The Wii & D&D: The Link Effect, Part Deux [Archive] - Wizards Community

The Wii & D&D: The Link Effect, Part Deux [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Kevtar
12-18-06, 04:07 PM Hi all,

So, I'm the DM for my sons and their friends. On average, we have anywhere from 6-10 teenagers (male and female) over to play every Friday. So far, the sessions have been pretty good, and I've only had one occasion where a player has asked for a video-game inspired PC to be allowed in the game. (He wanted a suit of armor like Samus' Varia suit). I'm always somewhat reticent to do this because, with D&D being an abstract game, certain elements from video games don't cross-over well.

That said, I was recently asked to help a player build a Link-esque character using primarily core (meaning PHB & DMG) elements. The PC is 7th level. Also, the player wanted the "twilight princess" Link as opposed to the "Ocarina of Time" Link.

Here's what I've come up with so far. Do you have any alternative builds to offer? If so, I would love to see them. For the record, here are stats he rolled, and we've decided for the sake of simplicity, to have this Link character be human.

LINK; Human Ftr7: CR 7; ECL 7;
Size M; HD 7d10+14; hp 60;
Init +4;
Spd 40 ft (base 30 ft);
AC 21, touch 14, FF 17;
BAB +7/+2; Grapple +10;
Melee: +11/+6 (Bastard Sword +1)
Ranged: +12/+7 (Mighty Composite Shortbow, +1 STR)
AL NG;
SV Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +3;
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 10.

Skills: Climb +11, Handle Animal +10, Jump +17, Ride +16, Swim +8, Tumble +11 Cross-class skill to make the PC "feel" more "Linky.";
Feats: Combat Expertise, Dodge, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard sword), Improved Shield Bash I didn't think this was worth the feat, but he wanted it because this is a new feature of the Wii game. , :rolleyes: Mobility, Mounted Archery, Mounted Combat, Power Attack.

The Dodge, Mobility, and Combat Expertise are so he can get Whirlwind Attack later on. I also approved the "Leap Attack" feat from Complete Adventurer (x's Power Attack bonus x2, or x3 if with two-handed weapon) since this also seemed very "Linky"

Possessions: , +1 Mithral shirt, Mighty shortbow (+1 str) composite +1, +1 Bastard sword, +1 Light steel shield, Gauntlets of ogre power (+2 STR), Boots of striding and springing, Bag of holding 1, 10 Arrows +1 (frost), 10 Arrows +1 (flaming), 5 Arrows +1 (holy), Cloak of resistance +1.

He also has a Heavy Warhorse. I thought about creating a custom magic item, like an ocarina that would let him summon a Heavy Warhorse 3x/day, but I guess that is too "old Link." His personal wealth is a little bit higher than the suggested PC wealth for his level, but these PCs are between 7th and 8th level, so I'm not too concerned about that.

I tried to get as many "Linky" items as I could without having to create new, specific items. However, I intend on creating items like a "Zora Tunic" etc... when the PCs are of sufficient level to own items that grant freedom of movement and water breathing)

Can you build a better Link? I would love to be able to offer this player a few options as he isn't too familiar with D&D, and I'm not very familiar with "the Twilight Princess Link."

Now, if he wanted an "Ocarina of Time Link," that would be a different story... :)
mato_hibiki
12-19-06, 01:18 AM You'll get no help for me on the Link issue, simply because I don't see how you'd rp as Link.

HE NEVER SPEAKS.

... Constructively, yeah, I think you've got the character's abilities spot on.

As for the Samus armor you mentioned, if you check out the d20 section, I know there's either a post, or a link (not Link) to a class. A class called Chozo warrior.

Anyways, good luck.
Moosh Nailo
12-19-06, 09:24 PM I think it's great. And I'm sure you guys will have no problem with the roleplaying, seeing as you said this is a Link-esque character, not Link himself.

I'm playing Twilight Princess right now, but I'm not to terribly far into the game, so not sure I'd be the greatest help for everything.
I like the flavour added with Link's shield bash in the new game, and the fact that the player is going for the flavour elements rather than powering your "Link" up.

Definitely don't see the wealth as an issue, as there are no overpowering items or anything.

One thing that I'd change, though I'm being nitpicky now, is switching a few skill points over from climb to swim. Link never has problems swimming, but is such a slow climber. Or maybe it's just me. Enh.

Not sure if I helped any, but heres to hoping.

