Post/Author/DateTime	Post
WizO_BigSister 11-09-03, 09:11 AM	I am taking the liberty of amalgamating a couple of new threads into one cohesive thread. GROUND RULES 1/. Stay on topic. This type of thread has proved to be incredibly useful to a large number of members. However previous threads were long enough as it is, and pretty daunting to a newcomer. Posting off topic makes this worse. There is no point having a thread solely devoted to asking a specific people questions if it gets sidetracked. I am not being overly heavy with a request to stay on topic as the sidetracking seen on past thread has generated complaints. In other words those of you who don't stay on topic are spoiling this thread for others. If you want to discuss issues that come up as a tangent on this thread then create a new topic. Link to the new topic by all means, but stick to direct questions or direct discussion of the answers. Any thread hijacking posts that lead to complaints will simply be deleted. 2/. Follow the golden rule. Feel free to disagree with Richard or any other poster but remember “It is ok to attack the ideas written by a poster. It is not ok to attack the person writing the ideas. If you can’t tell the difference, then perhaps you shouldn’t post on that theme.” 3/. The questions should be about supplements and core rule books, not about FR fiction. Those questions belong on the novels forum. 4/. BEHAVE! There is no obligation for any of the authors to respond to these questions. In fact with all the insults that have been flung at them over the years it is a miracle any of the authors still frequent these boards. Don't get angry if your question isn't answered. Stay polite to those authors who do answer, and don't chase them away!
WizO_BigSister 11-09-03, 09:12 AM	Dargoth posted As PGTF is the next Ill repost the Contents page from the old thread Player's Guide to Faerun TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction How to Use This Book in Your Campaign xx What You Need to Play xx Sidebar: What’s This Book For? xx Previous Forgotten Realms Products xx Chapter 1: Races Humans xx Human Ethnicites xx Dwarves xx Gold Dwarves xx Gray Dwarves xx Shield Dwarves xx Elves xx Drow xx Moon Elves xx Sun Elves xx Wild Elves xx Wood Elves xx Gnomes xx Deep Gnomes xx Rock Gnomes xx Halfbreeds xx Half-Elves xx Half-Orcs xx Halflings xx Ghostwise Halflings xx Lightfoot Halflings xx Strongheart Halflings xx Planetouched xx Aasimar xx Air Genasi xx Earth Genasi xx Fire Genasi xx Tiefling xx Water Genasi xx Vital Statistics xx Sidebar: Variants: Races with Level Adjustments xx Powerful Races at 1st Level xx Lesser Versions xx Chapter 2: Regions and Feats xx Character Region xx Sidebar: Why Regions Changed xx How to Choose a Region xx Region Benefits xx Regions and Skills xx Region Definitions xx Feats xx Regional Feats xx Sidebar: Regional Feats and Previously Published Material xx Arcane Preparation xx Arcane Schooling xx Artist xx Axethrower xx Blooded xx Bloodline of Fire xx Bullheaded xx Cosmopolitan xx Dauntless xx Daylight Adaptation xx Delay Spell xx Discipline xx Dreadful Wrath xx Education xx Ethran xx Fearless xx Fleet of Foot xx Foe Hunter xx Forester xx Forgeheart xx Furious Charge xx Horse Nomad xx Improved Familiar xx Innate Spell xx Inscribe Rune xx Insidious Magic xx Knifefighter xx Luck of Heroes xx Magic in the Blood xx Magical Artisan xx Magical Training xx Mercantile Background xx Militia xx Mind over Body xx Otherworldly xx Pernicious Magic xx Persistant Spell xx Portal Master xx Reactive Counterspell xx Resist Poison xx Saddleback xx Shadow Weave Magic xx Signature Spell xx Silver Palm xx Smooth Talk xx Snake Blood xx Spell Thematics xx Spellcasting Prodigy xx Spellwise xx Stormheart xx Street Smart xx Strong Soul xx Surefooted xx Survivor xx Swift and Silent xx Tattoo Focus xx Tenacious Magic xx Thug xx Thunder Twin xx Tireless xx Treetopper xx Twin Spell xx Twin Sword Style xx Sidebar: Changes to Feats from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting xx Chapter 3: Prestige Classes xx Prestige Classes for Faerûnian Characters xx Sidebar: What’s Changed in v.3.5? xx Sidebar: Behind the Curtain: Revised Prestige Classes xx Arcane Devotee xx Divine Champion xx Divine Disciple xx Divine Seeker xx Evereskan Tomb Guardian xx Eye of Horus-Re xx Hammer of Moradin xx Harper Agent xx Hathran xx Incantatrix xx Justiciar of Tyr xx Master Transmogrifist xx Monk of the Long Death xx Morninglord of Lathander xx Purple Dragon Knight xx Runecaster xx Shadow Adept xx Shadow Thief of Amn xx Shaaryan Hunter xx Spellguard of Silverymoon xx Zhentarim Spy xx Chapter 4: Domains and Spells xx Deity-Specific Spells and Initiate Feats xx Initiate of Bane xx Initiate of Cyric xx Initiate of Gond xx Initiate of Helm xx Initiate of Ilmater xx Initiate of Lathander xx Initaite of Malar xx Initiate of Mystra xx Initaite of Nature xx Initiate of Selûne xx Initaite of Tyr xx Comprehensive Spell Lists xx Assassin Spells xx Bard Spells xx Blackguard Spells xx Celebrant of Sharess Spells1xx Cleric Spells xx Cleric Domains xx Initiate Spells xx Druid Spells xx Fire Knife Assassin Spells xx Hathran Spells xx Paladin Spells xx Ranger Spells xx Sorcerer and Wizard Spells xx Spells xx Acid Storm xx Animate Dread Warrior xx Ball Lightning xx Battletide xx Black Talon xx Blinding Spittle xx Blindsight xx Bombardment xx Briartangle xx Caligarde’s Claw xx Claws of the Beast xx Cloud of Bewilderment xx Create Magic Tattoo xx Dread Blast xx Elminster’s Effulgent Epuration xx Eye of Power xx Favor of Ilmater xx Fiendform xx Fireward xx Fleshshiver xx Forceward xx Gedlee’s Electric Loop xx Glory of the Martyr xx General of Undeath xx Handfire xx Harmony xx Holy Star xx Howling Chain xx Icelance xx Inferno xx Lawful Sword xx Lightning Ring xx Lively Step xx Mace of Odo xx Manyjaws xx Mold Touch xx Moonweb xx Mystic Lash xx Mystra’s Miasma xx Nature’s Balance xx Nybor’s Gentle Reminder xx Nybor’s Mild Admonishment xx Nybor’s Stern Reproof xx Nchaser’s Glowing Orb xx Obedient Avalanche xx Pact of Martyrdom xx Possess Animal xx Presper’s Moonbow xx Prismatic Eye xx ‘ Rosemantle xx Ruby Ray of Reversal xx Shield of Lathander xx Shield of Lathander, Greater xx Shroud of Flame xx Simbul’s Spell Matrix xx Simbul’s Spell Sequencer xx Simbul’s Spell Trigger xx Skull of Secrets xx Skull Eyes xx Skull Watch xx Spectral Stag xx Spell Enhancer xx Spellmantle xx Spell Phylactery xx Spell Shield xx Stone Body xx Stone Walk xx Strength of the Beast xx Summon Undead I xx Summon Undead II xx Summon Undead III xx Summon Undead IV xx Summon Undead V xx Sunrise xx Surelife xx Sword and Hammer xx Sword and Hammerm, Greater xx Thorn Spray xx Tree Healing xx Transcribe Symbol xx Triple Mask xx Undeath after Death xx Undead Bane Weapon xx Undeath’s Eternal Foe xx Understand Device xx Vipergout xx Wall of Moonlight xx Wall of Sand xx Warning xx Wieldskill xx Chapter 5: Magic Items xx Armor Special Abilities xx Magic Armor and Shields xx Weapon Special Abilities xx Magic Weapons xx Rings xx Rods xx Staffs xx Wondrous Items xx Unique Magic Weapons xx Minor Artifacts xx Chapter 6: Monsters of Faerûn xx Baneguard xx Direguard xx Crawling Claw xx Deepspawn xx Demon, Ghour xx Dread xx Dread Warrior xx Flameskull xx Foulwing xx Giant Arachnids xx Giant Whip Scorpion xx Giant Whip Spider xx Giant Sun Spider xx Gorynych xx Helmed Horror xx Helmed Horror xx Battle Horror xx Ixzan xx Lycanthrope xx Lycanthrope, Drow Werebat xx Lycanthrope, Werecat xx Lycanthrope, Werecrocodile xx Lycanthrope, Wereshark xx Metalmaster xx Nightshade, Nighthaunt xx Nishruu xx Phaerimm xx Tomb Tapper xx Tressym xx Velvet Worm, Giant xx Chapter 7: Epic Levels in Faerûn xx Epic Prestige Classes xx Epic Eye of Horus-Re xx Epic Hammer of Moradin xx Epic Hathran xx Epic Incantatrix xx Epic Justiciar of Tyr xx Epic Master Transmogrifist xx Epic Monk of the Long Death xx Epic Morninglord of Lathander xx Epic Runecaster xx Epic Shaaryan Hunter xx Epic Shadow Adept xx Netherese Arcanist xx Spellfire Hierophant xx New Epic Feats xx Axiomatic Strike xx Chosen Weapon Specialization xx Divine Spell Penetration xx Enhance Effect xx Epic Counterspell xx Epic Devotion xx Epic Spellfire Wielder xx Improved Cooperative Metamagic xx Improved Snatch Spell xx Improved Spellpool Access xx Inscribe Eipc Rune xx New Epic Spells xx Gift of Alliance xx Glorious Light of Renewal xx Horrible Army of the Dead xx Karsus’s Avatar xx Proctiv’s Move Mountain xx Song of Enevahr xx Starshine upon the People xx Tolodine’s Killing Wind xx Chapter 8: The Cosmology of Toril xx Planar Traits xx Traveling the Planes xx Cross-Planar Features xx Random Planar Destinations xx Plane Descriptions xx The Abyss xx Arvandor xx The Barrens of Doom and Despair xx Blood Rift xx Brightwater xx Clangor xx Cynosure xx Deep Caverns xx The Demonweb Pits xx Dragon Eyrie xx Dwarfhome xx Dweomerheart xx Fated Depths xx The Fugue Plane xx Fury’s Heart xx The Gates of the Moon xx Golden Hills xx Green Fields xx Hammergrim xx Heliopolis xx The House of Knowledge xx The House of Nature xx The House of the Triad xx Jotunheim xx The Nine Hells xx Nishrek xx Shadow xx The Supreme Throne xx Warrior’s Rest xx Other Planes xx Chapter 9: Campaign Journal xx Using the Storyline in Your Game xx Recent Events xx Return of the Archwizards xx The War of the Spider Queen xx Timeline xx Plots and Rumors xx Chapter 10: Psionics, Exalted Deeds, and Vile Darkness xx Psionics in Faerûn xx Psionics and the Weave xx Psionic Organizations xx Psionic Prestige Classes xx Cognition Thief xx Exalted Deeds and Vile Darkness xx Feats xx Blessed of the Seven Sisters xx Favored of the Zulkirs xx Gift of Discernment xx Lliira’s Blessing xx Spider Bite xx Touch of Hate xx Sidebar: Vasharans and Jerrens in Faerûn xx Vile and Exalted Prestige Classes xx Black Blood Hunter xx Celebrant of Sharess xx Fire Knife Assassin xx Harper Paragon xx Maiden of Pain xx Martyred Champion of Ilmater xx Slime Lord xx Yathrinshee xx Sidebar: City of the Spider Queen and Book of Vile Darkness xx Vile and Exalted Deities xx Archfiends and Paragons xx Appendix: Monster Update xx FORGOTTEN REALMS Campaign Setting Monsters xx Monstrous Compendium: Monsters of Faerûn Monsters xx List of Tables Table 1–1: Racial Ability Adjustments xx Table 1–2: Random Starting Ages xx Table 1–3: Aging Effects xx Table 1–4: Random Height and Weight xx Table 2–1: Knowledge Regions xx Table 2–2: Dwarf Regions xx Table 2–3: Elf Regions xx Table 2–4: Gnome Regions xx Table 2–5: Half-elf Regions xx Table 2–6: Halfling Regions xx Table 2–7: Human Regions xx Table 2–8: Orc and Half-Orc Regions xx Table 2–9: Planetouched Regions xx Table 2–10: Regions for Other Races xx Table 2–11: Feats xx Table 3–1: Prestige Classes for Faerûnian Characters xx Table 3–2: The Arcane Devotee xx Table 3–3: The Divine Champion xx Table 3–4: The Divine Disciple xx Table 3–5: The Divine Seeker xx Table 3–6: The Evereskan Tomb Guardian xx Table 3–7: The Eye of Horus-Re xx Table 3–8: The Hammer of Moradin xx Table 3–9: The Harper Agent xx Table 3–10: The Hathran xx Table 3–11: The Incantatrix xx Table 3–12: The Justiciar of Tyr xx Table 3–13: The Master Transmogrifist xx Table 3–14: The Monk of the Long Death xx Table 3–15: The Morninglord of Lathander xx Table 3–16: The Purple Dragon Knight xx Table 3–17: The Runecaster xx Table 3–18: The Shaaryan Hunter xx Table 3–19: The Shadow Adept xx Table 3–20: The Shadow Thief of Amn xx Table 3–21: The Spellguard of Silverymoon xx Table 3–22: The Zhentarim Spy xx Table 7–1: The Epic Eye of Horus-Re xx Table 7–2: The Epic Hammer of Moradin xx Table 7–3: The Epic Hathran xx Table 7–4: The Epic Incantatrix xx Table 7–5: The Epic Justiciar of Tyr xx Table 7–6: The Epic Master Transmogrifist xx Table 7–7: The Epic Monk of the Long Death xx Table 7–8: The Epic Morninglord of Lathander xx Table 7–9: The Epic Runecaster xx Table 7–10: The Epic Shaaryan Hunter xx Table 7–11: The Epic Shadow Adept xx Table 7–12: The Netherese Arcanist xx Table 7–13: The Spellfire Hierophant xx Table 8–1: Random Planar Destinations xx Table 10–1: The Cognition Thief xx Table 10–2: The Black Blood Hunter xx Table 10–3: The Celebrant of Sharess xx Table 10–4: Celebrant of Sharess Spells Known xx Table 10–5: The Fire Knife Assassin xx Table 10–6: Fire Knife Assassin Spells Known xx Table 10–7: The Harper Paragon xx Table 10–8: The Maiden of Pain xx Table 10–9: The Martyred Champion of Ilmater xx Table 10–10: The Slime Lord xx Table 10–11: The Yathrinshee xx Table 10–12: Vile and Exalted Domains xx NOTE: The contents have since been altered and the above contents is not entirely accurate
WizO_BigSister 11-09-03, 09:17 AM	Scarlip posted Rich EN World posted a small list of whats in Complete Warrior and it looks like mostly old stuff. How much is new and how much is recycled? Richard Baker posted I don't have a precise count. A quick glance at the ToC: 1. Classes. 3 base classes, at least 1 is completely new. 2. Prestige Classes. 36 prestige classes, looks like about 15 that I don't recognize. 3. Supplemental Rules. Definitely some new feats, but I'm not going to take the time right now to count 'em. 4. Fantasy Warfare. All new, as far as I know. So, I'd guess that it's 50% new overall.
Razz 11-10-03, 01:32 AM	Mr. Richard Baker Will there be a table in the Player's Guide to Faerun that will state which planes in the Forgotten Realms Cosmology are related to the planes in the Core Cosmology? There are people, such as myself, that try to make their cosmologies in their campaigns similiar to Planescape's cosmology.
Purple Dragon Knight 11-10-03, 06:20 AM	Hi Rich, I have an Evereskan Sun Elf that would be interested in progressing towards the Evereskan Tomb Guardian PrC. Any chance you could post the requirements? Thanks.
WotC_RichBaker 11-10-03, 12:36 PM	No plans for such a table, I'm afraid. However, the info you'll get in the FR Player's Guide about the cosmology will make it much easier to run a FR-specific cosmology. Originally posted by Razz Mr. Richard Baker Will there be a table in the Player's Guide to Faerun that will state which planes in the Forgotten Realms Cosmology are related to the planes in the Core Cosmology? There are people, such as myself, that try to make their cosmologies in their campaigns similiar to Planescape's cosmology.
WotC_RichBaker 11-10-03, 12:39 PM	Race: Elf Region: Evereska BAB: +4 Skills: Hide 5, Listen 2, Move Silently 5, Spot 2, Survival 5 Feats: Alertness, Track Spells: Cast 2nd-level arcane spells. Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight Hi Rich, I have an Evereskan Sun Elf that would be interested in progressing towards the Evereskan Tomb Guardian PrC. Any chance you could post the requirements? Thanks.
Herr Doktor 11-10-03, 12:55 PM	Mister Baker, What does the table of contents for the Player's Guide refer to at the end of the racial chapter in the section titled "lesser versions"? Does the guide include lesser versions of the various planetouched/underdark races that have no ECL Bonus?
Srinshee 11-10-03, 06:46 PM	I'm excited about the high magic rituals and the netherese stuff. What the heck is a gorynch? And did it steal christmas or something?
Dargoth 11-10-03, 09:33 PM	Hey Rich do you and the FR department have some thing against Devils/Baatezu or some sort of Demon fetish? I ask because the poor devils have been robbed In Underdark in the entry for Tethyamar it reads "Once a powerful dwarven realm, tethyamar was overun a hundred years ago by a horde of orcs, ogres, and DEMONS" DGTUD says Baatezu Also In Magic of Faerun in the known Mythal,: Myth Drannor it says "...the place is infested with demons..." So why are the LE folk getting the short end of the stick in 3ed/3.5? it
TechnoLurker 11-11-03, 01:59 AM	Any big changes to the Shadow Adept Prc?
cwslyclgh 11-11-03, 02:22 AM	What the heck is a gorynch? And did it steal christmas or something? IIRC it is a monster with a dragon like body. three long necks each with a wolf like head, and three tails that it uses to whip opponents. unfortuntaly I believe the monsters section was one of the things Rich said was being romved to make space (since the book was initialy 80 pages too long).
Mr.Waesel 11-11-03, 09:05 AM	That's too bad, but i'm sure it'll crop up one week or another, eh cwslyclgh? ;)
WotC_RichBaker 11-11-03, 02:18 PM	The chief change is that we are redefining spell power in 3.5. Instead of increasing your save DC, it increases your caster level. Otherwise, it's pretty close. Originally posted by TechnoLurker Any big changes to the Shadow Adept Prc?
WotC_RichBaker 11-11-03, 02:27 PM	Originally, that was the plan--to show a LA +0 version of the drow, duergar, etc. However, that was cut for space. On the bright side, we're going to see if we can get that up as a web article or enhancement soon. Originally posted by Herr Doktor Mister Baker, What does the table of contents for the Player's Guide refer to at the end of the racial chapter in the section titled "lesser versions"? Does the guide include lesser versions of the various planetouched/underdark races that have no ECL Bonus?
Herr Doktor 11-11-03, 03:20 PM	Mister Baker,Originally posted by Richard Baker Originally, that was the plan--to show a LA +0 version of the drow, duergar, etc. However, that was cut for space. On the bright side, we're going to see if we can get that up as a web article or enhancement soon. Wahoo! Do you think the web enchancement might be able to nclude some of the other ECL Bonus races from Races of Faerûn (i.e. Avariel, Fey'ri, et cetera)? If it's going to be done, might as well go all out? Speakin' of which, I'd like to formally request that someone create a monster class progression for Fey'ri and other powerful Forgotten Realms specific races.
cwslyclgh 11-11-03, 05:18 PM	Originally posted by Mr.Waesel That's too bad, but i'm sure it'll crop up one week or another, eh cwslyclgh? ;) I actually try to aviod doing creatures that have already been done in my monster of the week threads... each one I do is an original creation (at least to me). hoever if you want Gorynych stats, IIRC there is a conversion of the creature in the Tome of Horrors by Necromancer games, that I thought was very close to the 2e version in flavor and ability when I saw it.
Srinshee 11-11-03, 05:23 PM	Hi Rich, How much of the Epic stuff is getting cut? Do we still get the Netherese Arcanist PrC, the feats, the Netherese Arcs and the Elven High Magic rituals? Thanks
JybraEel 11-11-03, 06:31 PM	Hello, Are there any rules listed in any of the Forgotten Realms books about the minuses, if any, for making Spellcraft checks vs. Shadow Weave Magic? If so, where could I find them? Thank you
cwslyclgh 11-11-03, 07:31 PM	I am pretty sure that spellcraft works against shadow weave spells normaly.
WotC_RichBaker 11-11-03, 08:49 PM	We've left virtually all the epic stuff in the book. We did decide to cut Karsus' Avatar, though. Originally posted by Srinshee Hi Rich, How much of the Epic stuff is getting cut? Do we still get the Netherese Arcanist PrC, the feats, the Netherese Arcs and the Elven High Magic rituals? Thanks
Dargoth 11-11-03, 08:50 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Originally, that was the plan--to show a LA +0 version of the drow, duergar, etc. However, that was cut for space. On the bright side, we're going to see if we can get that up as a web article or enhancement soon. Any chance of a web enhancement with the Monk and Paladin orders?
