"Raiders of the Black Ice" and Frostburn

[Deimodius]

I'm hoping either someone at Dungeon can help me with this, or that Wolfgang Baur himself might be able to answer my questions (I found an email address for him, but it doesn't seem to be working).

I have a few questions about Frostburn , specifically differences between the rules in the book, and the "lite" version of the rules included with the adventure "Raiders of the Black Ice" in Dungeon Issue #115.

I purchased Frostburn (great book by the way) and recently started running the "Raiders of Black Ice" adventure to introduce my friends to the new rules. While doing so, I noticed some discrepancies between the module and the FB book. I understand that changes get made after other things have gone to print, but I'd like to know which rules to follow, especially in cases where they appear in one place, but not the other.

Specifically I am concerned with the following:

1. The "Weather while travelling" chart from pg. 23 of Dungeon issue 115. I see that the categories of weather are slightly different in the FB book. Specifically the Heat Wave and Cold Snap entries were combined on one line, and the "Snow" entry (in the module) was changed to "precipitation" in the FB book (and has a different desctiption of its effects).

I also noticed that the "Snow level change" and "Tracking DC modifier" columns from the chart in the module were not included in FB. I have looked through FB many times and I can not find any mention of the affects of weather on tracking. As for snow level, the chart and descriptions of determining snow level in the module are different form those in FB. In fact, in FB the entry for precipitation does not indicate how much snow accumulates.

Further, in the module, it indicats how much snow melts in a heat wave, but FB does not indicate this (since it only indicates temperature fluctuations of +/- 10° F).

2. Overland movement; it seems the chart for overland movement is different from the chart in the 3.5 PHB. Specifically it gives distances travelled (with no snowfall) as 20' = 15 miles, 30' = 20 miles, etc. which does not jive with the PHB which has 20' = 16 miles, and 30' = 24 miles.

Not only is there this discrepacy compared to the PHB, but in the module it states that skis "allow full movement across... snowy surfaces...". If they allow full movement, then a human with speed 30' in less than 12" of snow should be able to go 24 miles, not the 35 miles stated in the chart on pg 35 of the module, unless skis allow _faster_ than full movement.

Thanks for any help you can give me. If you can't answer the questions directly, is there a better place to ask, or some way I can get in touch with Mr. Baur?

[Taricus]

First of all, I don't have Frostburn, yet. (but plan on getting it soon...)

Deimodius wrote:

1. The "Weather while travelling" chart from pg. 23 of Dungeon issue 115. I see that the categories of weather are slightly different in the FB book. Specifically the Heat Wave and Cold Snap entries were combined on one line, and the "Snow" entry (in the module) was changed to "precipitation" in the FB book (and has a different desctiption of its effects).

I would say to follow the module in this case. Weather is very subjective and tied to specific places. Your players won't notice if it changes from the table in FB. Consider weather to be a bit of flavor. It affects things sure, but there's no need to have to fight between the two tables. Weather in canada and europe at the same latitude won't be the same. One single table isn't going to say it all. So, just go with it. :)

Deimodius wrote:

I also noticed that the "Snow level change" and "Tracking DC modifier" columns from the chart in the module were not included in FB. I have looked through FB many times and I can not find any mention of the affects of weather on tracking. As for snow level, the chart and descriptions of determining snow level in the module are different form those in FB. In fact, in FB the entry for precipitation does not indicate how much snow accumulates.

Further, in the module, it indicats how much snow melts in a heat wave, but FB does not indicate this (since it only indicates temperature fluctuations of +/- 10° F).

You can find the affects of weather on tracking in the PHB. It includes snow, rain, ect. there. That might be where the author pulled it from.

Also, the snow levels (accumulations, too.) and how much snow melts, ect. is just like above. Flavor of the module and the area it is in--also it may be based on the needs of the module--to create that setting and feel. I would just say to go with the module (unless you set it in a part of your world that you feel would be different... and in that case, just make a guess or go with what u are more comfortable with...)

Deimodius wrote:

2. Overland movement; it seems the chart for overland movement is different from the chart in the 3.5 PHB. Specifically it gives distances travelled (with no snowfall) as 20' = 15 miles, 30' = 20 miles, etc. which does not jive with the PHB which has 20' = 16 miles, and 30' = 24 miles.

I'd say just go with the PHB. Core rulebooks should probably take precedence over accessories. There might also be a difference in how deep the snow is that u missed. *shrug* --but when in doubt, going with the core rules is best.

Deimodius wrote:

Not only is there this discrepacy compared to the PHB, but in the module it states that skis "allow full movement across... snowy surfaces...". If they allow full movement, then a human with speed 30' in less than 12" of snow should be able to go 24 miles, not the 35 miles stated in the chart on pg 35 of the module, unless skis allow _faster_ than full movement.

This is an iffy one... LOL I'd have to go look at the module and the book to answer it (and I haven't even gotten the book, yet.) Is the module talking about going downhill? There's a difference between cross-country skiing and downhill skiing. If you are going downhill, you will go faster than your normal movement rate. If it'z cross-country, i'd just go with normal movement rate (speed up on downslopes, slowdown on upslopes, ect.) It depends I guess... If it'z just talking about in general, I'd go with the PHB again. you said that the module stated two different things--not sure if that was meant for a comparison between the PHB and the module (cuz again, i'm too lazy to go pick up the books LOL)... I'm just assuming that'z what u meant. In which case, (as stated above), i'd go with the PHB.

All in all, don't let rules discrepancies bog down ur game. Just decide what fits you and go with what u feel is right. Compare rules and decide for yourself. After you have decided, just stick with it--unless you genuinely feel you made a mistake; in which case, just inform your players. Movement speeds are important, yes; but, the difference between 15 miles or 16 miles--or even 20 vs 24--aren't that important, in the end--and can only add tension and excitement, if they're racing against time. The important thing is to just have fun and keep your game consistant. (Also, when rules are summarized, they sometimes contradict the rules in the sourcebook--to keep them simple... but anytime they contradict the core books and you can't make a decision, go with the core rulebook).

Hope that helped you out! :) Later...