Best of luck
TwoPi
12-20-06, 04:21 PM Hook Shot...I dont know how to do it but if you figure it out I want one for my characters, the idea is fun and would be good for those archers who get bonuses for being higher then the target
TheAnthroDM
12-20-06, 05:41 PM Doesn't Link wield a long sword as opposed to a "bastard sword"?
the_narrator
12-25-06, 02:04 AM Nah, the Master Sword is a bit to large, long, and broad to be a simple long sword (for reference, the replica is 64 inches long). Remember that in D&D, a Long sword is basically an arming sword, and a bastard sword would be a long sword.

@OP: This looks very good to me. I'm just wondering how one would go about representing the Hook Shot without custom making something.
Flay Crimsonwind
12-25-06, 06:51 PM @OP: This looks very good to me. I'm just wondering how one would go about representing the Hook Shot without custom making something.A dagger-whip? That'd work for the combat. I suppose you could just enchant it like a rope for the climbing ability. There's gotta be something that works. I might have something a lil bit later.....
FRRC
12-26-06, 08:15 AM After seeing your thread on the General Discussion section, I took another look at how I would build Link. I came up with:

Ranger 9/Wild Plains Outrider 3/Theif Acrobat 3/Occult Slayer 5

Stats: S: 17, D: 16, C: 14, I: 14, W: 12, Ch: 13

Feats: Point Blank Shot, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Power Attack, Mounted Combat, Mounted Archery, Improved Initiative, Leap Attack, Improved Sheild Bash.

Link is actually quite slow and clumsy in battle. He tumbles around a bit but his movements are generally quite slow and he stumbles/gets knocked down alot.

Just my thoughts
Dragonlord20000
12-27-06, 04:26 PM For the Hookshot, the closest thing you could get without a specific item would be a Rope of Climbing from the DMG. The rope snakes to a desired location at 10 feet/round then latches on and allows easy climbing. If you really want a Hookshot feel make the speed that the rope moves a little higher, like all 60 feet in a round.

As for Roleplaying Link some things to remember would be:

Quiet
Compasionate(especially in Majora's Mask)
Good Natured
Helpful

That is assuming that all the Links more or less behave the same way, which from playing the N 64 and Snes games, I'd say they do.
AMGriffin
12-27-06, 08:38 PM First thing I noticed: The wisdom isn't high enough.