Herr Doktor 11-11-03, 08:57 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker We've left virtually all the epic stuff in the book. We did decide to cut Karsus' Avatar, though. Good call... As a realms DM whos players might get ahold of the actual game rules for that spell and design their entire careers around achieving the ability to cast it -- nothing could be more horrifying.
Purple Dragon Knight 11-11-03, 09:05 PM	Hi Rich, Thank you so much for helping me out with the Tomb Guardian. Of relevance to my own campaign, I've got players with the following PrCs. Would you be so marvelous as to tell us the major changes in store for the following: Purple Dragon Knight Arcane Devotee Spellfire Channeler (not sure if this one will be updated, but I thought I'd check to make sure...) Thanks!
TechnoLurker 11-11-03, 10:59 PM	Also, for any of the WotC people, in the interview with Jason Carl a while back he mentioned that he and Mr. Reynolds had a bunch of material that didn't make it into Lords of Darkness. Any chance we will see some of that in the PGtF or as a web enhancement?
Knightcrawler 11-12-03, 01:42 AM	Hi Rich, I have two questions. 1) Are there any plans to produce more PrC's to expand on the Champions of Faith in Faiths & Pantheons. The ones included only covered maybe 1/4 of the deities listed in the book. 2) Do you know if there are any plans to include the Epic Level Handbook and Manual of the Planes in the SRD. There were rumblings a while back that they would be made part of the SRD. I'm not sure how AV leaving would have effected this and if you can even tell me anything on this subject. Thanks ayways.
Knightcrawler 11-12-03, 01:42 AM	Darn double post
Mr.Waesel 11-12-03, 05:08 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker We've left virtually all the epic stuff in the book. We did decide to cut Karsus' Avatar, though. Then could you please tell me what it does? I'm really interested in the kind of seeds and factors you have used... Also, is the epic section revised for 3.5 or does it follow the old ELH rules strictly?
The White Sorcerer 11-12-03, 07:43 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker We did decide to cut Karsus' Avatar, though. NOOOOO!!!! :( Could you please make it a web enhancement? Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with sugar on top? :bigeyes:
Cunning Linguist 11-12-03, 08:10 AM	I agree with The White Sorcerer on this.. I want.. nay, I NEED that spell so bad..
ericlboyd 11-12-03, 09:07 AM	[QUOTE]Originally posted by Knightcrawler 1) Are there any plans to produce more PrC's to expand on the Champions of Faith in Faiths & Pantheons. The ones included only covered maybe 1/4 of the deities listed in the book. [QUOTE] While I certainly can't speak to whether or not there are plans for additional PrCs for the "core 30" gods of the Faerunian pantheon, I can speak to how we picked which PrC/god combos to do in F&P. In short, Erik & I went through the core 30 gods and tried to identify which faiths could not really be represented by a multiclass combination. For example, a devout follower of Torm can easily be represented as a paladin/cleric multiclass. However, for a follower of Sune, no such multiclass combination was obvious. This is not to say, in any way, that a very good PrC for a devout follower of Torm might not be designed some day. However, we had limited space for that section, and thus focused on the gods that really didn't match up well with multiclass combinations of the core classes. Hope that helps, --Eric
Wooly Rupert 11-12-03, 09:19 AM	Originally posted by Cunning Linguist I agree with The White Sorcerer on this.. I want.. nay, I NEED that spell so bad.. Why do you need it? It's a 12th level spell, and that kind of magic has been denied to mortals since the Fall of Netheril in -339 DR. And one of the spell components is the epidermis of the pituitary gland of the tarrasque!
The Simbul 11-12-03, 09:28 AM	Originally posted by WizO_BigSister Player's Guide to Faerun... TABLE OF CONTENTS... Spells... Simbul’s Spell Matrix xx Simbul’s Spell Sequencer xx Simbul’s Spell Trigger xx Although I am glad I wont have to purchase Magic of Faerun to actually have an official verbatim version of these spells (as opposed to from memory), I am a bit paranoid that they are being included in a 3.5. book, since generally anything re-printed in a Revised accessory has a stong chance of being nerfed... Are you planning to remove/alter the quicken effect placed on spells stored within a Matrix/Sequencer/Trigger? I ask because a significant number of changes in 3.5 involved making it impossible to cast more than one spell per round without the Quicken Spell feat (and, inconviently for Sorcerers, the requisite ability to prepare spells) and I am now quite worried that my last bastion of battle spells will stipped of this feature as well. If anything they could use a duration boost, since 10 minutes/level is not a very effective time period for Contingent style spells to be put to any functionally stategic use.
Cunning Linguist 11-12-03, 10:12 AM	Why do you need it? It's a 12th level spell, and that kind of magic has been denied to mortals since the Fall of Netheril in -339 DR. First of, its a epic spell, not 12level, and second, I need it to get rid of mystra once and for all. I hate having a NG godess of magic... and all those chosen.. I hate them so much..
Wooly Rupert 11-12-03, 11:35 AM	Originally posted by Cunning Linguist First of, its a epic spell, not 12level, and second, I need it to get rid of mystra once and for all. I hate having a NG godess of magic... and all those chosen.. I hate them so much.. Where is it listed as an epic spell? 'Twas originally a 12th level spell. That's from the 2nd edition Netheril boxed set, which I have. Either way, page 5 of Magic of Faerûn mentions Karsus trying to steal Mystryl's power, and specifically states that when she was reborn as Mystra, "she was able to repair the Weave so that such powerful magic was no longer possible."
Wooly Rupert 11-12-03, 12:34 PM	Oh, and here's a question for Rich: Are wild mages and elemental mages, from the old Tome of Magic, still around? I had a blast playing a wild mage...
WotC_RichBaker 11-12-03, 12:50 PM	In order: --few/no changes. --few/no changes. --not in Player's Guide, I don't think, ergo no changes. Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight Hi Rich, Thank you so much for helping me out with the Tomb Guardian. Of relevance to my own campaign, I've got players with the following PrCs. Would you be so marvelous as to tell us the major changes in store for the following: Purple Dragon Knight Arcane Devotee Spellfire Channeler (not sure if this one will be updated, but I thought I'd check to make sure...) Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 11-12-03, 12:52 PM	Short answer: Not really. The elemental savant is probably your best bet for an elemental mage. Or try the wu jen from Oriental Adventures, if you like your spells divvied up by elements. I have a wild mage prestige class I've just written for a future product. I'm afraid it's a little ways off, though, and I can't say more than that. Originally posted by Wooly Rupert Oh, and here's a question for Rich: Are wild mages and elemental mages, from the old Tome of Magic, still around? I had a blast playing a wild mage...
Cunning Linguist 11-12-03, 12:52 PM	Where is it listed as an epic spell? In the table'O'content in the second post of this thread. Mr. Baker said he would remove it from the book, and that’s what I'm against. The 12 level spell from 2.ed Netheril, I already have. I want the epic version, so it will work with 3.5 ed. So im with The White Sorcerer on: Could you please make it a web enhancement? Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with sugar on top? As for the weave not supporting it, I don't much care, was going to use Shadow Weave to kill Mystra. But I still need that spell..
WotC_RichBaker 11-12-03, 12:55 PM	Definitely not in the PGtF. Unlikely as a web enhancement; I'd have to see exactly what he's referring to to know if I would want it on the website or not. Originally posted by TechnoLurker Also, for any of the WotC people, in the interview with Jason Carl a while back he mentioned that he and Mr. Reynolds had a bunch of material that didn't make it into Lords of Darkness. Any chance we will see some of that in the PGtF or as a web enhancement?
Israfel666 11-12-03, 01:27 PM	Rich: Is it me, or Craft Portal has not been included in PGtF? Has it been removed (ie it is no longer required to create a portal)?
Knightcrawler 11-12-03, 05:59 PM	Originally posted by TechnoLurker Also, for any of the WotC people, in the interview with Jason Carl a while back he mentioned that he and Mr. Reynolds had a bunch of material that didn't make it into Lords of Darkness. Any chance we will see some of that in the PGtF or as a web enhancement? I think some of that stuff is on Seans personal wensite. Sean K Reynolds (http://www.seankreynolds.com/)
Arkenian 11-12-03, 08:38 PM	(reposted from previous thread, since it was in one of the last pages as it trailed off . . . ) Rich, On the general topic of spell DCs, are we going to be seeing any changes to the spell spell enhancer? For reference in 3.0 this allowed. as a sor/wiz 4 cast as a free action (not even, as written, a spell which, like featherfall used up your 'quickened' action), a +2 increase in the spell save DC of the next spell cast in that round? -Arkenian the Golden
ScarLip 11-13-03, 06:27 AM	Rich Is the 3E motto Tools NOT Rules dead? The table of contents for Player's Guide to Faerun seems to say the book is mostly crunch? Besides the Campaign Journal is there any useful background info? If so, how much of the book is background?
WotC_RichBaker 11-13-03, 06:00 PM	Feels like I've answered this one a zillion times... must be posts that bounced from the old thread. Craft Wondrous Item now builds portals for you. We didn't see any reason to keep portal-building as a separate feat. However, there is a feat that makes you super-good at building portals using Craft Wondrous Item. Originally posted by Israfel666 Rich: Is it me, or Craft Portal has not been included in PGtF? Has it been removed (ie it is no longer required to create a portal)?
WotC_RichBaker 11-13-03, 06:02 PM	Yes, it now adds +2 caster levels instead. Originally posted by Arkenian (reposted from previous thread, since it was in one of the last pages as it trailed off . . . ) Rich, On the general topic of spell DCs, are we going to be seeing any changes to the spell spell enhancer? For reference in 3.0 this allowed. as a sor/wiz 4 cast as a free action (not even, as written, a spell which, like featherfall used up your 'quickened' action), a +2 increase in the spell save DC of the next spell cast in that round? -Arkenian the Golden
Gez 11-13-03, 10:16 PM	Originally posted by Cunning Linguist I need it to get rid of mystra once and for all. I hate having a NG godess of magic... Given that the other deities of magic are Shaar (NE), Velsharoon (LE), Savras (LN) and Azuth (LN), I think it is a justified and necessary move. :rolleyes: Originally posted by Arkenian On the general topic of spell DCs, are we going to be seeing any changes to the spell spell enhancer? For reference in 3.0 this allowed. as a sor/wiz 4 cast as a free action (not even, as written, a spell which, like featherfall used up your 'quickened' action), a +2 increase in the spell save DC of the next spell cast in that round? So in effect you were wasting a fourth-level slot and a spell known to gain a +2 bonus to the DC of one casting. Don't see where's the problem, myself.
DreadStar 11-13-03, 11:39 PM	Rich Could you answer a quick rules question. In 3.5 the Favored Class of Elves is Wizard does that apply to Specialist Wizards? In 3E Gnomes had illusionist as their Favored Class that seems to say each Specialist Wizard is view as its own class? In 3.5 can an Elf choose a Specialist Wizard as a Favored Class?
Caldavien 11-14-03, 08:59 AM	Can wizards cast spells from thier prohibited schools from staves? Ive heard alot of arguments each way from different people, each claiming "common sense" proves thier point of view, so could I get a difinitive answer from a Designer who actualy knows the intent behind the use of staves and school restrictions? Also why make all specialists take 2 prohibited schools (except divination) instead of giving the choice as before? It seems like a silly rule to me, and I would be interested in hearing the logic behind it.
WotC_RichBaker 11-14-03, 12:42 PM	Specialist wizard and wizard are interchangeable. Unlike 2nd Edition, a specialist wizard isn't really considered a separate class. So your elf enchanter is well within his "wizard" favored class. Originally posted by DreadStar Rich Could you answer a quick rules question. In 3.5 the Favored Class of Elves is Wizard does that apply to Specialist Wizards? In 3E Gnomes had illusionist as their Favored Class that seems to say each Specialist Wizard is view as its own class? In 3.5 can an Elf choose a Specialist Wizard as a Favored Class?
WotC_RichBaker 11-14-03, 12:45 PM	No, having a prohibited school bars you from using any sort of spell completion device (such as a staff) to cast prohibited spells. In effect, they ain't on your spell list. RE: two schools, the effort was made in 3.5 to balance the schools better. The original theory of "this school is huge, so you gotta give up more to specialize in it" doesn't apply when the schools are closer to each other in variety and power. Originally posted by Caldavien Can wizards cast spells from thier prohibited schools from staves? Ive heard alot of arguments each way from different people, each claiming "common sense" proves thier point of view, so could I get a difinitive answer from a Designer who actualy knows the intent behind the use of staves and school restrictions? Also why make all specialists take 2 prohibited schools (except divination) instead of giving the choice as before? It seems like a silly rule to me, and I would be interested in hearing the logic behind it.
Caldavien 11-14-03, 12:47 PM	Staves are actualy spell trigger though, not spell completion. Does this change anything?
cwslyclgh 11-14-03, 02:28 PM	Staves are actualy spell trigger though, not spell completion. Does this change anything? nope, because you still need to have the spells on your spell list to use a spell trigger item, as Rich said having a prohibited school affectivly removes those spells from your spell list.
Razz 11-14-03, 06:20 PM	Mr. Baker, Most Web Enhancements as of late have been rather...fluffy. Most customers and fans are interested in the "crunchy" bits, especially the ones that didn't make it into the product. Will most, if not all, of the material cut from PGtF be on the web enhancement, mainly the Monsters of Faerun 3.5 conversions and possibly any spells, feats, and prestige classes? P.S. Some DMs would run a FR campaign with the Karsus' Avatar spell. I would love to see this epic spell's statistics as I am one of those DMs that plan to run a campaign based on the players stopping a powerful spellcaster from casting it. (Despite Mystra's Ban, as of course some DMs like myself plan to have such an epic villain perform the epic deed of somehow ignoring the ban) :D
Arkenian 11-14-03, 08:38 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Yes, it now adds +2 caster levels instead. Rich, While I agree with the general efforts to control spell save DCs I am becoming increasingly concerned that you're destroying one demon to create a worse one. I would urge you, if the book hasn't passed that stage, to carefully consider the implications. In no particular order higher caster level: 1.) Greatly weakens dispel magic/greater dispelling 2.) Greatly reduces the power of mertamagic (damage-enhancing metamagic thrives primarily on the Caster Level edge before you reach CL cap of your highest spell level, but after you've capped out a lower level) 3.) Makes high level clerics truly frightening (this is particularly applicable to shadow adept) -- Holy Word + High CL = Very Dangerous, not to mention effectively undispellable cleric buffs. 4.) Anything that breaks the CL=HD equivalency has unintended consequences for those spells that make use of it. I would urge making spell enhancer +1 to spell DCs, or apply only to SR and be much lower level, or something . . . I'm beginning to get scared about the CLs a level 20 wizard (or ones in the teens) might reach (of particular note, every level above CL 20 significantly reduces the power of dispel magic until you reach the undispelalble invincibility of CL 30) If you have any comment on how you feel a DM should address these concerns, it would be greatly appreciated. -Arkenian the Golden
Cthulhu 11-15-03, 02:02 AM	Mr. Baker, Can you elaborate a bit on the relationship between the Weave and Psionics? I see this has a chapter in the Player's Guide, but would like even a hint please. Mostly I just want to know if Psi has been joined with the Weave like Divine magic? Thank you!
Srinshee 11-15-03, 03:46 PM	Originally posted by Cthulhu Mr. Baker, Can you elaborate a bit on the relationship between the Weave and Psionics? I see this has a chapter in the Player's Guide, but would like even a hint please. Mostly I just want to know if Psi has been joined with the Weave like Divine magic? Thank you! and if this is the case, how the heck do we rationalize the whole plot of Seige Of Darkness.
Razz 11-15-03, 04:09 PM	Which is something I still do not understand to this day. Why were save DCs considered so high in the first place? If anything, they were too low, and now they're even lower (remember, I've seen 5th-level PCs out there and low CR monsters that can eat right through DCs of even 9th-level spells with their high saves!) I think they should've lowered the saving throw systems. Cut the whole system in half, I say. (too late for that though, unless we want a 3.75) Richard, any reason why spell save DCs are considered high to WotC, when it is plainly obvious they're actually too LOW, and even LOWER now thanks to 3.5?
Gez 11-15-03, 04:31 PM	Save DC were far too high because every wizard PC in the realms had been magically turned into a gold elf red wizard/archmage with spellcasting prodigy, spell focus, greater spell focus, and a Headband of Intelligence +60. Or so I've heard.
Ill 11-15-03, 08:18 PM	Rich, Would you mind posting what magic item properties made it into PGtF, e.g. like keen, bane, etc.
Ill 11-15-03, 08:20 PM	Originally posted by Srinshee and if this is the case, how the heck do we rationalize the whole plot of Seige Of Darkness. Rationalise a novel, surely you jest?! ;)
Giilvas_Vyshaan 11-15-03, 08:38 PM	Mr. Baker & all other creative genius minds at WotC: Are there any ideas coming to life that deal with the upcoming year in the Faerunian timeline (year of risen elfkin)? It seems to me that lately the elves as a whole (drow aside) have been taking the brunt of evil's punch right on the chin. I'm a diehard elf fan and would like to think that there are others out there who would like to see something BIG happen good for the 'folk' in the realms. Some recent examples of bad news are the return of Shade, the phaerimm assault on Evereska, Myth Drannor's continual decline (Cult-o-Dragon), the assassination of Zoar in Evermeet, etc., etc. How about the return of Myth Adhofaer with a vengeance, a company of elves from the realms of faerie to reclaim and rebuild Myth Drannor (bringing Windsong Tower with them!), or how about going public (in Faerun, of course) with the re-establishment of Eaerlann by refortifying Mhiilanmiir and the Old Elven Port and declaring war against the fey'ri?
Giilvas_Vyshaan 11-15-03, 08:38 PM	Mr. Baker & all other creative genius minds at WotC: Are there any ideas coming to life that deal with the upcoming year in the Faerunian timeline (year of risen elfkin)? It seems to me that lately the elves as a whole (drow aside) have been taking the brunt of evil's punch right on the chin. I'm a diehard elf fan and would like to think that there are others out there who would like to see something BIG happen good for the 'folk' in the realms. Some recent examples of bad news are the return of Shade, the phaerimm assault on Evereska, Myth Drannor's continual decline (Cult-o-Dragon), the assassination of Zoar in Evermeet, etc., etc. How about the return of Myth Adhofaer with a vengeance, a company of elves from the realms of faerie to reclaim and rebuild Myth Drannor (bringing Windsong Tower with them!), or how about going public (in Faerun, of course) with the re-establishment of Eaerlann by refortifying Mhiilanmiir and the Old Elven Port and declaring war against the fey'ri?
Cernunnos 11-16-03, 01:15 PM	As a big Maztica fan, I was glad to see the inclusion of the Tlincallis/Stingers in Underdark. I was just curious, since the authors teased us with knowledge of a whole pantheon (9 major and 2 minor gods), but only listed 3 gods (Huoxopica, the main god; Ixtilli, Huoxopica's consort; Corantllil, god of Unceasing Activity). Was any more work done of their pantheon that didn't see its way into the book?
Villain by Necessity 11-17-03, 01:20 AM	I noticed that the artificer from Magic Of Faerun is not listed in the player's guide for FR. I actually use this class and the players in the group both use and love to have this class in the game. Is there a 3.5 version available?
MadBlue 11-17-03, 02:26 AM	Originally posted by ScarLip Rich Is the 3E motto Tools NOT Rules dead? The table of contents for Player's Guide to Faerun seems to say the book is mostly crunch?I would suspect that much of it would be dedicated to bringing things up to date with 3.5 rules. MadBlue
Arkenian 11-17-03, 12:25 PM	Rich, Does PGtF advance the timeline all the way to Midsummer 1373, (for one full year) or does it stop earlier? Or go to the end of 1373? (My own campaign is almost in Kythorn already . . . ) -Arkenian the Golden
WotC_RichBaker 11-17-03, 01:15 PM	Whoops! My bad. I meant spell trigger. Same outcome. Originally posted by Caldavien Staves are actualy spell trigger though, not spell completion. Does this change anything?
WotC_RichBaker 11-17-03, 01:18 PM	We haven't created any 3.5 update for the artificer yet. All we would really change with the class is to clean up the prereqs and class skills (Alchemy isn't a separate skill anymore, after all), but it should otherwise be usable as is. Originally posted by Villain by Necessity I noticed that the artificer from Magic Of Faerun is not listed in the player's guide for FR. I actually use this class and the players in the group both use and love to have this class in the game. Is there a 3.5 version available?
WotC_RichBaker 11-17-03, 01:20 PM	No, we don't have any more info on the Maztican pantheon beyond that. FR has so many deities that we're hesitant to bring in more unless we really have a need to. Originally posted by Cernunnos As a big Maztica fan, I was glad to see the inclusion of the Tlincallis/Stingers in Underdark. I was just curious, since the authors teased us with knowledge of a whole pantheon (9 major and 2 minor gods), but only listed 3 gods (Huoxopica, the main god; Ixtilli, Huoxopica's consort; Corantllil, god of Unceasing Activity). Was any more work done of their pantheon that didn't see its way into the book?
