flung deserts of Gracia have sparked a race to find it and restore the Reijin Empire to a unified whole.
In your investigations you met Felipe Cortez, an automator who knew the whereabouts of the late Emperor Katsuyori Takeda, who was previously assumed to be dead. Persuading him to share his information, you have joined his caravan as he leads an expedition into the Gracian deserts to find the lost imperial.
The Caravan:
You are currently travelling as part of Cortez’ archaeological caravan. It consists of a few key characters as well as half a dozen mercenary guards on camels and two automated beasts of burden (Constructs superficially similar to bulettes). The significant members of the caravan are as follows:
Felipe Cortez Male N Automator
A famed automator and personal friend of Cid Hermenegild, the current Caliph of Aldebaran. In his youth he sheltered a gravely wounded Takeda before he went into self-imposed exile.
Aurelius de Labran Male N Duskblade
Cortez’ brother-in-law and bodyguard. His arms and shoulders were replaced with automated limbs after they were destroyed in a particularly gruesome battle.
Evitaerc Gnihtemos Female N Rogue/Cleric
The bastard daughter of the late Emperor Takeda. She was born out of wedlock to the matron of one of the ninja clans serving the Emperor. She has come to Gracia to recover the Seal, but has no interest in claiming the throne herself.
Usman Male CN Ranger
A gunman famed for the number of assassins he has killed. After killing his best friend to stop the Seal from falling into the wrong hands, he has vowed to make sure it finds its way to a worthy successor.
Siraj Male NE Fighter
An enforcer who once worked for the crime lord Farouq Nazari. Following Farouq’s demise, he has since shifted his allegiance to Lucia whom he serves loyally.
The Party:
Orotoshi Haig Male N Undead Samurai
A former soldier of the Reijin Empire who perished during the Kaneda Campaign. He was resurrected as a ghoul by the taint of the Black Lands. He was freed from servitude following the death of his master and has followed Evi as a guardian ever since.
Lucia de le Cruz Female CN Sorceress
A capricious enchantress whose curiosity and desire for recognition has put her in pursuit of the Imperial Seal. Common interest has caused her to come to an agreement with Evi – They will work together… for now.
Glossary:
Higashi-Rei
The home of the Reijin Empire, a country plunged into civil war following the (supposed) death of its Emperor and the loss of the Imperial Seal during the Kaneda Campaign. The main states vying for control are Elbon, Nori and Arebis.
The Kaneda Campaign
A grim period of time when the Throne of Shiroishi was seized by a dark warrior named Kaneda who raised an army of demonic creatures to usurp the Emperor. His rule lasted for four years before he was finally defeated by the allied forces.
Shiroishi
The Iron Citadel – capital of Higashi-Rei. What was once a glorious beacon of majesty and power is now an abandoned ruin filled with rust and evil spirits.
Katsuyori Takeda
The late Emperor of Higashi-Rei. Was thought to have been killed in the Kaneda Campaign, though rumours of his survival are not uncommon.
Gracia
Also known as New Suel, it is an arid country inhabited by the descendants of the ancient civilisation of Suel. It is south of Higashi-Rei, across the Sahuagin Sea.
Aldebaran
The capitol of Gracia, a relatively new city. The current Caliph is Cid Hermenegild.
The Unified Guild of Assassins (U.G.A)
A powerful organization of the world’s greatest assassins, believed to be based in Aldebaran. Rumour has it that they too are after the Imperial Seal, for reasons unknown.
~~~
The Aldebaran steppe is an unforgiving place. Beneath every stone lies death in the form of a glistening black scorpion or a venom-filled adder. The ground crumbles beneath your feet with each false step, giving way to jagged pitfalls and long-forgotten caverns. The sun beats down from above, fracturing the desiccated ground. Broken spires and gaping chasms form as the earth trembles and shifts, rearranging the surface world. Nothing is permanent here.
You have been travelling for a little over a week now, and yet your objective still seems so far away. In the distance you see the ground suddenly drop off, forming a steep cliff down to the ground below. As you draw nearer, you notice that a vast forest of cacti stretches across the arid plain from the base of the cliff. Something seems to stir within it, though you’re not sure if it is something real or just a trick of the light.
”The infamous wandering Saguaro forest,” Usman whispers, a hint of awe in his voice. His amber eyes scan the horizon, taking in the vast panorama before him. ”Never would I have thought I would see it in person.”
”You will do more than see it, my friend. It seems we must cross it to reach our destination.” Cortez comments, adjusting his spectacles. Despite the cloying desert heat, he seems quite cool - no doubt a result of his arcane talents. ”Though it surprises me also… I would not have guessed it this far north, not this time of year.”
”An unwelcome inconvenience.” Aurelius mutters. “I will scout a route down.”
He folds his arms as he walks towards the cliff edge, the metal of his shoulders gleaming in the sunlight.
Evi shifts uncomfortably on the saddle behind Haig. It seems that her wound still has not healed properly.
"What now, boss?" Siraj asks, turning to Lucia. A dribble of sweat runs down the muscular man's dark brow before being wiped away by a ragged sleeve. "Just take a break, mm?"
Let's get an initial post down to make sure everything's shipshape before we get started.