I know balance is tough but Link is one courageous guy, he'd have a pretty high will save I think, you could in theory balance it out with iron will though I guess.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Kevtar 12-18-06, 04:07 PM	Hi all, So, I'm the DM for my sons and their friends. On average, we have anywhere from 6-10 teenagers (male and female) over to play every Friday. So far, the sessions have been pretty good, and I've only had one occasion where a player has asked for a video-game inspired PC to be allowed in the game. (He wanted a suit of armor like Samus' Varia suit). I'm always somewhat reticent to do this because, with D&D being an abstract game, certain elements from video games don't cross-over well. That said, I was recently asked to help a player build a Link-esque character using primarily core (meaning PHB & DMG) elements. The PC is 7th level. Also, the player wanted the "twilight princess" Link as opposed to the "Ocarina of Time" Link. Here's what I've come up with so far. Do you have any alternative builds to offer? If so, I would love to see them. For the record, here are stats he rolled, and we've decided for the sake of simplicity, to have this Link character be human. LINK; Human Ftr7: CR 7; ECL 7; Size M; HD 7d10+14; hp 60; Init +4; Spd 40 ft (base 30 ft); AC 21, touch 14, FF 17; BAB +7/+2; Grapple +10; Melee: +11/+6 (Bastard Sword +1) Ranged: +12/+7 (Mighty Composite Shortbow, +1 STR) AL NG; SV Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +3; Abilities: Str 17, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 10. Skills: Climb +11, Handle Animal +10, Jump +17, Ride +16, Swim +8, Tumble +11 Cross-class skill to make the PC "feel" more "Linky."; Feats: Combat Expertise, Dodge, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard sword), Improved Shield Bash I didn't think this was worth the feat, but he wanted it because this is a new feature of the Wii game. , :rolleyes: Mobility, Mounted Archery, Mounted Combat, Power Attack. The Dodge, Mobility, and Combat Expertise are so he can get Whirlwind Attack later on. I also approved the "Leap Attack" feat from Complete Adventurer (x's Power Attack bonus x2, or x3 if with two-handed weapon) since this also seemed very "Linky" Possessions: , +1 Mithral shirt, Mighty shortbow (+1 str) composite +1, +1 Bastard sword, +1 Light steel shield, Gauntlets of ogre power (+2 STR), Boots of striding and springing, Bag of holding 1, 10 Arrows +1 (frost), 10 Arrows +1 (flaming), 5 Arrows +1 (holy), Cloak of resistance +1. He also has a Heavy Warhorse. I thought about creating a custom magic item, like an ocarina that would let him summon a Heavy Warhorse 3x/day, but I guess that is too "old Link." His personal wealth is a little bit higher than the suggested PC wealth for his level, but these PCs are between 7th and 8th level, so I'm not too concerned about that. I tried to get as many "Linky" items as I could without having to create new, specific items. However, I intend on creating items like a "Zora Tunic" etc... when the PCs are of sufficient level to own items that grant freedom of movement and water breathing) Can you build a better Link? I would love to be able to offer this player a few options as he isn't too familiar with D&D, and I'm not very familiar with "the Twilight Princess Link." Now, if he wanted an "Ocarina of Time Link," that would be a different story... :)
mato_hibiki 12-19-06, 01:18 AM	You'll get no help for me on the Link issue, simply because I don't see how you'd rp as Link. HE NEVER SPEAKS. ... Constructively, yeah, I think you've got the character's abilities spot on. As for the Samus armor you mentioned, if you check out the d20 section, I know there's either a post, or a link (not Link) to a class. A class called Chozo warrior. Anyways, good luck.
Moosh Nailo 12-19-06, 09:24 PM	I think it's great. And I'm sure you guys will have no problem with the roleplaying, seeing as you said this is a Link-esque character, not Link himself. I'm playing Twilight Princess right now, but I'm not to terribly far into the game, so not sure I'd be the greatest help for everything. I like the flavour added with Link's shield bash in the new game, and the fact that the player is going for the flavour elements rather than powering your "Link" up. Definitely don't see the wealth as an issue, as there are no overpowering items or anything. One thing that I'd change, though I'm being nitpicky now, is switching a few skill points over from climb to swim. Link never has problems swimming, but is such a slow climber. Or maybe it's just me. Enh. Not sure if I helped any, but heres to hoping. Best of luck
TwoPi 12-20-06, 04:21 PM	Hook Shot...I dont know how to do it but if you figure it out I want one for my characters, the idea is fun and would be good for those archers who get bonuses for being higher then the target
TheAnthroDM 12-20-06, 05:41 PM	Doesn't Link wield a long sword as opposed to a "bastard sword"?
the_narrator 12-25-06, 02:04 AM	Nah, the Master Sword is a bit to large, long, and broad to be a simple long sword (for reference, the replica is 64 inches long). Remember that in D&D, a Long sword is basically an arming sword, and a bastard sword would be a long sword. @OP: This looks very good to me. I'm just wondering how one would go about representing the Hook Shot without custom making something.
Flay Crimsonwind 12-25-06, 06:51 PM	@OP: This looks very good to me. I'm just wondering how one would go about representing the Hook Shot without custom making something.A dagger-whip? That'd work for the combat. I suppose you could just enchant it like a rope for the climbing ability. There's gotta be something that works. I might have something a lil bit later.....
FRRC 12-26-06, 08:15 AM	After seeing your thread on the General Discussion section, I took another look at how I would build Link. I came up with: Ranger 9/Wild Plains Outrider 3/Theif Acrobat 3/Occult Slayer 5 Stats: S: 17, D: 16, C: 14, I: 14, W: 12, Ch: 13 Feats: Point Blank Shot, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Power Attack, Mounted Combat, Mounted Archery, Improved Initiative, Leap Attack, Improved Sheild Bash. Link is actually quite slow and clumsy in battle. He tumbles around a bit but his movements are generally quite slow and he stumbles/gets knocked down alot. Just my thoughts
Dragonlord20000 12-27-06, 04:26 PM	For the Hookshot, the closest thing you could get without a specific item would be a Rope of Climbing from the DMG. The rope snakes to a desired location at 10 feet/round then latches on and allows easy climbing. If you really want a Hookshot feel make the speed that the rope moves a little higher, like all 60 feet in a round. As for Roleplaying Link some things to remember would be: Quiet Compasionate(especially in Majora's Mask) Good Natured Helpful That is assuming that all the Links more or less behave the same way, which from playing the N 64 and Snes games, I'd say they do.
AMGriffin 12-27-06, 08:38 PM	First thing I noticed: The wisdom isn't high enough. I know balance is tough but Link is one courageous guy, he'd have a pretty high will save I think, you could in theory balance it out with iron will though I guess.