WotC_RichBaker 11-17-03, 01:23 PM	Well, you'll actually be quite pleased with the new novel trilogy I'm working on. The name of the trilogy is "The Last Mythal", and the first book is "The Forsaken House", which should be out in the middle of 2004. I can't really say more right now. Originally posted by Giilvas_Vyshaan Mr. Baker & all other creative genius minds at WotC: Are there any ideas coming to life that deal with the upcoming year in the Faerunian timeline (year of risen elfkin)? It seems to me that lately the elves as a whole (drow aside) have been taking the brunt of evil's punch right on the chin. I'm a diehard elf fan and would like to think that there are others out there who would like to see something BIG happen good for the 'folk' in the realms. Some recent examples of bad news are the return of Shade, the phaerimm assault on Evereska, Myth Drannor's continual decline (Cult-o-Dragon), the assassination of Zoar in Evermeet, etc., etc. How about the return of Myth Adhofaer with a vengeance, a company of elves from the realms of faerie to reclaim and rebuild Myth Drannor (bringing Windsong Tower with them!), or how about going public (in Faerun, of course) with the re-establishment of Eaerlann by refortifying Mhiilanmiir and the Old Elven Port and declaring war against the fey'ri?
WotC_RichBaker 11-17-03, 01:29 PM	You raise some of the same points we were concerned with ourselves. We've examined the question closely, though, and we feel that caster level bumps are OK for the system. (Among other things, there's no reason your caster level bump wouldn't improve your own ability to make dispel checks.) For better or worse, we're pretty far along on the "caster level over spell power" track for 3.5, so we won't reverse course on it. If you think it will be an issue for your campaign, there are other things you could try (only helps spell penetration, adds +10% to spell effect per +1 CL, stick with save DC booster, there must be other ideas). Originally posted by Arkenian Rich, While I agree with the general efforts to control spell save DCs I am becoming increasingly concerned that you're destroying one demon to create a worse one. I would urge you, if the book hasn't passed that stage, to carefully consider the implications. In no particular order higher caster level: 1.) Greatly weakens dispel magic/greater dispelling 2.) Greatly reduces the power of mertamagic (damage-enhancing metamagic thrives primarily on the Caster Level edge before you reach CL cap of your highest spell level, but after you've capped out a lower level) 3.) Makes high level clerics truly frightening (this is particularly applicable to shadow adept) -- Holy Word + High CL = Very Dangerous, not to mention effectively undispellable cleric buffs. 4.) Anything that breaks the CL=HD equivalency has unintended consequences for those spells that make use of it. I would urge making spell enhancer +1 to spell DCs, or apply only to SR and be much lower level, or something . . . I'm beginning to get scared about the CLs a level 20 wizard (or ones in the teens) might reach (of particular note, every level above CL 20 significantly reduces the power of dispel magic until you reach the undispelalble invincibility of CL 30) If you have any comment on how you feel a DM should address these concerns, it would be greatly appreciated. -Arkenian the Golden
Spuritarrantius 11-17-03, 04:19 PM	Dear Mr. Baker, Looking through the Races of Faerun Handbook, I had a couple of questions. First is, for Aasimer and Tieflings, would it matter what type of celestial or demonic parentage they had? Like Tieflings from Mulhorand or Thay, for example, would they have a specific class of demons that they are derived from? The other question, if you made one into a Shade, does their type still change to outsider, even though they are already a native outsider? Thanks.
JybraEel 11-17-03, 07:00 PM	Hi Rich, Will there eventually be a suppliment of Diety Specific Paladins and Specialty Preists (Like from 2e) for the FR's? Thank you
WotC_RichBaker 11-17-03, 08:54 PM	The exact parentage doesn't matter -- although it does suggest some cool racial feats for these guys, like Marilith Blood or Planetar Spawn or something. Sorry to say it, but you can't make planetouched into shades. You can only apply the shade template to humanoids, and the planetouched are native outsiders, as you've observed. Originally posted by Spuritarrantius Dear Mr. Baker, Looking through the Races of Faerun Handbook, I had a couple of questions. First is, for Aasimer and Tieflings, would it matter what type of celestial or demonic parentage they had? Like Tieflings from Mulhorand or Thay, for example, would they have a specific class of demons that they are derived from? The other question, if you made one into a Shade, does their type still change to outsider, even though they are already a native outsider? Thanks.
WotC_RichBaker 11-17-03, 08:55 PM	No such plans, really. However, we are considering a future product that might touch on the topic a little bit (possibly providing a handful of deity-specific prestige classes, or order-specific paladins). It's a ways off, though. Originally posted by JybraEel Hi Rich, Will there eventually be a suppliment of Diety Specific Paladins and Specialty Preists (Like from 2e) for the FR's? Thank you
Cernunnos 11-17-03, 10:33 PM	Hi Rich, since you have your finger on the pulse of WotC, I was wondering what kind of priority they are thinking of releasing regional sourcebooks in for the Realms. You can be as official as you want to be, or just state "x is likely in my opinion, x is not likely in the forseeable future." So, here are the regions I can think of offhand, pretty much in the order I'd imagine they'd be released: -Heartlands (Cormyr, Sembia, and the Dalelands) -Sword Coast (including Moonshaes and Nelanther Isles) -Old Empires (Mulhorand, Chessenta, Unther) -Lands of Intruige (Amn, Tethyr, Erlkazar) -Shining South (Halruaa, Dambrath, Lurien) Feel free to add more to the list ;) And I was wondering... since they did a short bit about Maztica in the Lands of Intruige box set, do you think they'd cover it (however briefly) in a book that covered Amn?
Straploknight 11-17-03, 10:48 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker No, we don't have any more info on the Maztican pantheon beyond that. FR has so many deities that we're hesitant to bring in more unless we really have a need to. Hmmm...just a random thought here.... Since 1 deity can be many things to many people... couldn't the Faerunian dieties just take on different aspects for different cultures such as Kara-Tur or Maztica or even in Zakhara. A web enchancement would be handy here. That way, Fr wouldn't have an ever expanding list of gods if say (hint, hint HINT) a Kara-Tur/Maztica/Zakhara regional accesory were to see the light of day. My reasoning here is there is only so much celestial/infernal and spiritual real estate to go around at any one time (infinite being only so big to the omnipotent) that by nessecity there can only be a finite number of gods who are responsible for the world as a whole. Maybe even more than one god could combine to form an aspect in another culture (you know that IDIC thing). Anywhosit, you guys get the jist. If Faerun has 137 or 1370 gods then that is the total number of actual gods for Aber Toril even though counting all the different aspects would indicate a much higher number of godly beings.
Srinshee 11-17-03, 10:55 PM	Hey Rich Any chance the Elven High Mage PrC is ever going to be redone? I thought the version in RoF was a good concept but a bit underpowered - particularly compared to like, an epic Hathran. IMO the EHM should keep the abilities it has, and have full caster progression at the very least.
Kuje31 11-17-03, 11:04 PM	Originally posted by Straploknight Hmmm...just a random thought here.... Since 1 deity can be many things to many people... couldn't the Faerunian dieties just take on different aspects for different cultures such as Kara-Tur or Maztica or even in Zakhara. Blasphemy!!!!!!!! No, please never do that ever ever ever :(. :headexplo Besides Zakhara has way more deities then the Faerun pantheon, and Kara-tur has different deities also, so does Maztica.
Straploknight 11-17-03, 11:25 PM	Originally posted by Kuje31 Blasphemy!!!!!!!! No, please never do that ever ever ever :(. :headexplo Besides Zakhara has way more deities then the Faerun pantheon, and Kara-tur has different deities also, so does Maztica. Well Kara-Tur and Zakhara (Fate aside) have only slightly fewer gods than there are tax laws in the US of A. Like current FR cosmology I would not have a problem with this arrangement. Especially if it would permit more supplaments in the future or even a more comprehinsive FR campaign book in the future.
Ravens Claw 11-17-03, 11:32 PM	Dear Mr Baker, Thank you for the efforts you have made getting back to people on their questions. I have several. Is Sunder a Standard Action or per Melee Attack? (this question is often raised on The Players Handbook Board - and there has been much distress over this issue - Us poor D&D fanatics need the very official ruling) When a Bow is being Sundered, is the bow treated as a weapon or an object? What happens when you try to Sunder an Energy Weapon? The capping of Metamagic feats e.g. empower spell; has caused some distress for players who like to play spell casters. Why was this method chosen for the 3.5 rules (instead of e.g. each additional application of the same metamagic feat costs an additional +1 level to its normal cost - if Empower Spell was used twice it would raise the spell by 5 levels instead of 4 levels or if it was used 3 times it would raise the spell by 9 levels.)? By capping metamagic feats it can create a dead end at epic level. I hope these questions aren't too difficult for you :D Cheers
Kuje31 11-17-03, 11:34 PM	Originally posted by Straploknight Well Kara-Tur and Zakhara (Fate aside) have only slightly fewer gods than there are tax laws in the US of A. Like current FR cosmology I would not have a problem with this arrangement. Especially if it would permit more supplaments in the future or even a more comprehinsive FR campaign book in the future. As I said, Zakhara has more deities then the Faerun pantheon. Granted there are only about 9 great gods, but then you have to include the thousands of lesser and local deities. :) Gah, I hope they dont mess with Zakhara or Kara-tur by having the deities of those lands as the same deities from the Faerun pantheon. And yes some of the deities from Faerun are worshipped in Zakhara but even then they are a little different. Like Gond and Helm.
Cthulhu 11-18-03, 02:46 AM	Mr. Baker, The Player's Guide appears to have a chapter detailing the relationship between Psionics and the Weave. I would greatly appreciate it if you could shed some light on this...specifically if Psionics is or is not part of the Weave. As a Psionics fan I'm all for keeping the two seperate. Thank you!
DreadStar 11-18-03, 05:15 AM	Rich Are the Feats and PrCs in the Miniatures Handbook balanced for 3.5 D&D? Will any of the Feats or Prcs appear in other books for people who don't plays Wargames probably didn't buy the book. I know UA is a long way off but, some of it was written before 3.5 by people who no longer work for WotC so, will the parts written before 3.5 be re-written?
DreadStar 11-18-03, 05:15 AM	Sorry double post :(
Ereschkigal 11-18-03, 07:32 AM	Dear Mr. Baker I'd love to finaly see the only source book that would actualy RAWK my world. Please are there any plans to release the "Old Empires" for FR soon? And yes a Book about Zhakara and Kara Tur would be very much appreciated too! And PLEASE no more Heartlands and Swordcoast! WE had that ENOUGH! I want my D&D to be exotic whacked out, and not that western europe middleage boredom that many people mistake for FANTASY. Actualy there was nothing fatastic about european middle age ...
Arkenian 11-18-03, 12:06 PM	Rich, I just thought I'd point out that Spell Enhancer never gave full spell power: it just enhanced DCs (rather than DCs and SR checks). I certainly agree that the spell power -> CL change is, at least at this point, irreversible even if you wanted to change courses (which I'm not sure would be a good idea). But spell enhancer was never full spell power (which enhanced both DCs and SR checks). Greater Dispelling caps at CL 20 . . . I'd love to see some other options tried for Spell Enhancer: possibly a bonus vs. SR only (possibly even a CL-based bonus?), or +1 to DCs, or a bonus CL that allows you to raise the base cap of the spell. (so a caster who is usually CL 20(such as a level 15 Red Wizard) casting an enhanced dispel magic would get +22 on his check). This is probably beating a dead horse, and if you feel that way I'm sorry (I know how irritating that sensation can be.) I would really like to see spell enhancer do something other than a normal +2 CL boost. So, if you've been patient enough to read this far, thanks for your time. I hope you will take a look at spell enhancer, either way I won't take up more of your time If not that, it might be interesting if you included a higher level version of dispel magic, or revised enhance spell (epic) to lift caps on things other than just direct die/level damage. Or revisited the epic RW/Sha so that you don't hit CL 31 by 24 ;> Thanks for taking the time to come to this thread, -Arkenian the Golden Originally posted by Richard Baker You raise some of the same points we were concerned with ourselves. We've examined the question closely, though, and we feel that caster level bumps are OK for the system. (Among other things, there's no reason your caster level bump wouldn't improve your own ability to make dispel checks.) For better or worse, we're pretty far along on the "caster level over spell power" track for 3.5, so we won't reverse course on it. If you think it will be an issue for your campaign, there are other things you could try (only helps spell penetration, adds +10% to spell effect per +1 CL, stick with save DC booster, there must be other ideas).
WotC_RichBaker 11-18-03, 12:41 PM	Well, to repeat things folks know about already... Serpent Kingdoms is coming in a few months. It naturally details some of the regional info where serpent races (such as yuan ti) are prominent. So you'll see info on Tashalar and the Black Jungles, etc., that's never appeared anywhere else. We're working on a regional sourcebook focused on the South. It should be out within the year, although I remind you that if we haven't printed the appropriate catalog yet, we may delay or cancel products. We're also going to be working on a Waterdeep book soon. Finally, we've just started work on a project I'm personally excited about. It's a ways off yet, and the exact timing is still hazy. It's themed around the various fallen empires of Faerun. That's all I can say this far out, don't press me for more details. Originally posted by Cernunnos Hi Rich, since you have your finger on the pulse of WotC, I was wondering what kind of priority they are thinking of releasing regional sourcebooks in for the Realms. You can be as official as you want to be, or just state "x is likely in my opinion, x is not likely in the forseeable future." So, here are the regions I can think of offhand, pretty much in the order I'd imagine they'd be released: -Heartlands (Cormyr, Sembia, and the Dalelands) -Sword Coast (including Moonshaes and Nelanther Isles) -Old Empires (Mulhorand, Chessenta, Unther) -Lands of Intruige (Amn, Tethyr, Erlkazar) -Shining South (Halruaa, Dambrath, Lurien) Feel free to add more to the list ;) And I was wondering... since they did a short bit about Maztica in the Lands of Intruige box set, do you think they'd cover it (however briefly) in a book that covered Amn?
BobROE 11-18-03, 12:44 PM	Is there any chance we could see some sort of web update for PrC spell lists? (ie spells from Underdark that the bladesinger can cast, or spells from UE that the Prime Underdark Guide can cast.)
WotC_RichBaker 11-18-03, 12:49 PM	I don't mind answering questions where I can, but I'd like to point out that the real point of this thread is to give you guys the chance to ask me what we're doing with FR material. Straight Player's Handbook questions don't really need to be in this forum. In the case of Sunder, I'm pretty sure that "melee attack" means that you can use it as part of a full attack action. If it were an action demanding a standard action (like bull rush, or overrun) it would say so. I'd treat a bow as a a projectile weapon. Crossbow appears on Table 8-8, and bow seems most like that. (Could be a two-handed hafted weapon, too, I guess, but I'd go with projectile.) If you mean "brilliant energy weapon", I'm pretty sure the rules don't say. However, since brilliant energy ignores armor, I'd assume that weapons striking at the brilliant energy weapon are in turn ignored, ergo it can't be sundered. Metamagic in 3.5 is what it is, and won't change now. Originally posted by Ravens Claw Dear Mr Baker, Thank you for the efforts you have made getting back to people on their questions. I have several. Is Sunder a Standard Action or per Melee Attack? (this question is often raised on The Players Handbook Board - and there has been much distress over this issue - Us poor D&D fanatics need the very official ruling) When a Bow is being Sundered, is the bow treated as a weapon or an object? What happens when you try to Sunder an Energy Weapon? The capping of Metamagic feats e.g. empower spell; has caused some distress for players who like to play spell casters. Why was this method chosen for the 3.5 rules (instead of e.g. each additional application of the same metamagic feat costs an additional +1 level to its normal cost - if Empower Spell was used twice it would raise the spell by 5 levels instead of 4 levels or if it was used 3 times it would raise the spell by 9 levels.)? By capping metamagic feats it can create a dead end at epic level. I hope these questions aren't too difficult for you :D Cheers
WotC_RichBaker 11-18-03, 12:51 PM	Yes. The fellows who designed most of the Miniatures Handbook mechanical material are absolute fanatics for careful game balance. It should fit in any 3.5 game just fine. Unearthed Arcana will be 3.5 compliant when it's published (but it is a book of variant rules and systems, so differences between 3.0 and 3.5 probably won't matter much anyway). Originally posted by DreadStar Rich Are the Feats and PrCs in the Miniatures Handbook balanced for 3.5 D&D? Will any of the Feats or Prcs appear in other books for people who don't plays Wargames probably didn't buy the book. I know UA is a long way off but, some of it was written before 3.5 by people who no longer work for WotC so, will the parts written before 3.5 be re-written?
Mr.Waesel 11-18-03, 04:36 PM	I hear Serpent Kingdoms will contain more info about the race that created the Nether Scrolls, and more info on them as well. Is this true?
Iakhovas 11-18-03, 07:30 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker We're working on a regional sourcebook focused on the South. It should be out within the year, although I remind you that if we haven't printed the appropriate catalog yet, we may delay or cancel products.Rich, can we expect more detail on The Shaar and Eastern Shaar in the new sourcebook? Previous "South" products have been skimpy on this region of the Realms.
Dargoth 11-18-03, 08:48 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Well, to repeat things folks know about already... We're working on a regional sourcebook focused on the South. It should be out within the year, although I remind you that if we haven't printed the appropriate catalog yet, we may delay or cancel products. We're also going to be working on a Waterdeep book soon. Finally, we've just started work on a project I'm personally excited about. It's a ways off yet, and the exact timing is still hazy. It's themed around the various fallen empires of Faerun. That's all I can say this far out, don't press me for more details. Hey Rich are the "Lost Civilization and "The South" books supplements 3 and 4 for the FR in 2004?
Cernunnos 11-19-03, 12:12 AM	Glad to hear about both the South book and the fallen empire books... I won't bug you for too much info on the fallen empire book because its apparently a ways off, but just for clarification is this book going to be set in the past (a la Netheril box set), or is it going to cover present-day Realms and the "ruins" of these empires (or is the focus still up in the air)? I can only assume that Netheril, Imaskar, dwarven kingdoms like Deep Shanatar, and the ancient elven kingdoms will be covered. And let me join the hordes in thanking you for coming forward and answering our questions ;) Its really cool to have such support. One question I DID have in mind... I've seen WotC give semi-official or official sanction to "abandoned" campaigns (such as the very excellent athas.org). Is there any chance they'd allow the fan community to semi-officially expand the parts of Abeir-Toril that aren't seeing any support, namely Zakhara, Maztica, Hordelands, and Kara-Tur? Not sure if it would fly with WotC, but it would be awesome if they at least gave the fan community some free reign with those regions, and if they wanted some nominal control, at least have everything the designated site put out cleared by the Realms editorial team.
Ravens Claw 11-19-03, 09:24 AM	Thank You Rich The official "Ask The Core Rules and Supplement Authors" thread - Is the reason I posted the generalised questions - Apologies if it was innapropriate.:D One last test of your patience if I may :eek: The Sunder issue has been a crazy one. If you or another of the game designers could do a search on my posts e.g. Charging and sundering or Sundering A Revelation you could see what the angles and arguments are. Having Sunder specifically clarified in an errata would be wonderful. If you or another game designer can it would be wonderful. if you can't I understand. I know you do this in your own time and I appreciate it. Thanks again. Enjoy your lunch ;) Cheers
Lawless 11-19-03, 09:48 AM	Will there be anymore character profiles of WoSQ characters in Dragon Magazine. If so who and when will they appear?
WotC_RichBaker 11-19-03, 12:51 PM	Yes, and maybe. Originally posted by Mr.Waesel I hear Serpent Kingdoms will contain more info about the race that created the Nether Scrolls, and more info on them as well. Is this true?
WotC_RichBaker 11-19-03, 12:54 PM	No, we wouldn't set it in the past. We're much more interested in how the past impacts present-day Faerun. Setting the product in the past just divides the campaign setting into exclusive, restricted mini-settings. We're not likely to give out other pieces of FR to any kind of sanctioned fan site. Sorry. Originally posted by Cernunnos Glad to hear about both the South book and the fallen empire books... I won't bug you for too much info on the fallen empire book because its apparently a ways off, but just for clarification is this book going to be set in the past (a la Netheril box set), or is it going to cover present-day Realms and the "ruins" of these empires (or is the focus still up in the air)? I can only assume that Netheril, Imaskar, dwarven kingdoms like Deep Shanatar, and the ancient elven kingdoms will be covered. And let me join the hordes in thanking you for coming forward and answering our questions ;) Its really cool to have such support. One question I DID have in mind... I've seen WotC give semi-official or official sanction to "abandoned" campaigns (such as the very excellent athas.org). Is there any chance they'd allow the fan community to semi-officially expand the parts of Abeir-Toril that aren't seeing any support, namely Zakhara, Maztica, Hordelands, and Kara-Tur? Not sure if it would fly with WotC, but it would be awesome if they at least gave the fan community some free reign with those regions, and if they wanted some nominal control, at least have everything the designated site put out cleared by the Realms editorial team.
WotC_RichBaker 11-19-03, 12:57 PM	You should see Valas, Danifae, and a couple of other characters in mid-summer 2004. I'm afraid I do not recall which other characters appear in that last installment, and I don't have that info here at work. Originally posted by Lawless Will there be anymore character profiles of WoSQ characters in Dragon Magazine. If so who and when will they appear?
