Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ajpopp 08-14-06, 10:02 PM	Can anyone give a mostly official answer about re-tooling characters? The level of detail on the Adventure Journals indicates that there will not be re-tooling of characters. Opinions on the boards seem split. I'm used to the Mark of Heroes system, where re-tooling is part of the package, but I don't really have a preference. I just want to know because it will make a big difference in character construction... I suppose I can play it safe and assume there will be no re-tooling, but that will leave my 1st level characters a little weaker. But hey, I'm sure the Lost Continent is littered with 1st level explorers who thought they had what it takes. Thanks for any information.
DBlizzard 08-15-06, 01:28 AM	I suppose I can play it safe and assume there will be no re-tooling, but that will leave my 1st level characters a little weaker. But hey, I'm sure the Lost Continent is littered with 1st level explorers who thought they had what it takes.It doesn't seem so. It seems the only retooling is with equipment.
Harliquinn 08-15-06, 08:19 AM	The problem with no re-tooling is two-fold: 1) The Campaign restrictions are not in yet. There are some fundamental differences between Mark of Heroes and Xen'drik in that certain races/classes/starting locations were restricted in MoH but allowed in XE. Therefore, it should be assumed that some previously restricted rules are now unlocked. Building a character against an unspecified restricted list and being unable to change is not the best way to allow maximum customization for characters in this new campaign. 2) The Campaign standards will likely change and expand, perhaps allowing new options in the future. In addition, new Campaign Cards will be released that may open up additional choices for classes, races, feats, and rules. It is unfair to make people create a brand new character (and technically lose all the work they've put in to their current one) in order to use a new rule that comes out a year down the line. In light of this, I understand there will be 'permanent' changes to your character that need to be reflected on the adventure journals. For instance, you hit a trap one day that permanently lowers your Strength by 1 point. This would need to be kept no matter what changes you make to your character. If the true desire is to have no retooling, I would like whoever is in charge to justify this ruling based upon the above 2 concerns. Harliquinn
Skerrit 08-15-06, 01:55 PM	This is not the final word on re-tooling your PC, but here is how I see it. XE allows only the retooling of your equipment, nothing else. Now we don't have the full rules for the campaign out yet, so it's not really a rule I would expect to enforce until after that, since after all, you don't actually know what's legal. As for how you respond to new rules coming out in new books, we are no different than many other RPGA campaigns. You can take something new, but you are stuck with what you had. It's only a two year campaign and you won't have any continuity if you change your PC every month based upon the latest release. We are already giving you way more options than any other campaign, try some of those before wishing you had even greener grass.
jeffpicard 08-15-06, 02:40 PM	I have to agree with the continuity point, MoH felt like you were chaning characters a lot. Changing equipment often is more akin to taking the time sell your stuff to another adventurer at MV instead of ½MV to a shopkeeper. That said, I hope there will be the oppertunity to use the retooling options from the PH2. a more rules based (and limited) option to do that will alleviate the "I'd have taken X sooner if they'd made the prestige class legal before" syndrome
Harliquinn 08-15-06, 03:09 PM	I am pleased at the options allowed in the campaign per faction. I think once the campaign rules are finalized with a restricted list based upon the current options, that will alleviate most of the problems with no retooling. It was mainly the issue as stated (We don't know what's legal yet) that was causing my own retooling issues. I don't personally expect to retool much once I know for sure about a few feats, prestige classes, etc.
ajpopp 08-15-06, 03:30 PM	Thanks, Greg. I'm happy with all the options! I actually find them somewhat overwhelming--too many cool characters to play as it is. I can see how it would be fun to make up Fastplay characters. Regarding re-tooling, I was more interested because changing feats or stats in MoH turned out to be critical--my wizard's having Toughness his first couple of levels literally saved his life 2, possibly 3, times. But once he hit 7th level, I dropped Toughness. Or something similar for a cleric's wisdom--a 12 at first level is fine, meaning more points for CON. But for a higher level cleric, wisdom needs to be higher. It sounds like the intent is to have continuous characters. I actually like that better, it just means I need to plan more carefully. I'm not concerned about all the new stuff coming out--I can add a feat, spell or item to my expansion list, and I rarely get excited about a new Prestige Class (like the Revenant Blade--too cool). -Al