Post/Author/DateTime	Post
supercrazyGingerbreadman 08-02-06, 03:21 PM	I need some reasons as to why a blind person would go out and adventure when that is so visually dependent. I know that with a very high listen check (like 100 or higher) you can "see" beter with your ears than most do with their eyes. Also what classes would be able to acomedate a blind person. That is the person would be useful to a party instead of just a hindrence. Sorry about my spelling. Please let me hear your sugestions.
Syltorian 08-02-06, 04:41 PM	The most cliché answer would be the Blind Seer. As such, I would recommend a Psion. Not only can you play up to the mysticism of psionics by having a character as much "cut off" from the normal experiences of those around him as a blind man, you also get access to the Synesthete (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/synesthete.htm) power, thus being able to temporarily overcome his disadvantage. Otherwise, blindness is pretty crippling in a regular D&D game, that is, one that involves combat on a regular basis. If you are playing in a roleplaying-heavy game that relies little on trying to hit something over their head, you will be in a much better position. Wizard and other classes relying on spellbooks or scrolls could work if you let your DM write your things in Braille (or use a similar, tactile system); but most shops will not sell scrolls that way. Unless you are fighting monsters that cannot see themselves, but do have wizards. You will still not be able to target anyone, though, unless you happen to find them with a touch spell. Otherwise, a blind bard might work. Hearing is what is most important for them. Just stay back, use your bardic music, and even some non-attack spells that do not require you to see your target (for instance, your DM could rule that an ally can guide you for touch-range spells on themselves). Fascinate, for example, requires you to see your target; but many other Bardic Music abilities do not. As for why they might adventure: for all the same reasons that other adventurers go out. Perhaps they have never known a non-blind state, and have learned to cope well enough to risk relying only on their other senses. They could be seeking knowledge and tales, putting things right, or proving to someone who insulted or taunted them that they can become a great adventurer despite their impediment. Perhaps they are taking vengeance (perhaps against the person who blinded them, via a curse, other magic or mundane means). Perhaps a quest to stop that curse and recover their eyesight from the magic fountain they heard of in tales and legends, or from a now-vanished artifact (this again might point you in the direction of the Bard class), or maybe the curse has a condition that needs to be fulfilled for it to be broken, and sight returned; ideally something that your character can reasonably think he might achieved in the campaign (whether or not he is right to think so is another question. Even someone born blind might have heard of a mythical artifact or place that can restore sight.
Wyrmul 08-02-06, 06:30 PM	The curse idea is a great one. I have an NPC that is blind but has a blindfold that gives him darkvision 5/day. So If he has to he can see for a few minutes but beyond that he has to rely on party members. He was not born blind but lost his sight in exchange for expanded powers that he cannot use at the same time as the blindfold.
ericSHINRA 08-02-06, 11:07 PM	Hmm... I'm intrigued by the idea of a Druid with other strong senses to make up for his blindness. It might make an interesting NPC. I figure he'd still be blind in while in Wild Shape but maybe he could rely on his Animal Companion?
crow04 08-03-06, 12:44 AM	Hmm... I'm intrigued by the idea of a Druid with other strong senses to make up for his blindness. It might make an interesting NPC. I figure he'd still be blind in while in Wild Shape but maybe he could rely on his Animal Companion? yeah, mosho(sp?) from sojourn did exactly that, used an owl to time long bow shots
Harrow Blade 08-03-06, 11:24 PM	A character that is blind may find themselves thrust into adventure through a set of circumstances out side of thier control, eg kidnapped and abandonded in a strange land or something of the like. I had a mage who lost her sight at about 7th lvl and continued to adventure. Her sight could not be healed by magic due to a pact with Shar in order to keep her magic after being severed from the weave. She took some time off and spent some gold to have a special spell book made that had all the text raised like braile. (spelling?) A couple of skill points later and I could read it just as well with fingers as eyes. As for sight there are numerous spells that can substitute for eyes but some need to be extended for any decent duration. I think that if any class might adventure while blind it will be a psion. the get a 3rd lvl power called touch sight that is mighty handy or even better is the first level power Synesthete (from the srd) you receive one kind of sensory input when a different sense is stimulated. In particular, you can either feel light or feel sound. her presto you are seeing with your ears, or skin which ever your preference and with a decent duration. In my mind these simple powers make the psion my pick of class for a blind adventurer. As for reasons to adventure, you may decide that it is the best way to prove to others and more importantly to your self that you are not worthless just because you can't see. Perhaps a loved one, possibly your care giver has died/left/been kidnapped and you have to do something about it.