Skarlett Spyder 11-19-03, 03:31 PM	I'm not too sure if this is on the correct thread, but seeing that there are millions of them around, I felt this was as good a place to start as any. If this is not the correct thread for this question, please point me in the right direction, I'll be eternally grateful. In the new book Underdark there is a weapon ability called morphing, in the description it states (and I don't quote) that the weapon can change from its current form to a weapon of the same type. This was a little confusing, so I looked up type in the weapons descriptions of the PHB, finding that the type spoke of damage (bludgeoning, slashing, ect). Am I on the right track in assuming that the ability only allows a weapon to turn into any other weapon the does the same type of damage, or am I all wrong here? Either way, I need clarification. Thanks in advance. Skarlett da Thoroughly Confused Spyder
Mr.Waesel 11-19-03, 03:41 PM	Originally posted by Skarlett Spyder I'm not too sure if this is on the correct thread, but seeing that there are millions of them around, I felt this was as good a place to start as any. If this is not the correct thread for this question, please point me in the right direction, I'll be eternally grateful. In the new book Underdark there is a weapon ability called morphing, in the description it states (and I don't quote) that the weapon can change from its current form to a weapon of the same type. This was a little confusing, so I looked up type in the weapons descriptions of the PHB, finding that the type spoke of damage (bludgeoning, slashing, ect). Am I on the right track in assuming that the ability only allows a weapon to turn into any other weapon the does the same type of damage, or am I all wrong here? Either way, I need clarification. Thanks in advance. Skarlett da Thoroughly Confused Spyder I think it mentiones somewhere (in the description of one of the sample swords?) something about a longsord changing into a long bow. (This makes no sense in ayn context, however, so ignore it)
Skarlett Spyder 11-19-03, 04:42 PM	I sae that sword, which led me to believe that the weapon could turn into any other Martial weapon, or just any weapon period. I just want to get an official ruling on it, thats all. Skarlett da Official Spyder
Razz 11-19-03, 05:18 PM	Since my questions on the Web Enhancement for PGtF and spell save DCs were missed, I'll just move on. I am more concerned with OTHER areas of Toril. Mr Baker, exactly WHY won't the FR team allow someone else to handle areas like Zhakara, Maztica, and Kara-Tur? It's bovious this won't be done anytime soon, maybe not even within this decade, so why not have other teams devote themselves to working on those and making sure all teams are completely conisstent with each others products so no contradictions and confusions exists. Personally, I think I would indeed like to know for sure if I will ever see a product on 3.5 Kara-Tur within my LIFETIME at least. It wouldn't do any of us good if our grandchildren were the only ones that got to see these campaign expansions finally come into existence.
Cernunnos 11-20-03, 02:18 AM	I hear you Razz. I understand that WotC is a company, and as a company, they need to make a profit... but being that they've given every indication that we'll see 4th (or 5th) edition before we see anything new and substantial on the "Outer Realms" just sucks. I mean, its been what, close to 25 years since the 1e hardcover came out, and over 10 since the Kara-Tur box set? I could live without crunch... just let me know what is happening over there. What happened during the Time of Troubles in Kara-Tur? Did Shou Lung and Tu Lung ever go to war? Are there new colonies in Maztica? Being that WotC is committed to NOT expanding on these regions, and therefor don't have to worry about losing any money on poor sales, it all just seems a tad bit strange. Just an idea... have an officially selected site host it, let everything they do be vetted by the Realms team for quality/continuity, and if WotC's marketing dept. ever decides that there IS a demand, have the site yank whatever is going to be printed, have the printed version expanded (with the pretty art that you guys use that we all love ;) ). At the very least it would look good in a PR way. Sigh. Just my $.02. Just a shame some of the bigwigs at WotC (and at Hasbro, no doubt) aren't as cool as you Rich in letting the community share the wealth. God, I'd at least love an official timeline account, article in Dragon, web enhancement, whatever, bringing us up to the current campaign year for each of the 3 major regions. At least Maztica has a few mentions here and there, and Al-Qadim pretty much avoided big historical events... but I'd like to know what's gone on in the past 20 game years in Kara-Tur. Come to think of it... it WOULD make a nice Web Enhancement for the FR Player's Handbook, wouldn't it? Since part of the book is going to be bringing the campaign up to speed with recent events...
Cernunnos 11-20-03, 02:21 AM	Another idea would be a web column here on the site with fan support a la Mind's Eye...
WotC_RichBaker 11-20-03, 01:40 PM	Sorry I missed the other questions, but I thought I'd addressed them already. We hope to get a monster conversion appendix that originally was going to appear in the Player's Guide out ASAP, and I've already explained that we have great confidence here in the office that super-high spell save DCs ruin the game. Regarding Zakhara, Maztica, and Kara-Tur: We have solid business reasons and intellectual property protection questions that make us uncomfortable with sanctioning more fan-managed sites for materials we're not actively publishing. Among other things, I don't like to offer someone the chance to create "official" material that I might later have to ignore if we were to return to that particular setting. Originally posted by Razz Since my questions on the Web Enhancement for PGtF and spell save DCs were missed, I'll just move on. I am more concerned with OTHER areas of Toril. Mr Baker, exactly WHY won't the FR team allow someone else to handle areas like Zhakara, Maztica, and Kara-Tur? It's bovious this won't be done anytime soon, maybe not even within this decade, so why not have other teams devote themselves to working on those and making sure all teams are completely conisstent with each others products so no contradictions and confusions exists. Personally, I think I would indeed like to know for sure if I will ever see a product on 3.5 Kara-Tur within my LIFETIME at least. It wouldn't do any of us good if our grandchildren were the only ones that got to see these campaign expansions finally come into existence.
Ill 11-20-03, 01:51 PM	Rich, Would you mind posting what special item properties made it into the PGtF..? Thanks in advance.
WotC_RichBaker 11-20-03, 04:42 PM	OK, just to be clear, I'm not going to post encyclopedic lists of each spell, item, feat, etc., in the book. Don't ask me to. But, here's the weapon properties: Dispelling Greater Dispelling Domineering Doomwarding Spellblade Sure Striking (this only affects alignment now) Originally posted by Ill Rich, Would you mind posting what special item properties made it into the PGtF..? Thanks in advance.
Thog 11-21-03, 01:08 AM	Rich, I have a question/suggestion about Serpant Kingdoms: Are the Saurial going to be included in it as a PC race? I know they aren't snakes, but they are reptilian (sort of). Also, Tarkendale/Lost Vale is geographically pretty far from the southern focus of the book, but I thought I'd ask. I was dissapointed not to see them in Races of Faerun, and purusing the index for the Player's Guide they were skipped again. I know there were stats out in Dragon 292 for PC Saurial, but that issue was way prior to 3.5 and I'd like to have such crunch in a rulebook anyway.
Zanan 11-21-03, 06:08 AM	Vendui! A couple of question with regard to sneak attacks. First, the Magic of Faerun spell "Shelgarn's Persistent Blade" will automatically flank a target if there are allies fighting the same opponent. Does this affect the 3RE Improved Uncanny Doge ability of both rogue and barbarian or the equivilant ability in 3E? (i.e., does the spell flank the target with such abilities or not?) Second, has the Lasher PrC class been changed in 3RE with regards to its ability of whip sneak attack? Some people argue that range weapons like whips cannot threat and thus not flank, robbing the lasher one of his possibilities to sneak a target. Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 11-21-03, 12:41 PM	Yes, the saurials are covered in Serpent Kingdoms -- for now. The book is quite long and will likely have to be cut significantly. Originally posted by Thog Rich, I have a question/suggestion about Serpant Kingdoms: Are the Saurial going to be included in it as a PC race? I know they aren't snakes, but they are reptilian (sort of). Also, Tarkendale/Lost Vale is geographically pretty far from the southern focus of the book, but I thought I'd ask. I was dissapointed not to see them in Races of Faerun, and purusing the index for the Player's Guide they were skipped again. I know there were stats out in Dragon 292 for PC Saurial, but that issue was way prior to 3.5 and I'd like to have such crunch in a rulebook anyway.
WotC_RichBaker 11-21-03, 12:44 PM	My take on it is that uncanny dodge gets you off the hook for being flanked by the spell. I suppose you could ask an interesting question about whether a multiclassed rogue/wizard can use Shelgarn's Persistent Blade to overcome a lower-level rogue's uncanny dodge, but darned if I know what the answer would be. (I'd probably default to no, he can't.) I know of no changes to the lasher. It doesn't appear in Complete Warrior, so it hasn't been updated to 3.5 or revised yet. Originally posted by Zanan Vendui! A couple of question with regard to sneak attacks. First, the Magic of Faerun spell "Shelgarn's Persistent Blade" will automatically flank a target if there are allies fighting the same opponent. Does this affect the 3RE Improved Uncanny Doge ability of both rogue and barbarian or the equivilant ability in 3E? (i.e., does the spell flank the target with such abilities or not?) Second, has the Lasher PrC class been changed in 3RE with regards to its ability of whip sneak attack? Some people argue that range weapons like whips cannot threat and thus not flank, robbing the lasher one of his possibilities to sneak a target. Thanks!
PhilCW 11-21-03, 01:37 PM	M. Baker, I would like to ask why are the prestige classes given in the Player's guide to Faerun when among the 3 core books (PHB, DMG, MM) contain the prestige classes in the DMG? I was also somewhat dismayed that the FRCS also contained the prestige class for easy perusal for the players, which I felt removed some of the flavour of them by being so accessible in the first pages. Wouldn't it have been better to include them in a more Dungeon Master Section of the book, or perhaps in books that discuss other topics so as to keep some secrets (like the shadow weave) away from curious players?
Israfel666 11-21-03, 01:59 PM	Originally posted by PhilCW I was also somewhat dismayed that the FRCS also contained the prestige class for easy perusal for the players, which I felt removed some of the flavour of them by being so accessible in the first pages. Wouldn't it have been better to include them in a more Dungeon Master Section of the book, or perhaps in books that discuss other topics so as to keep some secrets (like the shadow weave) away from curious players? I disagree with you. First, prestige classes are mostly options for the *players* and *their* characters: since you have to qualify for them, it must be a conscious decision of yours to strive for entering. The DM can't just say "Ok, you discovered a part of the Nether Scrolls, so you can take levels in Nethrese Arcanist if you want to". It doesn't work like that - no PC will likely qualify without having headed specifically from that PrC since character creation - which means they must have known the existance and the structure of the PrC well before they qualify in-game for it. Secondly, some PrCs cannot be thought of as "prizes", but as entire character concepts. For example, if one of your players wants to play an assassin he should by all means be allowed access to the Assassin PrC. Thirdly, PrCs can spawn entire character concepts where the 11 core classes do not. Many, many players are inspired to new interesting characters after reading about a new prestige class - some just want to follow the archetype the PrC was built for, but a few come up with fascinating interpretations of the PrC that allow great stories to be built upon them ("I want to play a Rage Mage follower of Talos on a quest for the epic spell that will turn the whole Weave into Wild Magic")
Israfel666 11-21-03, 01:59 PM	Double post - ugh, I had begun to hope I were immune to that...
Purple Dragon Knight 11-22-03, 12:00 PM	Hi Rich, I bought the Miniatures Handbook yesterday, and I must say that the mass combat fan in me is extremely impressed! Please pass on my thanks to Mister Donais, Elias, Heinsoo and Tweet on my behalf! I couldn't avoid thinking that now, the FR team MUST put out a web enhancement on the Purple Dragon Knight's class abilities and how they translate in Mass Combat rules! :D I've done my own conversion, so if this can help, here it is: (all powers assume the Purple Dragon Knight is acting as an Attached Commander for a Formed unit) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Higher Commander Rating: The commanding presence of Purple Dragon Knights is legendary, and this reputation has extended to all corners of Faerûn. Whether commanding Cormyrean troops or not, a character with at least one level of Purple Dragon Knight adds one to its Commander Rating (see p.81 of Miniatures Hanbook -- this effectively has the same effect of being a Paladin or Fighter, and stacks with these). For example, a LG Ftr6/Prp1 with a Cha of 15 would have a Commander Rating of 7 (base 1, +1 for being lawful, +1 for Cha 13+, +1 for Leadership feat, +1 for Ftr levels, +1 for Purple Dragon Knight level, +1 for level 6+). Adding a level of Paladin here would have no effect, since p.81 mentions "Paladin OR Fighter." Rallying Cry: When Leading from the Front, equal to the "Cleric of Order" Commander Effect*, PLUS (3 times/day; Swift Action) grants +1 to morale saves, +1 moral bonus on attack rolls, +1 inch movement to all allies within 12 inch, whether within his current unit or not (duration 1 round). Heroic Shield: When Leading Front, grants the "Sword of Heironeous" Commander Effect** Inspire Courage: Up to the Purple Dragon Knight's command range (24 inch: sound based so unaffected by line of sight), as a standard action (as per 3.5 bard ability description), provide all allies with +2 to morale saves, +2 to saves vs. Charm and Fear, + 1 morale bonus on attack rolls and damage. Duration: as long as the Purple Dragon Knight keeps speaking + 5 rounds (interruption occurs when spellcasting, performing the Swift Action version of Rallying Cry, performing the Oath of Wrath, or performing the Final Stand) Fear (1/day; Standard Action): any enemy unit located 2 inch away (as for all other cone effects) of Purple Dragon Knight's own unit (when Leading from the Front only) or 6 inch away from Purple Dragon Knight himself (if acting as Unattached Commander) must succeed a Will save DC 13 + Prp's Cha bonus or start Routing. If the unit succeeds its save, it is still Shaken for 1 round (-2 attack rolls, AC, moral saves, cannot move towards Purple Dragon Knight). Oath of Wrath (1/day; Swift Action): Purple Dragon Knight gains +2 on morale saves, +2 morale bonus on melee attack rolls, +2 morale bonus on weapon damage rolls, +2 morale bonus on saves, +2 morale bonus on skill checks made against a single Lone creature or Leading from the Front Attached Commander of enemy unit located up to 12 inches away. All negation conditions described on p.50 FRCS still apply. Final Stand (1/day; Standard Action): When Leading from the Front, a Purple Dragon Knight grants 10 temporary hit points to a number of unit members equal to the knight's class level + Cha modifier, which last an equal number of rounds. The knight can affect a maximum of 21 small sized creatures, 12 medium sized creatures, and 5 large sized creatures with this ability. The Purple Dragon Knight has the option to include himself within the effect, but this reduces the number of allies affected by one. *Followers rallied by this creature can take their turn normally if they rally successfully. **+1 AC to all unit members. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let me know what you think... I found the max amount of critters (for the Final Stand ability) using a 10-foot emanation clear plastic template and trying to fit the most creatures under it on each unit template (Formed Unit trays at the end of the Mini Handbook).
PhilCW 11-22-03, 05:36 PM	Originally posted by Israfel666 I disagree with you. First, prestige classes are mostly options for the *players* and *their* characters: since you have to qualify for them, it must be a conscious decision of yours to strive for entering. The DM can't just say "Ok, you discovered a part of the Nether Scrolls, so you can take levels in Nethrese Arcanist if you want to". It doesn't work like that - no PC will likely qualify without having headed specifically from that PrC since character creation - which means they must have known the existance and the structure of the PrC well before they qualify in-game for it. I personally am of the school where characters progress from what happens to them and develop skills and abilities inherent to their experiences (which is somewhat determined by the DM) rather than focus towards the optimal power levels. For instance, I personally don't see many good reasons for a cleric of sune to take the Mobility feat except to take the heartwarder prestige class. I find that PrCs should have less requirements mechanically but more requirements on what the character has achieved. For instance, the Stormlord of Talos from Faiths and Pantheons I find is a good example of a PrC requirement. While the Heartwarder would be decent without the reqs of whip, dodge and mobility, and having no "in character" reqs. Secondly, some PrCs cannot be thought of as "prizes", but as entire character concepts. For example, if one of your players wants to play an assassin he should by all means be allowed access to the Assassin PrC. A prestige class should be an evolution of the character, i.e. the natural progression. If the character follows the progression to be an assassin, then all the power to the character/player. Thirdly, PrCs can spawn entire character concepts where the 11 core classes do not. Many, many players are inspired to new interesting characters after reading about a new prestige class - some just want to follow the archetype the PrC was built for, but a few come up with fascinating interpretations of the PrC that allow great stories to be built upon them ("I want to play a Rage Mage follower of Talos on a quest for the epic spell that will turn the whole Weave into Wild Magic") The character concept should be what the character is in a role-playing sense, and the mechanics reflect that. Take for instance the war wizards of Cormyr. Do all war wizards of Cormyr have the prestige class War wizard? Probably not, due to the requirement of being able to cast 4th level spells. However, are all those that have the war wizard PrC part of the War Wizards? Most, if not all. I found that the PrCs in Silver Marshes and Unapprochable East and a lesser extent most of those in the FRCS were excellently constructed requirement wise. Faiths and pantheons dropped the ball IMNSHO. Mind you, in my game I changed some of the requirements to reflect in game achievements. The heartwarder may either create an object or performance of great skill and beauty (succeeded a DC of 20-25) to be eligible or promote love in some form. This replaces the req for whip (I'm personally getting tired of the dominatrix stereotype), dodge and mobility have been removed. Are my opinions the only valid ones? No, that is my view and how I and my players prefer it. If you prefer something else, all the power to you. The bottom line is to have fun. Some PrCs as presently constructed require a lot of very precise reqs, and it can be ok to help "direct" a player on that path. But some PrCs should have remained more in the Dungeon Master's hands like say the shadow weave, and maybe most of the organizational PrCs (harpers, zhents, etc).
Israfel666 11-22-03, 07:58 PM	Originally posted by PhilCW I personally am of the school where characters progress from what happens to them and develop skills and abilities inherent to their experiences (which is somewhat determined by the DM) rather than focus towards the optimal power levels. For instance, I personally don't see many good reasons for a cleric of sune to take the Mobility feat except to take the heartwarder prestige class. I find that PrCs should have less requirements mechanically but more requirements on what the character has achieved. For instance, the Stormlord of Talos from Faiths and Pantheons I find is a good example of a PrC requirement. While the Heartwarder would be decent without the reqs of whip, dodge and mobility, and having no "in character" reqs. Yeah, I can agree with you in this regard (and thus with the rest of your post). The problem is, you actually have to balance those PrC via strange requirements, otherwise there'd be bladesingers all around. Besides, it just came up to my mind one strange thing. Regarding all those deity-specific prestige classes: why would a cleric follow a god and *not* take the PrC? In fact, in 2nd edition those names were used for specialty priests of gods, and many deities did not have clerics, but just specialty priests. To put it in another way (hey, Rich, it's a question for you!): what is, exactly, the in-game difference between a Clr20 of Talos and a Clr10/Stormlord 10 of Talos?
PhilCW 11-23-03, 12:23 AM	Double POST
PhilCW 11-23-03, 12:23 AM	Well the percentage of specialty priests of each faith varied betwen 100% to like 20% dependant on the god. Clergies with higher percentages of SPs had lower reqs (Tyr) than some others. I personally saw the SPs as being those favoured by their god to the point where said god grants them additional powers to display their favour.
Wooly Rupert 11-23-03, 12:46 AM	You know, in 2nd edition, I never paid any attention to clerics until I saw some specialty priests... Some of the SP's in the godbooks were just great! :D
Kade_Millan 11-23-03, 05:51 AM	Richard Baker, I have three questions; 1) Why change the Shadow Adept's Spell Power to Caster Level rather than remaining save DC? It seems excellent how it is doesn't it? 2) When can we expect another release of the FRCS? 3) I've heard rumors about an upcoming Forgotten Realms TV series or movie. Can you give me any more information (if it's actually happening, release dates etc) or direct me to a place that has? Warm Regards, Crispin Rovere crovere@hotmail.com
Arravis 11-23-03, 11:14 AM	My question is on the new update to the Bladesinger prestige class from the Complete Warrior book that was just released. I know it's unlikely, but was reducing the class ability, Song of Celerity, to once a day a typo/mistake? I noticed that the Sample Bladesinger NPC provided with it mentions no per day limit on her Song of Celerity. Additionally, it is simply my hope that it is a mistake since it makes the Bladesinger prestige class simply not worth taking. My players can achieve better results along the "spirit" of the Bladesinger with other prestige classes. I understand the need to re-write the Song of Celerity power from Races of Faerun, but I feel this is going much too far. Anyway, thanks for answering our questions, it is definately much appreciated :). -Arravis
Cernunnos 11-23-03, 12:19 PM	The FR Player's Guide is the 3.5 update to the FRCS, so there won't be another release of the FRCS for a long while. As for the FR TV series, a company bought the rights to make it, but I think they let them expire before doing anything. However, supposedly there is going to be a Dungeons & Dragons II movie.
Kade_Millan 11-24-03, 12:58 AM	Dungeons & Dragons II?? Oh dear god no! I was shocked enough that with all their experience with D&D, they came up with such a c-grade plot and c-grade movie in the original D&D feature film. LotR showed them what fantasy could be, if we're lucky D&DII will go straight to video and noone will watch it, the first movie did enough damage to roleplayings reputation as it is. Anyway enough of that tangent, thanks Cernunnos for your help. I do have one more question for Richard Baker however; 1) Will you be releasing (if you haven't already) material describing the Epic spells of the various Epic Spellcasters in FR along with any Epic items they might carry?
DreadStar 11-24-03, 05:32 AM	Rich Will the PGtF list what FR gods get the Cleric Domains from Complete Warrior? Also the computer game NWN Hordes of the Underdark deals with Loth's silence is there any spoilers in the game for War of the Spider Queen book series?
WotC_RichBaker 11-24-03, 01:08 PM	To provide three answers: 1. Super-high spell save DCs are bad for the game. They're not a problem with evocation-type spells; damage is just damage. But they make save-or-die spells into just die spells. We're generally trying to keep save DCs lower in v.3.5. 2. We have no plans to do that. 3. I have no idea what might or might not be happening with TV or movie licenses for the Realms. Every year it seems that a new "it's gotta happen" agreement appears, and every year it seems to fall by the wayside. I've seen 'em come and seen 'em go. My advice to you: Don't believe it's going to happen until you actually see it on the screen, big or small. Originally posted by Kade_Millan Richard Baker, I have three questions; 1) Why change the Shadow Adept's Spell Power to Caster Level rather than remaining save DC? It seems excellent how it is doesn't it? 2) When can we expect another release of the FRCS? 3) I've heard rumors about an upcoming Forgotten Realms TV series or movie. Can you give me any more information (if it's actually happening, release dates etc) or direct me to a place that has? Warm Regards, Crispin Rovere crovere@hotmail.com
WotC_RichBaker 11-24-03, 01:15 PM	I'm pretty sure that the Complete Warrior version is exactly what the developers of that book wanted it to be. Bladesinger is still a pretty good class, BTW. It's very strong on the basics (full BAB, two good saves, d8 HD) and the spell progression should look a lot more attractive to someone with arcane spellcaster levels than it used to in 3.0, when you received an alternate spell progression. I don't doubt that there are other ways to build a multiclassed fighter/wizard, but it's not terrible. Originally posted by Arravis My question is on the new update to the Bladesinger prestige class from the Complete Warrior book that was just released. I know it's unlikely, but was reducing the class ability, Song of Celerity, to once a day a typo/mistake? I noticed that the Sample Bladesinger NPC provided with it mentions no per day limit on her Song of Celerity. Additionally, it is simply my hope that it is a mistake since it makes the Bladesinger prestige class simply not worth taking. My players can achieve better results along the "spirit" of the Bladesinger with other prestige classes. I understand the need to re-write the Song of Celerity power from Races of Faerun, but I feel this is going much too far. Anyway, thanks for answering our questions, it is definately much appreciated :). -Arravis
WotC_RichBaker 11-24-03, 01:16 PM	No specific plans to do so. Might make a great Dragon article, though. Originally posted by Kade_Millan Anyway enough of that tangent, thanks Cernunnos for your help. I do have one more question for Richard Baker however; 1) Will you be releasing (if you haven't already) material describing the Epic spells of the various Epic Spellcasters in FR along with any Epic items they might carry?
WotC_RichBaker 11-24-03, 01:23 PM	Yes, although there seem to be some minor variations between the two books. No FR deity has Courage, but Planning, Nobility, Fate, and Tyranny are all covered in the Player's Guide. In general, we consider the array of domains presented in Player's Guide to be the authoritative list for the FR pantheon. As more domains come out in other D&D books, we're not going to shoehorn them all into the FR pantheon. RE: Hordes of the Underdark, I haven't seen the design documents for the game, so I just don't know if it has WotSQ spoilers or not. My guess would be probably not, but it depends how far into the series you've read, I suppose. Originally posted by DreadStar Rich Will the PGtF list what FR gods get the Cleric Domains from Complete Warrior? Also the computer game NWN Hordes of the Underdark deals with Loth's silence is there any spoilers in the game for War of the Spider Queen book series?
fara_sf 11-24-03, 07:25 PM	Hello Mr. Baker, Had to take the opportunity to drop you a note & say I'm very happy with the revisions to the Ranger class. While subtle in the numbers, a substantial flavor and emphasis was added that was previously only there as irrelavent background lore. In the unlikely case that you have time to consider individual submissions -- and not like you are short of grand & novel ideas, which you have in abundance (slobber) -- has it ever been considered to do away with the Ranger's spell casting abilities? I hate to take this chance to communicate with you and request a possible change and not go on and on and thank you for the wonderful world you have created...but I have :( Thanks for being availuable and have a happy turkey day!
WotC_RichBaker 11-24-03, 08:43 PM	Thank you. I'm afraid I can't take any credit for the 3.5 ranger; that's all Andy Collins. I think he did consider a no-spellcasting version at one point. However, that's the 3.5 ranger, we won't change it again until 4th edition (although you might see a variant ranger in a supplement at some point).
captainharlock 11-25-03, 01:30 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Regarding Zakhara, Maztica, and Kara-Tur: We have solid business reasons and intellectual property protection questions that make us uncomfortable with sanctioning more fan-managed sites for materials we're not actively publishing. Among other things, I don't like to offer someone the chance to create "official" material that I might later have to ignore if we were to return to that particular setting. Yeah, IF you return to them. But the thing is, especially with Kara-Tur, it has already been shown that WotC REFUSES to return there. Just look at the intro to Oriental Adventures. That certainly shows WotC plan to throw Kara Tur to the waste basket. If WotC does not ever want to do it again, why not give it to the people who love it?
cwslyclgh 11-25-03, 04:15 AM	If WotC does not ever want to do it again, why not give it to the people who love it? because times change, and somthing that you might not wqnt to do right now (or might not ever forsee yourself wanting to do for that matter) might become a good idea at a later date.
The White Sorcerer 11-25-03, 06:42 AM	Originally posted by fara_sf has it ever been considered to do away with the Ranger's spell casting abilities? Check out the Complete Warrior book. What you're looking for is there.
Cunning Linguist 11-25-03, 08:32 AM	Dear Mr. Baker, an underdark question. If a Grimlock takes the Cavelord PrC, on his second level, would he gain lesser cavesense and have 120 foot Darkvision? It says its gain via a mystical connection to the underdark, and does not say anything about races that are blind. Perhaps he would gain some other kind of extended blindsight? And if he got Darkvision, would he lose his immunities that are because of lack of sight?
Razz 11-25-03, 01:04 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker To provide three answers: 1. Super-high spell save DCs are bad for the game. They're not a problem with evocation-type spells; damage is just damage. But they make save-or-die spells into just die spells. We're generally trying to keep save DCs lower in v.3.5. Well, it seems what you guys conisder super-high save DCs means that the characters you use to playtest with have really super-low saving throws. My entire roster of players (6 in all) can beat a 9th-level spell (save DC 23) without a hassle! There's a Paladin/Fighter/Cavalier in the party with a +23 Fortitude save! He can eat through spell saves of 30-35 with ease, much less 23. That was just him, we have a psychic warrior that nearly does the same, a monk that beats EVERY save possible up to 35, Reflex and Will mostly, the paladin's awakened psionic dire wolf special mount that does the same...you get the picture. And this is WITHOUT cloaks of resistance...I could only faint if they got their hands on those. It's ridiculous for me to simply be FORCED to give EVERY spellcaster Spell Focus, a magic item granting a +6 enchancement bonus to either Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma, start off their primary stat at 18, add all ability score points from their levels to that score, then make sure they have enough magic tomes or wish spells to gain a +5 inherent bonus to that score in order for the spell save DC to even be just a CHALLENGE to such characters! Mr. Baker, it seems it makes no sense for my campaign to have every spellcaster with a score of 30+ in their primary stat just to pose a challenge to my players or anyone's for that matter. The PCs are all 13th-level, with gear value equal to their level as well, so no one is unbalanced, technically speaking. I've also noticed that most NPCs I see created by WotC have astounding save bonuses. I know such matters cannot be changed, and WotC has made up their mind (as wrong as it may be), but please backup with evidence of what quoted you on above. It all just doesn't make any sense.
WotC_RichBaker 11-25-03, 01:41 PM	My off-the-cuff answer is that the racial feature of having no eyes trumps the class feature of gaining darkvision, so I would say the grimlock cavelord doesn't get darkvision. It's unfortunate we weren't more clear about that, since it's an obvious class/race combo. Originally posted by Cunning Linguist Dear Mr. Baker, an underdark question. If a Grimlock takes the Cavelord PrC, on his second level, would he gain lesser cavesense and have 120 foot Darkvision? It says its gain via a mystical connection to the underdark, and does not say anything about races that are blind. Perhaps he would gain some other kind of extended blindsight? And if he got Darkvision, would he lose his immunities that are because of lack of sight?
WotC_RichBaker 11-25-03, 02:13 PM	That may be the case (we generally design toward single-classed characters with cloaks of resistance, not heavily multiclassed characters designed for maximum saves), but it still does not affect our design standards for 3.5. It's not just about whether or not you can threaten your players with a saving throw. It's also about PCs who generate super-high spell save DCs destroying encounters that should challenge them. That damages the game, too. Our goal is to create an accurate benchmark game, with the understanding that individual campaigns may vary from that benchmark. If your players destroy the benchmark, you know that you can throw more at them. If the benchmark wrecks your party, then you know to treat CRs and ELs as tougher than we suggest. It sounds like you're in the first group; from our point of view, it's better for you to tune your campaign than it is for us to move the benchmark. Remember, we see the results of many, many campaigns, and they don't all report the same results as you do. Try having your spellcasters make more use of spells that don't allow negating saves. Originally posted by Razz Well, it seems what you guys conisder super-high save DCs means that the characters you use to playtest with have really super-low saving throws. My entire roster of players (6 in all) can beat a 9th-level spell (save DC 23) without a hassle! There's a Paladin/Fighter/Cavalier in the party with a +23 Fortitude save! He can eat through spell saves of 30-35 with ease, much less 23. That was just him, we have a psychic warrior that nearly does the same, a monk that beats EVERY save possible up to 35, Reflex and Will mostly, the paladin's awakened psionic dire wolf special mount that does the same...you get the picture. And this is WITHOUT cloaks of resistance...I could only faint if they got their hands on those. It's ridiculous for me to simply be FORCED to give EVERY spellcaster Spell Focus, a magic item granting a +6 enchancement bonus to either Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma, start off their primary stat at 18, add all ability score points from their levels to that score, then make sure they have enough magic tomes or wish spells to gain a +5 inherent bonus to that score in order for the spell save DC to even be just a CHALLENGE to such characters! Mr. Baker, it seems it makes no sense for my campaign to have every spellcaster with a score of 30+ in their primary stat just to pose a challenge to my players or anyone's for that matter. The PCs are all 13th-level, with gear value equal to their level as well, so no one is unbalanced, technically speaking. I've also noticed that most NPCs I see created by WotC have astounding save bonuses. I know such matters cannot be changed, and WotC has made up their mind (as wrong as it may be), but please backup with evidence of what quoted you on above. It all just doesn't make any sense.
Faraer 11-25-03, 05:21 PM	I was shocked enough that with all their experience with D&D, they came up with such a c-grade plot and c-grade movie in the original D&D feature film.People with D&D experience didn't make the film. Similarly, even if the Realms were licensed and the production went ahead, it wouldn't retain any essence of the Realms unless the writers, director, and crew had a strong intuitive feel for that essence, which is close on a 0% chance. My, a lot of rulestalk here.
Cunning Linguist 11-25-03, 06:22 PM	Another Underdark question for you. The PrC Inquisitor of the Drowning Goddess, on 4 level they gain "Mark of the Outcast", what is this? I can't seem to find it anywhere in the underdark Book.
BobROE 11-25-03, 07:02 PM	The PrC Inquisitor of the Drowning Goddess, on 4 level they gain "Mark of the Outcast", what is this? I can't seem to find it anywhere in the underdark Book. Well it's a spell (page 59) but I don't really know how it applies as a PrC ability maybe can cast it once per day as a spell like ability.
Herr Doktor 11-25-03, 08:04 PM	Mister Baker, Can you tell me what the difference between the Spellcasting Prodigy in the FRCS and the new version is? I'm starting a new campaign that I expect to last well past the release date of the Player's Guide so if you could let me know the changes now it'd be very helpful and probably less disappointing for the player who wants the feat.
Gez 11-25-03, 08:34 PM	Originally posted by The White Sorcerer Check out the Complete Warrior book. What you're looking for is there. Nope, check out Rokugan. The Complete Warrior replaces spells by... spell-like abilities. If you have a stylistic problem with spellcasting rangers, and think they should not have magic stuff; you would not want them to have spellcasting abilities either. Rokugan proposed to give rangers a bonus feat (any) at each level they would otherwise get access to a new spell level. Originally posted by Herr Doktor Mister Baker, Can you tell me what the difference between the Spellcasting Prodigy in the FRCS and the new version is? He's already said it. It no more counts for purpose of spell save DC. (You may notice a trend there.)
Herr Doktor 11-25-03, 08:48 PM	Thank you, Gez. :-)
Lashan 11-25-03, 11:43 PM	Mr Baker, I am curious if the Vast is going to get any attention in new products by WOTC. Before, it was under the guidance of the RPGA Living City. With that being outsourced, does the "no development" plans still hold for the area? I don't mean to ask if there is a product that details the Vast planned anytime soon, but more is it possible that there will one day be a supplement that details this area? Thanks for your time.
Jem Purplefeather 11-26-03, 01:35 AM	Dear Mr. Richard Baker, Hi. I have the following questions: Question #1: Does Wizards of the Coast plan to give it's customers a 3.5 revised Sword Dancer Prestige Class or an entirely all new Prestige Class involving the worshiping of Eilistraee? Question #2: Does Wizards of the Coast plan to to give it's customers a Expanded Book of Vile Darkness (that would be 3.5 revised)? Question #3: Does Wizards of the Coast plan to give it's customers a new version of Faithes and Pantheons which includes the 3.5 revised stats of ALL the Deities of Faerûn (including Akadi, Auril, Beshaba, Deneir, Grumbar, Istishia, Loviatar, Talona, and Ubtao)? Question #4: Does Wizards of the Coast plan to give it's customers a Forgotten Realms sourcebook detailing the 3.5 revised stats of the Demihuman deities (besides that of Moradin, Corellon, Garl Glittergold, Yondalla, and Lolth)? Thank you for listening to my questions. Toodles! :D
Jem Purplefeather 11-26-03, 01:36 AM	Whoops! Double post.
Cassius Harkanor 11-26-03, 06:13 AM	Dea Richard, 1. Just to continue on with the talk of domains, which of the following domains from the various books would/are being include for the Faerun gods ? From the Ghostwalker book= Ghost. From the Draconomicon= Waleth and Dragon. From the Book of Exalted Deeds= Celestial, Endurance, Community, Fey, Glory, Herald, Joy, Pleasure, Wrath. From the Book of Vile Darkness= Demonic, Corruption, Diabolic and Greed. 2. Will the Watery Death, Repose, Balance and Blightbringer domains be include in the Players Guide ? Will the Players Guide use the old or the revised Portal domain ? 3. Why was there a prestige class for Myrkul in the Faiths and Pantheons, specially one are restrictive as the Horned Harbringer ? Was this to be some future plot device and you were giving us a sneak peak ?
ericlboyd 11-26-03, 08:23 AM	<<< 3. Why was there a prestige class for Myrkul in the Faiths and Pantheons, specially one are restrictive as the Horned Harbringer ? Was this to be some future plot device and you were giving us a sneak peak ? >>> My intent in designing this class was to illustrate that: a) You can have prestige classes for dead gods. b) A prestige class can be tied to something other than an organization or "role". c) I thought it was a cool use of a classic artifact. Neither the Horned Harbringer nor the Ocular Adept are "typical" religion-based prestige classes, which was in part the intent. As for whether WoTC will ever pick up this plot device I have no idea ... but never say never. --Eric PS If you're interested, you might tie this prestige class to events revealed in the Dungeon #73 adventure (2e) "Eye of Myrkul."
WotC_RichBaker 11-26-03, 12:27 PM	No current plans. That doesn't mean that we would never do it, it just means that we're not likely to in the next 2-3 years. RE: the Living City outsourcing, I just don't know off the top of my head whether that would influence our decision to do a product on the Vast, but it's at least a couple of years away no matter what, so I'm not thinking hard about it for a while. Originally posted by Lashan Mr Baker, I am curious if the Vast is going to get any attention in new products by WOTC. Before, it was under the guidance of the RPGA Living City. With that being outsourced, does the "no development" plans still hold for the area? I don't mean to ask if there is a product that details the Vast planned anytime soon, but more is it possible that there will one day be a supplement that details this area? Thanks for your time.
WotC_RichBaker 11-26-03, 12:34 PM	I'm starting to feel a little pressured by the questions of "What products are you going to do?" to be honest. I am not really allowed to share information about specific product plans for things that haven't yet appeared in our product catalog (in other words, products more than a year away). Long lists like this would seem to lead to me painting out our schedule by "negative space" by telling you things we're *not* planning, and I'm getting a little uncomfortable with that. The purpose of the thread, as I view it, is to talk about questions or comments you have on published product, or products we're about to publish. It started as "errors, omissions, and suggestions," and gave me a forum for telling you folks why we did some of the things we did in specific products. Let's move it back in that direction, and start a different thread for "things I want the FR business team at WotC to tell me," because we've been venturing into questions that are more rightly their responsibility than mine, and I don't want to speak for them. Originally posted by Jem Purplefeather Dear Mr. Richard Baker, Hi. I have the following questions: Question #1: Does Wizards of the Coast plan to give it's customers a 3.5 revised Sword Dancer Prestige Class or an entirely all new Prestige Class involving the worshiping of Eilistraee? Question #2: Does Wizards of the Coast plan to to give it's customers a Expanded Book of Vile Darkness (that would be 3.5 revised)? Question #3: Does Wizards of the Coast plan to give it's customers a new version of Faithes and Pantheons which includes the 3.5 revised stats of ALL the Deities of Faerûn (including Akadi, Auril, Beshaba, Deneir, Grumbar, Istishia, Loviatar, Talona, and Ubtao)? Question #4: Does Wizards of the Coast plan to give it's customers a Forgotten Realms sourcebook detailing the 3.5 revised stats of the Demihuman deities (besides that of Moradin, Corellon, Garl Glittergold, Yondalla, and Lolth)? Thank you for listening to my questions. Toodles! :D
WotC_RichBaker 11-26-03, 12:40 PM	The FR Player's Guide is intended to be definitive, in the context of the 3.5 core books, the FRCS, and itself, with the domains. Domains from Ghostwalk, Draconomicon, Exalted Deeds, and Vile Darkness aren't covered, because we don't know that someone buying the FRPG will have all those books. (Might be a good web feature, though.) Keep in mind, by the deity rules in DDG, you just can't add domains to deities. Offering a certain number of domains requires choices by the deity, and thus adding new domains makes the deity description "wrong." I think this is a pretty minor point myself--in my campaign, I'd add the domains without regard for the effect on the deity, other than to generally observe the fact that greater deities should offer more domains than lesser deities--but not everyone might like that choice. Prestige domains strike me as less necessary to reprint, because in most cases the prestige class making use of the domain and the prestige domain are in the same spot. Repose appears in the FRPG, but the others are fine in Underdark. Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dea Richard, 1. Just to continue on with the talk of domains, which of the following domains from the various books would/are being include for the Faerun gods ? From the Ghostwalker book= Ghost. From the Draconomicon= Waleth and Dragon. From the Book of Exalted Deeds= Celestial, Endurance, Community, Fey, Glory, Herald, Joy, Pleasure, Wrath. From the Book of Vile Darkness= Demonic, Corruption, Diabolic and Greed. 2. Will the Watery Death, Repose, Balance and Blightbringer domains be include in the Players Guide ? Will the Players Guide use the old or the revised Portal domain ? 3. Why was there a prestige class for Myrkul in the Faiths and Pantheons, specially one are restrictive as the Horned Harbringer ? Was this to be some future plot device and you were giving us a sneak peak ?
Thog 11-26-03, 12:50 PM	Rich, Moving things back in the direction you indicated: What were the reasons the FR design team had for changing the cosmology from standard D&D to the Great Tree model? I'd like to know what you were thinking/your design process/how you ended up where you did. I guess this question maysound a bit argumentative, but it's really just a sincere question on How (and mayge Why) you made such a major change in the Realms. I appologize if you've answered this question before, but while I can find tons of rants about how _bad_ a decision it was, I haven't found anything about why the decision was made. If you have answered this before, can you point me to that answer?
Freakboy 11-26-03, 03:45 PM	Hi Mr Baker, I have a quick question. I noticed that on the table of contents list for the players guide to faerun, that some of my favorite spells weren't listed as being updated. For example, Black Blade of Disaster. If a spell isn't included in the players guide, can I assume that it is ok as written in the 3.0 material for 3.5. Or do I need to make some adjustments to those spells? I also wanted to take a minute to thank you for your writeups of the NPC's in the War of the Spider Queen. The group I am DMing is primarily exploring in the Underdark, and is just about to get to the end of the City of the Spider Queen super adventure. As an added bonus, I had them run into the group of Menzoberranzan from War of the Spider Queen and it was one of the funnest and most memorable encounters we have had in our gaming sessions. The looks on their faces were priceless when they realized that the Draegloth they were fighting was THE Jeggred along with Ryld, Valas, Pharaun, Quenthel, and Halisstra. I am looking forward to the final installment of the series in Dragon this next year. Thanks in advance for your time and help!!!!
WotC_RichBaker 11-26-03, 05:39 PM	Three big reasons, really: 1. The 3rd Edition Manual of the Planes formalized the notion of alternate D&D cosmologies, so the tools to do the job came into existence while the FRCS was in design. 2. The Realms pantheon doesn't have folks like Odin or Zeus in it, so why should the Realms multiverse include places like Olympus or Valhalla? 3. In general, we did not feel beholden to adhere strictly to the "take" on something offered by a previous edition. We didn't want to change things for the sake of changing them, but if we felt we had a way to improve some aspect of the IP, we were willing to do so. Some folks will argue that changing the cosmology was not an improvement, but we felt that resolving the logical questions implied by #2 above was a good enough reason to abandon the 2E Great Wheel cosmology. Originally posted by Thog Rich, Moving things back in the direction you indicated: What were the reasons the FR design team had for changing the cosmology from standard D&D to the Great Tree model? I'd like to know what you were thinking/your design process/how you ended up where you did. I guess this question maysound a bit argumentative, but it's really just a sincere question on How (and mayge Why) you made such a major change in the Realms. I appologize if you've answered this question before, but while I can find tons of rants about how _bad_ a decision it was, I haven't found anything about why the decision was made. If you have answered this before, can you point me to that answer?
WotC_RichBaker 11-26-03, 05:42 PM	In general, if we don't specifically update a spell, it's OK as is. Once the updated version comes out, we expect that most folks will be using it. In the Player's Guide, we tried to catch all the spells that were significantly impacted by 3.5 or that just needed updating based on a couple of years of being in play. Glad you enjoyed the Spider Queen articles. I just turned in Nimor, Danifae, and one other character for the last installment of the series. It'll be out in a Dragon issue in summer 2004, I think. Originally posted by Freakboy Hi Mr Baker, I have a quick question. I noticed that on the table of contents list for the players guide to faerun, that some of my favorite spells weren't listed as being updated. For example, Black Blade of Disaster. If a spell isn't included in the players guide, can I assume that it is ok as written in the 3.0 material for 3.5. Or do I need to make some adjustments to those spells? I also wanted to take a minute to thank you for your writeups of the NPC's in the War of the Spider Queen. The group I am DMing is primarily exploring in the Underdark, and is just about to get to the end of the City of the Spider Queen super adventure. As an added bonus, I had them run into the group of Menzoberranzan from War of the Spider Queen and it was one of the funnest and most memorable encounters we have had in our gaming sessions. The looks on their faces were priceless when they realized that the Draegloth they were fighting was THE Jeggred along with Ryld, Valas, Pharaun, Quenthel, and Halisstra. I am looking forward to the final installment of the series in Dragon this next year. Thanks in advance for your time and help!!!!
Thog 11-26-03, 05:59 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker [B}why should the Realms multiverse include places like Olympus or Valhalla? [/B] Makes sense to me. A lot of the arguements and rants about this subject come because FR now has no ties to Sigil. How does that fit into the equation? Personally, IMRC there are portals to Sigil just like there always have been, and anyone can do what I did and R0 the connection back. But why is the 'canon' or 'official' position that these connections don't exist? Or is that really the official position?
Cernunnos 11-26-03, 06:23 PM	Considering that Planescape (and thus, Sigil) are no longer active properties, technically there is nothing canon about links to Faerun and the City of Doors. However, I don't find the cosmology question to be that difficult... I mean, its not hard to just keep using the Great Wheel, even though its not technically canon now. Or, if you want to walk the middle ground, you could just say they are both structures for conceiving of something greater than mortal comprehension, and both are technically correct. It could be that the people of Faerun who study planar cosmology only tend to have info on their gods' domains (this I think is a pretty logical assumption), and don't tend to think of other realms beyond. Considering one can't quite walk from one plane to another without the aid of magic or portals, its kind of hard to say just WHAT shape the universe is in, isn't it? So, think of the Great Tree as more representative of how Faerunians view the universe, considering that access to planes on it is much more common than say, Valhalla or Olympus (accessible, but pretty uncommon). Since a portal just links two points, you can pretty much have one go from anywhere to anywhere... and the first rule of DMing always applies... if you don't like it, don't use it!
Kuje31 11-26-03, 06:26 PM	Originally posted by Thog Makes sense to me. A lot of the arguements and rants about this subject come because FR now has no ties to Sigil. How does that fit into the equation? Personally, IMRC there are portals to Sigil just like there always have been, and anyone can do what I did and R0 the connection back. Well that's not why I dislike the change. I dislike it because it invalidates almost 20 years worth of sourcebook and novels and because of this it has ripped glaring holes in the history of FR. I guess most of us just would like continuity and consistency but maybe we are asking for to much since it has yet to happen in any of the FR books put out for 3/3.5 According to Faiths & Pantheons there is a portal to Sigil. :) And about Rich's comment about some deities not existing in FR, then Oghma, Tyche (Tymora/Beshaba), Loviatar, Mielikki, Silvanus and a few others shouldn't exist in FR.
Kuje31 11-26-03, 06:30 PM	Originally posted by Cernunnos Considering that Planescape (and thus, Sigil) are no longer active properties, technically there is nothing canon about links to Faerun and the City of Doors. However, I don't find the cosmology question to be that difficult... I mean, its not hard to just keep using the Great Wheel, even though its not technically canon now. Or, if you want to walk the middle ground, you could just say they are both structures for conceiving of something greater than mortal comprehension, and both are technically correct. It could be that the people of Faerun who study planar cosmology only tend to have info on their gods' domains (this I think is a pretty logical assumption), and don't tend to think of other realms beyond. Considering one can't quite walk from one plane to another without the aid of magic or portals, its kind of hard to say just WHAT shape the universe is in, isn't it? So, think of the Great Tree as more representative of how Faerunians view the universe, considering that access to planes on it is much more common than say, Valhalla or Olympus (accessible, but pretty uncommon). Since a portal just links two points, you can pretty much have one go from anywhere to anywhere... and the first rule of DMing always applies... if you don't like it, don't use it! Except that the plane walkers from FR were/are one of the most knowledgeable groups from the Prime, now it looks as if they are clueless, so it's a bit ironic. Even in one of the Waterdeep books it says "Any and all deities from the Multiverse could be found in this city since it is a cosmopolition city and many planar travelers visit Waterdeep."
Gez 11-26-03, 06:31 PM	The forgotten realms setting was build on the idea that portals between different worlds exist. (Ask Greenwood.) They still exist, however, the 3e "metacosmology" has changed a bit. Now, a portal between Waterdeep and Sigil pass through the Shadow Plane, rather than merely through the Astral Plane. Since shadow travel is more difficult than astral travel, cosmologies are more isolated; but it's still possible for Elminster, Dalamar and Mordenkainen to go play poker in Sigil. If you look the picture in the Manual of the Planes, illustrating how the Plane of Shadows connect several cosmologies together, you'll see the Great Wheel and the Great Tree side by side. The influence of other worlds has been lessened so that you can ignore it if you want; but not suppressed. In short, this can be sumed up by "don't feel obligated to buy all our campaign setting just because they're all interlinked and you've got people from Mystara popping in Silverymoon and asking why the goddess of magic here has a name so similar to their own world".
Gez 11-26-03, 06:49 PM	Since the generous ToC posted here (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44746&perpage=46&pagenumber=9), material has been cut out from the PGFR. As the Purple Dragon Knight has been recently updated in the Complete Warrior, will it disappear "for saving space" from the Player's Guide to the Forgotten Realms as well ?
BobROE 11-26-03, 07:06 PM	Since I think if got missed, I'll post again. Is there any chance we could see some sort of web update for PrC spell lists? (ie spells from Underdark that the bladesinger can cast, or spells from UE that the Prime Underdark Guide can cast.)
Cernunnos 11-26-03, 07:14 PM	Why do you need a spell list? My understanding is those were just "guidelines," like what the avg. PrC would have at his command. If its an arcane spell, then technically anybody who can cast arcane magic can learn it. If you play an Underdark campaign, have them go to the market in Menzoberranzan and buy a Red Wizard's spellbook with some spells from UE.
BobROE 11-26-03, 10:47 PM	No, those are the classes spell lists. Like a cleric's or bards. A wizard can't learn Cure Light Wounds just because it's on the bard spell list (or at least was in 3.0).
Cernunnos 11-26-03, 11:31 PM	Actually the spell list is determined by the Spell level, and what kind of spells the PrC casts. For instance, Bladesingers have to use spellbooks and cast arcane spells, so its safe to say that they can use anything that a Wizard can regarding their Bladesinger spells (level permitting of course). If that method (a WE for every release) was used, WotC would have to keep a master document of ALL the spellcasting PrC's and update it with EVERY release. Needless to say, I don't think they are going to do that...
captainharlock 11-26-03, 11:55 PM	Just a quick question, Will the builder books be updated for 3.5?
Auguthra the Mad 11-27-03, 06:53 AM	Rich Baker wrote: "2. The Realms pantheon doesn't have folks like Odin or Zeus in it, so why should the Realms multiverse include places like Olympus or Valhalla? " Umm ... I suppose you haven't noticed that the Norse god Tyr is part of the Faerunian pantheon, or that Sune is considered to be Aphrodite, or Loviatar is part of the finnish pantheon. These facts really don't gel with your comment above. In fact I'd probably prefer it if you were honest and said, "This is the decision we've made, so if you don't like it, go jump ..." rather than dredging up poor quasi-justifications. "3. In general, we did not feel beholden to adhere strictly to the "take" on something offered by a previous edition. We didn't want to change things for the sake of changing them, but if we felt we had a way to improve some aspect of the IP, we were willing to do so. Some folks will argue that changing the cosmology was not an improvement, but we felt that resolving the logical questions implied by #2 above was a good enough reason to abandon the 2E Great Wheel cosmology." All well and good, but it seems that you failed to provide your 'logical questions' with the correct answers (see above). Don't the current design team for FR (such as it is) consider it just a tad disrespectful, to implement your first statement above? Yes, you are creative types, employed to create - but stomping on someone's previous work because you (extremely subjectively) think that your new take/idea/design is "better" smacks of arrogance. Essentially what you are saying is, to draw a factual example, my ideas regarding Llurth Dreier in the "Underdark" supplement are superior to those of Eric Boyd, a fellow designer, because I think they are. Therefore, Eric's work (or Ed's or Slade's or Jim's or Dale's or (heaven forbid) Rich's) is inferior to mine and so I'll ignore it and use my own stuff. It'll be interesting to see how you'll feel in 5 years time Rich, when someone nukes your work in 'Unapproachable East' because to them, it 'improves some aspect of the IP'. I think it might hurt more than you care to admit. Auguthra the Mad
Mr.Waesel 11-27-03, 10:30 AM	Sorry, guys. I was out of line.
Srinshee 11-27-03, 12:34 PM	Can we please NOT turn this thread into a flame war? Thank you. Anyway i just wanted to say that I think the regional supplements that have come out during 3e have all been great, if a bit too crunchy, and that i'm looking forwad to the PGtF and Serpent Kingdoms.
Gez 11-27-03, 01:42 PM	The latest Bladesinger (Complete Warrior) has a continuing spell progression, rather than a separate one (+1/2 levels). And, IMO, it's the best thing to do. Cut down the number of separate spell list, they're a pain. (OT: Personally, I'd like to have only four spell lists: arcane, divine, nature, psionic. With maybe a system of complexity like in Monte Cook's AU, to avoid bards havng access to wizard evocation spells. Then every new spellcasting class would be instantly supported by every spell books ever published, and vice-versa.) And, since the Bladesinger and the Purple Dragon Knight are in Complete Warrior, let me repeat my question: Will these classes be cut from the PGFR for saving space?
Wooly Rupert 11-28-03, 01:46 AM	Mr. Baker, here's an odd question. This was prompted by another thread... The moon, Seluné, is actually a pretty nice place. But the late Lady of the Mists, Leira, had placed an illusion on the near side of Seluné, making it appear about as habitable as our own moon is. So, what happened to the illusion during the ToT, and what's the current status of it? Is Cyric maintaining the illusion, perhaps, and if so, what do the locals know or think about that? And I do apologize for winging that one in from left field like that. ;) :)
DreadStar 11-28-03, 12:23 PM	Rich When is the Errata for RoF and UE coming out? I also need to know about the Jambiya from RoF it has a Star next to it meaning see weapon description for special rules yet, there are no special rules? Any idea whats so, special about the Jambiya? The RoF Battle Gauntlet is also confusing it says "Like a normal gauntlet that comes with armor, Battle Gauntlets allow the wearer to make unarmed attacks as if they were armed" do normal gauntlets in 3.5 let act as if your armed?
Razz 11-28-03, 07:32 PM	I agree with Auguthra. I have always believed Forgotten Realms to be the most traveled Prime Material World in Planescape. Mr. Baker, Zeus and Odin DO exist in Forgotten Realms campaigns because of their original ties to Sigil, and thus Planescape, and thus to every plane in existence. You forget that while Planescape may not be an official campaign anymore, people still play it and go by what it states, despite whether they run a PS campaign or not. Zeus and Odin talk to each other, Epimetheus roams around Garl Glittergold's home, and Aphrodite, Hanali Celanil, and that other beauty goddess (forgot her name) all gossip and bathe in the same pool. The deities aren't just busy with the Material Plane, they are also doing what they can throughout the entire multiverse. Which is why I asked earlier if the writers of PGtF would be considerate for us all enough to give us the equivalencies of the FR cosmology planes and the Core Cosmology planes.
sanishiver 11-28-03, 08:18 PM	To Auguthra the Mad and Razz: You know what, I (and several others on this board) have seen it all before; whether here or on the Realms-L list. You’re don't like a response? Fine. You disagree with what you're reading? That's fine too. However, this is not the thread to vent in. We’re all very fortunate that Rich takes the time to read our posts and answer our questions, when he is under absolutely no obligation to do so. If he get's blasted for giving an answer, he'll likely stop posting. Our rare opportunity to talk to the designers directly is worth far more than your need to angrily reply to his answers, irregardless of how strongly you feel on an issue. Please be courteous enough not to ruin it for the rest of us. :whatsthis [edit] spelling
Kezghan 11-28-03, 08:57 PM	I am in complete agreement with sanishiver, this is definatly NOT the thread to complain about anything. Mr. Baker has been like a godsend to us, its nothing we should abuse at all. Mr. Baker please know that as mostly a lurker i appreciate immensely the time you take to answer our questions here. Thank you.
Jem Purplefeather 11-28-03, 10:43 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker I'm starting to feel a little pressured by the questions of "What products are you going to do?" to be honest. I am not really allowed to share information about specific product plans for things that haven't yet appeared in our product catalog (in other words, products more than a year away). Long lists like this would seem to lead to me painting out our schedule by "negative space" by telling you things we're *not* planning, and I'm getting a little uncomfortable with that. The purpose of the thread, as I view it, is to talk about questions or comments you have on published product, or products we're about to publish. It started as "errors, omissions, and suggestions," and gave me a forum for telling you folks why we did some of the things we did in specific products. Let's move it back in that direction, and start a different thread for "things I want the FR business team at WotC to tell me," because we've been venturing into questions that are more rightly their responsibility than mine, and I don't want to speak for them. Sorry. Didn't mean to upset you Rich.
Tzeentch 11-28-03, 10:53 PM	Planescape and Spelljammer were "parachuted in" to the Forgotten Realms setting after they were introduced. They are hardly what I would call necessary for the game. I for one am GLAD they are no longer directly connected.
TinySilverChalice 11-28-03, 11:02 PM	Mr. Baker: Again, and I can't imagine we all can say this enough, thank you for your time. On to the question: What happens when you put a Bag of Holding into another one? Our group has been under the impression for many years (some of us have played since the early '80's) that something really destructive would happen, a situation perhaps akin to a Sphere of Annhilation or a Reputive Strike. We wanted to use such a situation as a BEEG's tool, but couldn't find anything offical on it. Asking around here has made me feel like I'm nuts; no one seems to have any idea what would happen, if anything at all. Closest offical answer we can find is the ruling about Bags of Holding and Portable Holes getting together. Thanks in advance for your call on this, should you give it.
Kuje31 11-28-03, 11:07 PM	Originally posted by Tzeentch Planescape and Spelljammer were "parachuted in" to the Forgotten Realms setting after they were introduced. They are hardly what I would call necessary for the game. I for one am GLAD they are no longer directly connected. Kind of funny since this isn't really true, at least for FR. Since the Manual of the Planes was written back in 1e and Ed wrote and detailed the Nine Hells for Dragon (his article even became the standard Nine Hells for D&D.)
Tzeentch 11-28-03, 11:34 PM	Originally posted by Kuje31 Kind of funny since this isn't really true, at least for FR. Since the Manual of the Planes was written back in 1e and Ed wrote and detailed the Nine Hells for Dragon (his article even became the standard Nine Hells for D&D.) -- Note I said Planescape (not specifically referring to the old MotP cosmology).
Cassius Harkanor 11-30-03, 03:10 AM	Dear Richards and Eric I wish to thank both of you for answering my questions after the last couple of months. Many high praises. Just a few more 1. Whatever happened to the contents of the Vault of Ages (Attack on Myth drannor). It was looted and it has yet to be revealed what happened to those items. 2. Are the chages to the Purple Dragon Knight and the Thayan Knight in the Complete Warriors Guide considered correct for the Faerun setting ? 3. Will the revised timeline in the Players Guide only feature the events from the War of the Spider Queen and the Return of the Archwizards, or will it also include the history from the Erevis Cale trilogy, Councillors and Kings and the Sembia series ? 4. I read on a chat transcript for the Faiths and Pantheons that information on Karsus and his cultists was cut out. Any chance this information will be released in another product, or better yet, in a web enhancement or other similar fashion ?
Kuje31 11-30-03, 03:21 AM	Originally posted by Tzeentch -- Note I said Planescape (not specifically referring to the old MotP cosmology). Except the old Manual of the Planes cosmology is basically Planescape. :) Without it, Planescape would not exist....
WizO_BigSister 11-30-03, 12:52 PM	People if you want to have an argument that isn't a question to an author, or a direct response to an authors reply then please take it somewhere else. This thread is set up for a very specific purpose. A large number of posters and authors find it very useful, so hijacking it will not be appreciated.
DreadStar 12-01-03, 01:49 AM	Rich When is the Errata for RoF and UE coming out? I also need to know about the Jambiya from RoF it has a Star next to it meaning see weapon description for special rules yet, there are no special rules? Any idea whats so, special about the Jambiya? The RoF Battle Gauntlet is also confusing it says "Like a normal gauntlet that comes with armor, Battle Gauntlets allow the wearer to make unarmed attacks as if they were armed" do normal gauntlets in 3.5 let act as if your armed? I also would like to know if Complete Warrior's FR PrCs are approved for FR? Also are there any plans for an Errata for CW? Thanks :)
WotC_RichBaker 12-01-03, 02:42 PM	That's a good idea, and a worthwhile web article. I'm afraid I won't write it (too many other irons in the fire), but I sure wouldn't mind seeing such a thing. Originally posted by BobROE Since I think if got missed, I'll post again. Is there any chance we could see some sort of web update for PrC spell lists? (ie spells from Underdark that the bladesinger can cast, or spells from UE that the Prime Underdark Guide can cast.)
WotC_RichBaker 12-01-03, 02:54 PM	Good point. What I should have said is that, without the entirety of the Norse pantheon (or a good hunk thereof), Valhalla isn't necessary. Realms clearly cherrypicks deities from many places. My point was that it's possible to do that without bringing in the whole mythology. RE: Older material, it happens all the time in the comics business. A new guy is brought in to draw/write Spiderman or Superman. Some people like it better, other people don't. Is it arrogant to ignore something that was done earlier, or subjectively decide that I've got a better take on something? Of course it is. But, frankly, that's exactly what I'm paid to do--to apply my best judgment toward reinventing and refreshing the game material, so that it will continue to appeal to new fans. That's going to make some people mad, and I'm sorry about that. With few exceptions (I do make mistakes) I don't contradict something without thinking it over first. Originally posted by Auguthra the Mad Rich Baker wrote: "2. The Realms pantheon doesn't have folks like Odin or Zeus in it, so why should the Realms multiverse include places like Olympus or Valhalla? " Umm ... I suppose you haven't noticed that the Norse god Tyr is part of the Faerunian pantheon, or that Sune is considered to be Aphrodite, or Loviatar is part of the finnish pantheon. These facts really don't gel with your comment above. In fact I'd probably prefer it if you were honest and said, "This is the decision we've made, so if you don't like it, go jump ..." rather than dredging up poor quasi-justifications. "3. In general, we did not feel beholden to adhere strictly to the "take" on something offered by a previous edition. We didn't want to change things for the sake of changing them, but if we felt we had a way to improve some aspect of the IP, we were willing to do so. Some folks will argue that changing the cosmology was not an improvement, but we felt that resolving the logical questions implied by #2 above was a good enough reason to abandon the 2E Great Wheel cosmology." All well and good, but it seems that you failed to provide your 'logical questions' with the correct answers (see above). Don't the current design team for FR (such as it is) consider it just a tad disrespectful, to implement your first statement above? Yes, you are creative types, employed to create - but stomping on someone's previous work because you (extremely subjectively) think that your new take/idea/design is "better" smacks of arrogance. Essentially what you are saying is, to draw a factual example, my ideas regarding Llurth Dreier in the "Underdark" supplement are superior to those of Eric Boyd, a fellow designer, because I think they are. Therefore, Eric's work (or Ed's or Slade's or Jim's or Dale's or (heaven forbid) Rich's) is inferior to mine and so I'll ignore it and use my own stuff. It'll be interesting to see how you'll feel in 5 years time Rich, when someone nukes your work in 'Unapproachable East' because to them, it 'improves some aspect of the IP'. I think it might hurt more than you care to admit. Auguthra the Mad
WotC_RichBaker 12-01-03, 02:55 PM	Bladesinger isn't in the Player's Guide, but the Purple Dragon Knight is. Originally posted by Gez The latest Bladesinger (Complete Warrior) has a continuing spell progression, rather than a separate one (+1/2 levels). And, IMO, it's the best thing to do. Cut down the number of separate spell list, they're a pain. (OT: Personally, I'd like to have only four spell lists: arcane, divine, nature, psionic. With maybe a system of complexity like in Monte Cook's AU, to avoid bards havng access to wizard evocation spells. Then every new spellcasting class would be instantly supported by every spell books ever published, and vice-versa.) And, since the Bladesinger and the Purple Dragon Knight are in Complete Warrior, let me repeat my question: Will these classes be cut from the PGFR for saving space?
WotC_RichBaker 12-01-03, 04:20 PM	Boy, here's one that I just have to say: I don't know. For some crazy reason, it seems to me that Selune should inherit responsibility for "How does the moon look?" instead of Cyric. If Cyric were in charge of it, it would be a great big Black Sun, wouldn't it? He couldn't pass up the opportunity for promoting himself on a scale like that. This is one of those questions where I just prefer not to give a definitive answer. I haven't had to put something in print about it, and until I have to and therefore think about it seriously, I don't want to tie my hands with a quick answer. Originally posted by Wooly Rupert Mr. Baker, here's an odd question. This was prompted by another thread... The moon, Seluné, is actually a pretty nice place. But the late Lady of the Mists, Leira, had placed an illusion on the near side of Seluné, making it appear about as habitable as our own moon is. So, what happened to the illusion during the ToT, and what's the current status of it? Is Cyric maintaining the illusion, perhaps, and if so, what do the locals know or think about that? And I do apologize for winging that one in from left field like that. ;) :)
WotC_RichBaker 12-01-03, 04:24 PM	The short answer is, I don't know. Since Chris Perkins is now the design manager for Forgotten Realms (I've moved on to do some other things), it's really his call. We've also moved responsibility for errata collection to our editing team. Off the top of my head, I'd say ignore the jambiya's asterisk. I'd have to look up the answer on gauntlets. Originally posted by DreadStar Rich When is the Errata for RoF and UE coming out? I also need to know about the Jambiya from RoF it has a Star next to it meaning see weapon description for special rules yet, there are no special rules? Any idea whats so, special about the Jambiya? The RoF Battle Gauntlet is also confusing it says "Like a normal gauntlet that comes with armor, Battle Gauntlets allow the wearer to make unarmed attacks as if they were armed" do normal gauntlets in 3.5 let act as if your armed?
WotC_RichBaker 12-01-03, 04:26 PM	I know about the portable hole-bag of holding thing. I guess I'd rule that extradimensional spaces in extradimensional spaces, of any kind, is bad, and proceed accordingly. But that's my house ruling, nothing official. I don't know of any specific rules for the double-bag of holding. Originally posted by TinySilverChalice Mr. Baker: Again, and I can't imagine we all can say this enough, thank you for your time. On to the question: What happens when you put a Bag of Holding into another one? Our group has been under the impression for many years (some of us have played since the early '80's) that something really destructive would happen, a situation perhaps akin to a Sphere of Annhilation or a Reputive Strike. We wanted to use such a situation as a BEEG's tool, but couldn't find anything offical on it. Asking around here has made me feel like I'm nuts; no one seems to have any idea what would happen, if anything at all. Closest offical answer we can find is the ruling about Bags of Holding and Portable Holes getting together. Thanks in advance for your call on this, should you give it.
Wooly Rupert 12-01-03, 05:14 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Boy, here's one that I just have to say: I don't know. For some crazy reason, it seems to me that Selune should inherit responsibility for "How does the moon look?" instead of Cyric. If Cyric were in charge of it, it would be a great big Black Sun, wouldn't it? He couldn't pass up the opportunity for promoting himself on a scale like that. This is one of those questions where I just prefer not to give a definitive answer. I haven't had to put something in print about it, and until I have to and therefore think about it seriously, I don't want to tie my hands with a quick answer. Well, the reason I wondered if it was Cyric was because he took Leira's portfolio when he and Mask slew her... Truly, it does make sense for Selûne to be in charge of the actual moon itself, but for some reason, Realmspace credited Leira with the illusion, and the natives worshipped her.
Thog 12-01-03, 05:25 PM	Nevermind - I stopped by B&N and paged through the MotP this weekend. It looks like everything now connects through the shadow plane. But I still R0 the direct connects to Sigil back into MRC, because they are cool. If two places exist at all, I think a gate should be able to connect them. It just seems that Sigil now offically no longer exists? I only spent an hour or so with the manual. So the question - for Rich please, as I have already told you Sigil exists for my players and I'm not interested in reading about others takes on it - Does Sigil offically exist any more? Originally posted by Thog A lot of the arguements and rants about this subject come because FR now has no ties to Sigil. How does that fit into the equation? Personally, IMRC there are portals to Sigil just like there always have been, and anyone can do what I did and R0 the connection back.
Starrider 12-01-03, 05:43 PM	Bladesinger isn't in the Player's Guide, but the Purple Dragon Knight is. Does it mean that Purple Dragon on Player's Guide will be different from Purple Dragon on Complete Warrior ? Thanks
Kuje31 12-01-03, 05:54 PM	Originally posted by Thog Nevermind - I stopped by B&N and paged through the MotP this weekend. It looks like everything now connects through the shadow plane. But I still R0 the direct connects to Sigil back into MRC, because they are cool. If two places exist at all, I think a gate should be able to connect them. It just seems that Sigil now offically no longer exists? I only spent an hour or so with the manual. So the question - for Rich please, as I have already told you Sigil exists for my players and I'm not interested in reading about others takes on it - Does Sigil offically exist any more? As I said, until errata comes out for Faiths & Pantheons (a 3e book for FR) Sigil does exist since there is a portal to Sigil in that sourcebook.
Iakhovas 12-01-03, 07:38 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker RE: Older material, it happens all the time in the comics business. A new guy is brought in to draw/write Spiderman or Superman. Some people like it better, other people don't. Is it arrogant to ignore something that was done earlier, or subjectively decide that I've got a better take on something? Of course it is. But, frankly, that's exactly what I'm paid to do--to apply my best judgment toward reinventing and refreshing the game material, so that it will continue to appeal to new fans.It's so disheartening to see an author/designer I've come to respect throw mud in the face of those of use who deeply care about the Forgotten Realms, its history and continuity between sourcebooks. There are countless areas of the Realms that could be detailed before a designer ever need *improve/rewrite* existing canon. The Serpent Kingdoms is just such an area. Big Kudos to Rich and the team for finally detailing this new and exciting region of the Realms. Stop telling us you are making changes to appeal to new fans. New customers could care less either way about continuity. *Everything* is new to them. Your core customer base though, does care. We want the hundreds of dollars we have spent over the years on Realms products to matter. These days I buy Realms products on automatic. I'm a gimme, free money for WotC. Keep making these needless changes, and those like me will take down our fansites and leave the Realms for good. In the retail industry there is a saying: "It costs ten times as much to attract new customers as its does to keep the ones you have."
WotC_RichBaker 12-01-03, 08:45 PM	Sure, it's still there. Realms characters who visit it might be startled to learn about alternate cosmologies for different worlds, I suppose. Originally posted by Thog Nevermind - I stopped by B&N and paged through the MotP this weekend. It looks like everything now connects through the shadow plane. But I still R0 the direct connects to Sigil back into MRC, because they are cool. If two places exist at all, I think a gate should be able to connect them. It just seems that Sigil now offically no longer exists? I only spent an hour or so with the manual. So the question - for Rich please, as I have already told you Sigil exists for my players and I'm not interested in reading about others takes on it - Does Sigil offically exist any more?
WotC_RichBaker 12-01-03, 08:46 PM	No, they're the same. Remember, we can't count on everyone who buys FR having Complete Warrior. Originally posted by Starrider Does it mean that Purple Dragon on Player's Guide will be different from Purple Dragon on Complete Warrior ? Thanks
WotC_RichBaker 12-01-03, 09:05 PM	I'm sorry you're upset, but that's the way it is. I try to level with you guys and speak plainly because I think that's just the best way to conduct myself. We evolve the world to appeal to new fans. Overburdening a new product with pointless old continuity dilutes the new product. It makes the product inaccessible to new readers. Before you attack that statement, note the use of the word "pointless." In many cases, the old continuity has been dated by the evolution of the D&D game--rules and IP both. In a few cases, that old continuity represents a previous designer's joke that I don't want to perpetuate, or it's just plain silly. And sometimes things change because the authors (myself included) just didn't know about an obscure reference, or chose to look for places to show the readers something new and unexpected. Originally posted by Iakhovas It's so disheartening to see an author/designer I've come to respect throw mud in the face of those of use who deeply care about the Forgotten Realms, its history and continuity between sourcebooks. There are countless areas of the Realms that could be detailed before a designer ever need *improve/rewrite* existing canon. The Serpent Kingdoms is just such an area. Big Kudos to Rich and the team for finally detailing this new and exciting region of the Realms. Stop telling us you are making changes to appeal to new fans. New customers could care less either way about continuity. *Everything* is new to them. Your core customer base though, does care. We want the hundreds of dollars we have spent over the years on Realms products to matter. These days I buy Realms products on automatic. I'm a gimme, free money for WotC. Keep making these needless changes, and those like me will take down our fansites and leave the Realms for good. In the retail industry there is a saying: "It costs ten times as much to attract new customers as its does to keep the ones you have."
Iakhovas 12-01-03, 10:37 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker I'm sorry you're upset, but that's the way it is. I try to level with you guys and speak plainly because I think that's just the best way to conduct myself. We disagree on several issues, but you should know that your hard work hasn't gone unappreciated. The fact you take time out of your day to read this message board and answer quite a number of questions is quite admirable (especially in the face of occasional criticism). It makes us feel that you are at least listening to our concerns. And an answer I don't like is better than no answer at all.Originally posted by Richard Baker And sometimes things change because the authors (myself included) just didn't know about an obscure referenceDon't forget Rich, you have quite a few individuals on this very messageboard that can spot continuity errors a mile away. Feel free to use us. We're free labor.
Cernunnos 12-02-03, 01:27 AM	Something I've always wondered about Rich... how exactly do you guys do research for new stuff? (as far as keeping up continuity/mining old products for good ideas). Do you guys keep some kind of Realmslore database, or do you just slog through all the old books? Considering the massive amount of material out there for FR, I'd think it would be pretty daunting to just whip out the old sourcebooks every time you update a region to 3E. Is an effort made to look up stuff printed in the magazines?
Katowice 12-02-03, 09:39 AM	I agree. I had a 2nd Edition FR campaign for about ten years, sold 90% of my books prior to the release of D&D3E and then started buying the new material. Although I had a lot of books, I'd say I didn't use 95% of the material. It was fun to read, though. So I guess in effect, I was a "new fan." The new continuity didn't affect me too much, since my campaign was in limbo for five years. To fill in the gaps, I just read the history chapter of the FRCS. One of the characters had married Princess Tanalasta of Cormyr during our campaign, so I had a little tweaking of the official material to make that work on my campaign. Otherwise, the new stuff is great. (If only we could get more Kara-Tur!) Originally posted by Richard Baker I'm sorry you're upset, but that's the way it is. I try to level with you guys and speak plainly because I think that's just the best way to conduct myself. We evolve the world to appeal to new fans. Overburdening a new product with pointless old continuity dilutes the new product. It makes the product inaccessible to new readers. Before you attack that statement, note the use of the word "pointless." In many cases, the old continuity has been dated by the evolution of the D&D game--rules and IP both. In a few cases, that old continuity represents a previous designer's joke that I don't want to perpetuate, or it's just plain silly. And sometimes things change because the authors (myself included) just didn't know about an obscure reference, or chose to look for places to show the readers something new and unexpected.
Katowice 12-02-03, 09:39 AM	double post
Sirius_Black 12-02-03, 11:50 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker We evolve the world to appeal to new fans. Overburdening a new product with pointless old continuity dilutes the new product. It makes the product inaccessible to new readers. Mr. Baker, I know you can't get into specifics about numbers. However, can you tell me what method is used to determine if new fans are coming to the FR world and purchasing thesee products that are being designed to appeal to them? I know of several customer comment cards in products that I've completed. Yet, I don't recall ever seeing a question on any such cards about whether or not I was a new fan of the Realms. Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide here.
WotC_RichBaker 12-02-03, 12:26 PM	We examined the notion of a true database at one point, and abandoned the idea when we realized it would be prohibitively expensive. So, here's the general process. For Product X, I will identify 1-2 key predecessor products that I want the freelance author to read thoroughly and avoid contradicting without good reason. I'll ask Phil Athans up in the book department if there's anything going on with the novels that needs to be respected or incorporated in Product X. If I know there's a lot of Realmslore about topic X, I'll often ask someone like Eric Boyd or Ed Greenwood if they know of other sources we ought to look at--magazine articles, tangential references in other sourcebooks, whatever. And then we'll pass it through the filter of "What old material needs to be repeated, what do we want to repeat, what do we NOT want to repeat, and what's just not important enough to waste space on in our new book?" Originally posted by Cernunnos Something I've always wondered about Rich... how exactly do you guys do research for new stuff? (as far as keeping up continuity/mining old products for good ideas). Do you guys keep some kind of Realmslore database, or do you just slog through all the old books? Considering the massive amount of material out there for FR, I'd think it would be pretty daunting to just whip out the old sourcebooks every time you update a region to 3E. Is an effort made to look up stuff printed in the magazines?
WotC_RichBaker 12-02-03, 12:36 PM	To be honest, that's a question for our business team, not a game designer. I can shed a little light on it, however: Our numbers indicate that we've got about 3 times as many folks buying 3rd Ed. FR as we had buying 2nd Ed. FR. Secondly, we've got good reason to believe (customer feedback, reports from the RPGA, etc.) that a large number of folks who buy FR books don't play FR campaigns. They're buying them to loot the FR books for artifacts (feats, spells, classes, etc.) usable in a straight D&D game. I think that's a darned shame, and they don't know what they're missing, but that's how it is. I really can't go into more detail than that, but you can see that those two facts have some serious implications for FR line planning. Originally posted by Sirius_Black Mr. Baker, I know you can't get into specifics about numbers. However, can you tell me what method is used to determine if new fans are coming to the FR world and purchasing thesee products that are being designed to appeal to them? I know of several customer comment cards in products that I've completed. Yet, I don't recall ever seeing a question on any such cards about whether or not I was a new fan of the Realms. Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide here.
Razz 12-02-03, 03:05 PM	Originally posted by sanishiver To Auguthra the Mad and Razz: You know what, I (and several others on this board) have seen it all before; whether here or on the Realms-L list. You’re don't like a response? Fine. You disagree with what you're reading? That's fine too. However, this is not the thread to vent in. We’re all very fortunate that Rich takes the time to read our posts and answer our questions, when he is under absolutely no obligation to do so. If he get's blasted for giving an answer, he'll likely stop posting. Our rare opportunity to talk to the designers directly is worth far more than your need to angrily reply to his answers, irregardless of how strongly you feel on an issue. Please be courteous enough not to ruin it for the rest of us. :whatsthis [edit] spelling I do appreciate Richard for taking his time with us and answering our questions. I apologize if I SEEMED like I was venting. :) I don't believe I am merely venting. I am making wise and valid statements that make sense, and not sounding like a babbling idiot. I am a person that sees a problem and tries to first make sense as to why the problem arose in the first place. I am merely concerned with issues I deem are important to my gaming and so I will be just a tiny bit aggressive to press on about the situation. I hope no one here, Richard especially, takes my replies as venting or anger. You do not know if I am angry or not because you cannot read emotion, facial expression, and the tone in my voice (that I am not using) all in cyber-space. :cool: You'll know when I vent if I place my letters in CAPS. :smirk: (Edited for spelling error)
Dargoth 12-02-03, 06:59 PM	Rich Will you be adding domains from Draconomicon to FR gods? For example Tiamat has Scalykind in the FR but there now a Dragon Domain, the weath Domain would be suitable for Waukeen etc Also when you next do a Regional supplement is there any chance you can go back to using the layout used in the Old FR adventures hardcover for the cities? ie Who rules: Who really rules: etc
The White Sorcerer 12-02-03, 08:34 PM	Originally posted by Dargoth For example Tiamat has Scalykind in the FR but there now a Dragon Domain, the weath Domain would be suitable for Waukeen etc The thing is, there is already the Scalykind and Trade domains that fill the niches (sp?) of the Dragon and Wealth domains.
Cernunnos 12-02-03, 08:52 PM	Cool, thanks for the info Rich. Didn't know if you guys even had a master index/bibliography floating around or what.
Dargoth 12-02-03, 10:18 PM	Originally posted by The White Sorcerer The thing is, there is already the Scalykind and Trade domains that fill the niches (sp?) of the Dragon and Wealth domains. Scalykind and Dragon only share 2 spells out of 9 (And the Dragon Domain is far more in synch with Tiamat than Scalykind) The Trade and Wealth Domains dont share any spells Waukeen definately should have the Wealth domains as its one of her portfolios
Purple Dragon Knight 12-02-03, 10:19 PM	Originally posted by Gez The latest Bladesinger (Complete Warrior) has a continuing spell progression, rather than a separate one (+1/2 levels). Yes, and I'm darned glad that they finally fixed the Bladesinger. This was originally a Fighter-Mage Kit from the Complete Book of Overpowered Elves, but we all liked it whether we want to admit it or not... :D Now it's not just a Fighter with one level in Wizard, but a real Fighter/Wizard PrC... I love it.
Sirius_Black 12-02-03, 10:56 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Secondly, we've got good reason to believe (customer feedback, reports from the RPGA, etc.) that a large number of folks who buy FR books don't play FR campaigns. They're buying them to loot the FR books for artifacts (feats, spells, classes, etc.) usable in a straight D&D game. I really can't go into more detail than that, but you can see that those two facts have some serious implications for FR line planning. Oh boy, does that explain a great deal about the contents of the FR products I've seen the last year or so. It is a very big shame and I'm sorry to hear this news. However, I appreciate you being as revealing as you could be regarding my question. Thank you again.
Srinshee 12-02-03, 11:38 PM	I want to echo this and thank you, Rich, for being so candid and honest. I've been playing FR campaigns since the very early nineties, and while i think a number of the 3e supplements have been outstanding - UE, Underdark, Silver Marches, the FRCS, MoF, CotSQ to name a few, I also miss the amount of detail and world-building that went into a lot of the later 2e material, particularly the close attention paid to developing locales. The rules system in 3e and 3.5 is vastly superior to 2e and allows for all kinds of wonderful possibilities that just weren't there, and I'm enjoying 3/3.5e immensely because of the new psooibilities its opeend for the realms. I think the supplements have done a wonderful job of exploiting this, and i'm eagerly awaiting serpent kingdoms and other future products. Still, i wish that people were buying FR stuff for the campaign material, adventure hooks, rich character and world detail unrivaled in any other RPG line, and endless possibilities rather than just the (high quality and much appreciated) crunch. I suppose, given this revelation, that we should be thankful for what we get.
Cassius Harkanor 12-03-03, 05:56 AM	Dear Richard . 1. Does Bast/Sharess no longer belong in the Mulhorandi pantheon ? The Powers and Pantheons describe her as a Faerun/Mulhorandi deity (althouh with different names) bu the new Faiths and Pantheons has her as a Faerun deity only ? Is she a cross deity or a Faerun deity now ? 2. The entry from Ghaunadaur in the Demihuman deities described a god called Gormauth Souldrinker. Can I have some information on this deity (portfolio, who worshipped him/she/it, where he was mainy worshipped ? 3. Will the updated timeline in the Forgotten Realms Player Guide has updates just from the War of the Spider Queen and the Archwizards trilogy or will it also contain updates from the Sembia series, Erevis Cale series and the Councilours and Kings trilogy ?
WotC_RichBaker 12-03-03, 12:28 PM	As I said before, I'm hesitant to add domains to FR deities each time another domain appears in a core D&D book. By adding domains without taking something away, we're breaking the rules describing deities. If we add a domain and take something away, then we've got to worry about who in the FR audience actually has the Draconomicon (for example) and can use the deities as we've redefined them. Neither alternative appeals to me. RE: City presentations, I favor the system we began using in Underdark. We don't list out the whole population, but we do list out the numbers/levels of significant organizations such as militias, militant clergies, royals guards, and so on. I'm not 100% happy with the 3rd Edition notion of "power centers" and its implementation in our city stat blocks, but we're not likely to change it at this point. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Will you be adding domains from Draconomicon to FR gods? For example Tiamat has Scalykind in the FR but there now a Dragon Domain, the weath Domain would be suitable for Waukeen etc Also when you next do a Regional supplement is there any chance you can go back to using the layout used in the Old FR adventures hardcover for the cities? ie Who rules: Who really rules: etc
WotC_RichBaker 12-03-03, 12:51 PM	You know, I'm not sure about the Bast/Sharess question. I'm inclined to regard her as Faerun only, treating Faiths & Pantheons as more authoritative than a 2nd Ed. product. There's certainly a lot of overlap between them. I'm afraid I don't know a thing about Gormauth. Eric Boyd might be able to shed some light on it. The Player's Guide timeline bits only include Return of the Archwizards and War of the Spider Queen. Sorry, the Erevis Cale and Counselors and Kings stuff wasn't included (space issues). Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dear Richard . 1. Does Bast/Sharess no longer belong in the Mulhorandi pantheon ? The Powers and Pantheons describe her as a Faerun/Mulhorandi deity (althouh with different names) bu the new Faiths and Pantheons has her as a Faerun deity only ? Is she a cross deity or a Faerun deity now ? 2. The entry from Ghaunadaur in the Demihuman deities described a god called Gormauth Souldrinker. Can I have some information on this deity (portfolio, who worshipped him/she/it, where he was mainy worshipped ? 3. Will the updated timeline in the Forgotten Realms Player Guide has updates just from the War of the Spider Queen and the Archwizards trilogy or will it also contain updates from the Sembia series, Erevis Cale series and the Councilours and Kings trilogy ?
Hardhead 12-03-03, 01:10 PM	There's obviously some overlap between "Two Weapon Defense" from 3.5 and "Twin Sword Style" from the FRCS. Of the two, Two Weapon Defense seems the more balanced (it doesn't stack with some things, like an Animated sheild or the Sheild spell, while Twin Sword Style is essentiall "Dodge, but twice as good" and is only available to dual-wielders). Is there any plan to change Twin Sword Style in the Player's Guide, since Two Weapon Defense fills that niche now in 3.5?
Srinshee 12-03-03, 03:45 PM	If you look at the description of Halruuah in the FRCS, it incorporates a lot of the material from Counselors and Kings already.
Dargoth 12-03-03, 04:44 PM	You could always stick them in brackets like they did in Draconomicon (Tiamat has Hatred and Tyranny in her domain list) Also the May-August WOTC catelouge is out so what other FR products are you now free to discuss?
Cernunnos 12-03-03, 09:50 PM	I'll ask a different question Rich... What is the one Realms product(s) that you, personally, REALLY want to do? And which one that you'd really want to work on do you think would never get approved/published? Now that Serpent Kingdoms has shown up in the newest product catalogue with a release date of July 04, can you start fielding a few (albeit limited) questions about it? Can you go into more specifics about what countries you are going to try to have in it? Since its not slated for release until 8 months from now, you don't have to be too insanely specific ;) , we all know some things are bound to change. Can we expect to see anything about the saurian creator race too? (other than the previous mentions that the yuan-ti are descended from them).
Dargoth 12-03-03, 10:18 PM	Also will the Planar Handbook: A Player's Guide to the Planes due for release in July next year have the FR cosmology as well as the Great Wheel?
Hardhead 12-04-03, 11:56 AM	Originally posted by Dargoth Also will the Planar Handbook: A Player's Guide to the Planes due for release in July next year have the FR cosmology as well as the Great Wheel? I hope not. That would be pretty useless infromation to anyone not playing the Realms. It doesn't belong in a generic book.
WotC_RichBaker 12-04-03, 12:11 PM	Personally? I'd like to do a big, detailed geographical sourcebook on the Moonsea. We haven't ever done very much with that. I'd also like to do some more FR adventures, particularly themed around some of those famous dungeons. ("Prison of the Firebringer" was fun, but I'd like to do more of 'em.) RE: Serpent Kingdoms, yes I can talk a little bit about it now. But be warned that the book is something like 50,000 words long, and I can't predict what may or may not be cut, as I'm not working on it personally. I do know that the saurian creator race is a major part of the book, and you'll find out lots about those guys you didn't know before. That'll stay in, I think. Originally posted by Cernunnos I'll ask a different question Rich... What is the one Realms product(s) that you, personally, REALLY want to do? And which one that you'd really want to work on do you think would never get approved/published? Now that Serpent Kingdoms has shown up in the newest product catalogue with a release date of July 04, can you start fielding a few (albeit limited) questions about it? Can you go into more specifics about what countries you are going to try to have in it? Since its not slated for release until 8 months from now, you don't have to be too insanely specific ;) , we all know some things are bound to change. Can we expect to see anything about the saurian creator race too? (other than the previous mentions that the yuan-ti are descended from them).
Wooly Rupert 12-04-03, 12:12 PM	Mr. Baker, do you know of any plans on FR-specific software? The Atlas hasn't been updated in quite some time, and it occurred to me that having Realms-specific feats and PrCs in E-Tools would be a nifty thing...
WotC_RichBaker 12-04-03, 12:19 PM	Here's what the Player's Guide does for the feat: When fighting with two blades, you can designate a melee opponent during your action and receive a +2 shield bonus to your Armor Class against attacks from that opponent. This bonus stacks with the shield bonus from a buckler or animated shield. You can select a new opponent as a free action on your turn. There're more, but that is the relevant bit. Now, I didn't actually write this version of the feat. It was worked on by our development team after I did a first draft of the feat chapter in the FRPG. I suspect that what this feat is trying to do is to *not* stack with Two Weapon Defense, so you'll be encouraged to take one or the other. I think it's OK if it's better than the PH feat, because the FRPG feat is a Regional feat, and we've decided that we want Regional feats to be just a bit better than core feats, because you're only ever going to get one of them. I'll have to ask the developers to be sure. Originally posted by Hardhead There's obviously some overlap between "Two Weapon Defense" from 3.5 and "Twin Sword Style" from the FRCS. Of the two, Two Weapon Defense seems the more balanced (it doesn't stack with some things, like an Animated sheild or the Sheild spell, while Twin Sword Style is essentiall "Dodge, but twice as good" and is only available to dual-wielders). Is there any plan to change Twin Sword Style in the Player's Guide, since Two Weapon Defense fills that niche now in 3.5?
Mirtek 12-04-03, 12:37 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker The FR Player's Guide is intended to be definitive, in the context of the 3.5 core books, the FRCS, and itself, with the domains. Domains from Ghostwalk, Draconomicon, Exalted Deeds, and Vile Darkness aren't covered, because we don't know that someone buying the FRPG will have all those books. (Might be a good web feature, though.) That sounded like a really good policy, but you don't deny that it's crumbling away at every corner, do you? With including epic stuff you already assume that everybody buying the FRPG has the ELH. So why don't finally make the whole step and include everything? Originally posted by Gez If you look the picture in the Manual of the Planes, illustrating how the Plane of Shadows connect several cosmologies together, you'll see the Great Wheel and the Great Tree side by side. Originally posted by Thog It looks like everything now connects through the shadow plane. But the same book says that this is only a theoretical example and not use in canon D&D. Originally posted by Razz I have always believed Forgotten Realms to be the most traveled Prime Material World in Planescape. AFAIK no. AFAIK Toril has always be labeled as some unimportant backstreet world.
The White Sorcerer 12-04-03, 12:40 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker I think it's OK if it's better than the PH feat, because the FRPG feat is a Regional feat, and we've decided that we want Regional feats to be just a bit better than core feats, because you're only ever going to get one of them. :mymy: There's a limit? Re Mirtek: I think Krynn was the backwater world, not Toril.
Thysl 12-04-03, 12:43 PM	Howdee, Mr Baker! On the same subject as your last post, I would like to know if the '+2 on two related skill' feats that premiered in FRCS and then where reprinted in the 3.5 PHB will see any real revision. I only ask becuase my Bard/Ranger from Silverymoon took Smooth Talk, not Negotiator. Also said Bard/Ranger is on the fast track to the Harper Scout(Agent) PrC. I was wondering if the class was recieving any changes other than the '+1 to existing caster level' revision. If you can't say, don't worry, I'm gonna buy the book either way.:D Once again, Mr. Baker, thank you for your contining patience in answering questions, it reminds me that the ones creating this stuff love the game as much as I do!:)
WotC_RichBaker 12-04-03, 02:43 PM	Yes -- some of the feats that wound up in the 3.5 PH (like Stealthy) now are different, and differently named. Stealthy became "Swift and Silent," which lets you move at full speed without taking a penalty on your Hide and Move Silently checks. There's a sidebar in the FRPG that explains which feats were changed like that, and why. RE: The Harper agent... looks like the FRPG version loses the good Reflex save, but gets more skill points. You get Lliira's eye faster, but lose skill focus and favored enemy. You get new abilities called Lurue's voice (speak with animals) and Mystra's boon (+2 bonus on saves vs. spells). Pretty close, really, other than the Reflex save. Originally posted by Thysl Howdee, Mr Baker! On the same subject as your last post, I would like to know if the '+2 on two related skill' feats that premiered in FRCS and then where reprinted in the 3.5 PHB will see any real revision. I only ask becuase my Bard/Ranger from Silverymoon took Smooth Talk, not Negotiator. Also said Bard/Ranger is on the fast track to the Harper Scout(Agent) PrC. I was wondering if the class was recieving any changes other than the '+1 to existing caster level' revision. If you can't say, don't worry, I'm gonna buy the book either way.:D Once again, Mr. Baker, thank you for your contining patience in answering questions, it reminds me that the ones creating this stuff love the game as much as I do!:)
Hardhead 12-04-03, 02:58 PM	Originally posted by The White Sorcerer :mymy: There's a limit? That would be a big change. Re Mirtek: I think Krynn was the backwater world, not Toril. I think they said that about several worlds, but that was more because of the attitude of planars than actual fact. In actual fact, Toril was probably the most referenced world, along with Oerth.
Srinshee 12-04-03, 04:36 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker RE: Serpent Kingdoms, yes I can talk a little bit about it now. But be warned that the book is something like 50,000 words long, and I can't predict what may or may not be cut, as I'm not working on it personally. I do know that the saurian creator race is a major part of the book, and you'll find out lots about those guys you didn't know before. That'll stay in, I think. Cool. Are we actually talking Game info here? This is looking like one of those must buy books.
sanishiver 12-04-03, 07:02 PM	Originally posted by Mirtek With including epic stuff you already assume that everybody buying the FRPG has the ELH. So why don't finally make the whole step and include everything? I can’t speak for Rich, but I don’t see this as the case. It seems to me like it’s appropriate for Realms products to incorporate ELH rules to a limited degree, because they fit the somewhat high-powered nature of the setting. Note that one does not, under any circumstances, need the ELH to use the majority of rules found in the FRPG, because those rules are written for levels 1-20. Originally posted by Mirtek But the same book says that this is only a theoretical example and not use in canon D&D. Actually the FaQ for this book clarifies that the Plane of Shadow is the conduit for such travel. Originally posted by Mirtek AFAIK no. AFAIK Toril has always be labeled as some unimportant backstreet world. If you read any of the posts made by Ed Greenwood on the FR Mailing List (or do a Yahoo search for Interview of Ed that can be found on the web), you’ll see that the concept of Toril (and Faerûn in particular) having once been filled with gates and portals leading to all manner of places is an idea that was a part of the setting well before it ever became a commercial game world. This idea has been a backbone of the setting since it was created, and hasn’t been set aside since. :whatsthis
Mirtek 12-04-03, 07:38 PM	Originally posted by sanishiver I can’t speak for Rich, but I don’t see this as the case. It seems to me like it’s appropriate for Realms products to incorporate ELH rules to a limited degree, because they fit the somewhat high-powered nature of the setting. Note that one does not, under any circumstances, need the ELH to use the majority of rules found in the FRPG, because those rules are written for levels 1-20. Still there will be parts which are only useable with the ELH or not at all. It has been promised that the epic elven high mage would be optional, but they did not keep this promise. Optional would have been is there had been a non-epic and an epic version, but the only official version has been epic. Thus you either have the ELH or you no official elven high mage. The references to other non-core supplements have become stronger with every sourcebook. DDG had only slight minor references, basically only sharing the epic BAB and saves. The ELH already had stronger references to DDG, using entire passages of DDG rules in optional sidebars (like saying that Abomination should be considered dvr 0 under DDG rules, which was much more specific than the references from DDG to ELH) Than RoF featured a PrC which can only be used with the ELH, which no non-epic version of this PrC. Finally the PG will refer to both the Psionic Handbook and the ELH. Now tell me again how strictly they are enforcing their own policy of supplements indepent of each other. PS: I don't consider this a bad thing, IMO this is how it should have be done from the beginning. But since they started with a delay to put all books together, beeing from books released when everything was still seperated are at a disadvantage against beings from never supplement which can draw upon all the sources Originally posted by sanishiver Actually the FaQ for this book clarifies that the Plane of Shadow is the conduit for such travel. The MotP FAQ says that connection to different cosmologies through the plane of shadow are not considered canon on page 2. There the FAQ says that the canon assumption is that the other cosmology does not exist at all and the possible connection through the plane of shadow is strictly optional. While the MotP itself doesn't completly denies the possibility, but at least says that Oerth does not have any known connections and it's up to the individual campaign whether they exist or not, page 43 Originally posted by sanishiver If you read any of the posts made by Ed Greenwood on the FR Mailing List (or do a Yahoo search for Interview of Ed that can be found on the web), you’ll see that the concept of Toril (and Faerûn in particular) having once been filled with gates and portals leading to all manner of places is an idea that was a part of the setting well before it ever became a commercial game world. This idea has been a backbone of the setting since it was created, and hasn’t been set aside since. I did never say Toril wasn't connected to Planescape, i did only say that Toril was considered an unimportant backstreet world by most planar beings.
Cernunnos 12-04-03, 10:29 PM	Yeah, definately write more Realms stuff for the magazines ;) (and encourage the other guys to do so also). Especially since it was determined that Realms mega-adventures just weren't cost effective. I'd really love to see a multi-part FR adventure done in Dungeon though, similar to what they are doing with the Adventure Path series (or the Mere of Dead Men series years ago in Dungeon). That Moonsea idea is pretty good Rich... I'd definately push for it. Speaking of which, how is the decision made on what is getting written up next? I know the marketing dept. has to be involved, but do they decide what would sell good and then hand the assignment over to the development team, or do you guys submit ideas to them for approval? Thanks for the heads up on the creator race(s) info... always been intruiged by that, and hope it makes it into the book. Maybe in about 4-6 months, if we haven't frightened you away, I'll ask for a preliminary ToC ;)
Dargoth 12-05-03, 07:26 AM	Rich Will the PrCs from F&P be updated to 3.5 and appear in Complete Divine? Also have you finalised the PGTF if so can you repost the revised contents page? Thanks!
Xar Toth 12-05-03, 10:59 AM	Sorry for the interruption to a very good thread, but what does DDG stand for? It's difficult to keep track of all these acronyms sometimes :)
Kuje31 12-05-03, 12:49 PM	Originally posted by Xar Toth Sorry for the interruption to a very good thread, but what does DDG stand for? It's difficult to keep track of all these acronyms sometimes :) Deities & Demigods I believe. :)
WotC_RichBaker 12-05-03, 12:53 PM	Generally, the R&D folks submit ideas to our business managers. Sometimes it works the other way. Other times we give 'em a slate of ideas to pick from--say, a list of the three or four best places for the next geography sourcebook--and they'll let us know which one they want to do. Originally posted by Cernunnos Yeah, definately write more Realms stuff for the magazines ;) (and encourage the other guys to do so also). Especially since it was determined that Realms mega-adventures just weren't cost effective. I'd really love to see a multi-part FR adventure done in Dungeon though, similar to what they are doing with the Adventure Path series (or the Mere of Dead Men series years ago in Dungeon). That Moonsea idea is pretty good Rich... I'd definately push for it. Speaking of which, how is the decision made on what is getting written up next? I know the marketing dept. has to be involved, but do they decide what would sell good and then hand the assignment over to the development team, or do you guys submit ideas to them for approval? Thanks for the heads up on the creator race(s) info... always been intruiged by that, and hope it makes it into the book. Maybe in about 4-6 months, if we haven't frightened you away, I'll ask for a preliminary ToC ;)
WotC_RichBaker 12-05-03, 12:57 PM	A small number of them are going into Complete Divine. Generally, we don't want to repeat FR classes in core books unless they can easily be made campaign-neutral and have some interesting rules/mechanics behind them that a core game would benefit from. So, for example, the Black Flame zealot can easily be "de-Realmsed" by adding a sidebar that says "If Kossuth isn't in your campaign, an evil deity with the Fire domain would do just fine." We're getting close on the Player's Guide cuts. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Will the PrCs from F&P be updated to 3.5 and appear in Complete Divine? Also have you finalised the PGTF if so can you repost the revised contents page? Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 12-05-03, 01:02 PM	RE: Our "each book needs no others" policy... Yes, we are changing that stance. We want to reward folks who have integrated systems like psionics or epic play in their games by including a very modest amount of psionic, epic, etc., material in future sourcebooks. We don't want this material to exceed more than 5% or so of any particular product, so that you can pick up a book and still get lots of benefit out of it if you're not a fan of the cap system book in question. So yes, this means that you will have small "unusable" sections in your books. We're sorry about that, but we think that in some cases (Vile Darkness material, say) it shouldn't be very hard at all to extrapolate the necessary material if you don't have the sourcebook in question. Elven High Magic is clearly epic spellcasting of some kind, and it doesn't make sense to portray it otherwise, not when we have a toolkit like the epic level rules at our disposal.
Jem Purplefeather 12-05-03, 03:11 PM	Dear Richard Baker, Will the Player's Guide to Faerûn have 3.5 revised stat blocks for the heroes and villains featured in the Forgotten Realms Sourcebook? Also, are there really over 30 Prestige Classes in the Player's Guide to Faerûn? If so, will there be a 3.5 revised Sword Dancer prestige class included in the Player's Guide to Faerûn?
Mirtek 12-05-03, 04:50 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker RE: Our "each book needs no others" policy... Yes, we are changing that stance. We want to reward folks who have integrated systems like psionics or epic play in their games by including a very modest amount of psionic, epic, etc., material in future sourcebooks. We don't want this material to exceed more than 5% or so of any particular product, so that you can pick up a book and still get lots of benefit out of it if you're not a fan of the cap system book in question. So yes, this means that you will have small "unusable" sections in your books. We're sorry about that, but we think that in some cases (Vile Darkness material, say) it shouldn't be very hard at all to extrapolate the necessary material if you don't have the sourcebook in question. Elven High Magic is clearly epic spellcasting of some kind, and it doesn't make sense to portray it otherwise, not when we have a toolkit like the epic level rules at our disposal. Like i said: I don't think it's a bad thing, i just dislike the fact that is only recently really started since their are cases where more overlap much earlier. I just don't like the fact that Corellon himself is unable to cast the most simple epic spell, while some mere mortals elves easily outstrip his command of magic. And that despite him being the elven god of magic and the inventor of elven high magic. Yes, i can houserule and give him the needed feat, but that doesn't change the fact that the official Corellon would have needed that feed and i am certain it could have be done in a little sidebar whithout much impact on players who have only DDG and no ELH (like the ELH sidebar about the abominations and dvr0)
Purple Dragon Knight 12-05-03, 05:18 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Yes -- some of the feats that wound up in the 3.5 PH (like Stealthy) now are different, and differently named. Stealthy became "Swift and Silent," which lets you move at full speed without taking a penalty on your Hide and Move Silently checks. There's a sidebar in the FRPG that explains which feats were changed like that, and why. Swift and Silent sounds very cool. If the other "updated" FR feats are that cool, it bodes well for our dear setting! :D Yes... I can see this feat being very useful to devious DMs looking for something to do when the PCs get to a town, tired and depleted of resources... (he he he) :smirk:
Cassius Harkanor 12-05-03, 09:52 PM	Dear Eric Boyd. 1. The old deities books (Faiths & Avatars etc) detail some god on which I would like some more information (portfolio, worshippers, regions where they were worshipped etc): Gormauth Souldrinker (detailed in Ghaunadaur’s entry), Astaroth (detailed in Gargauth’s entry) and Zanassu (detailed in Selvetarms entry). 2. Are Savras, Haela Brightaxe and the Red Knight former mortals who rose to godhood, or were they always gods ? 3. The Faiths and Pantheons (and its web enhancement) details that mortals cannot kill gods, yet Faerun history has several instances of mortals killing gods, such as Bane, Myrkul and Bhaal (killing Borem), Gargauth (killing Astaoth) and Selvetarm (killing Zanassu). Has the history of these gods changed, or is this rule not correct ? 4. When Shar absorbed Eshowdow, did she also take on his portfolios of cowardice and ignominy ?
Krash 12-05-03, 09:53 PM	Mirtek wrote: "I just don't like the fact that Corellon himself is unable to cast the most simple epic spell, while some mere mortals elves easily outstrip his command of magic. And that despite him being the elven god of magic and the inventor of elven high magic. Yes, i can houserule and give him the needed feat, but that doesn't change the fact that the official Corellon would have needed that feed and i am certain it could have be done in a little sidebar whithout much impact on players who have only DDG and no ELH (like the ELH sidebar about the abominations and dvr0)." Whilst I perfectly understand why you've posted the above, it appears that you feel constrained by the stat blocks for the gods in the various FR Deities books and others. Why is that? Are your players fighting gods? If so, then their stat blocks are very important. If not, are your players going to question when Corellon casts an Epic spell in their presence and site you chapter and page where he can't do that? In fact, are your players going to question you about anything Corellon does in your campaign? The reason I'm posting the above is that IMHO stat blocks and epic level stuff for gods is a total waste of print. Give me more information about how gods interact with players (e.g. Corellon sends avatars or prefers to send manifestations or has been known to appear in the Elven Court, etc. etc.) rather than pages of feats and spells that the gods can use and cast which have already been published in other sources. If they present new feats/spells etc. of each individual god that can be accessed by their worshippers or bestowed on individuals by that god, then that would be something useful. But simply, I don't think that you should feel constrained by the 'official' Corellon or any other deity. -- George Krashos
Krash 12-05-03, 10:02 PM	Well, I'm not Eric but I have been known to channel him on occasion ...:) 1. The old deities books (Faiths & Avatars etc) detail some god on which I would like some more information (portfolio, worshippers, regions where they were worshipped etc): Gormauth Souldrinker (detailed in Ghaunadaur’s entry), Astaroth (detailed in Gargauth’s entry) and Zanassu (detailed in Selvetarms entry). I think Gormauth is found in the old 2E Monster Mythology book, Zanassu is originally mentioned in FR3 Empires of the Sands and Astaroth ... well, who knows where Eric finds this stuff! 2. Are Savras, Haela Brightaxe and the Red Knight former mortals who rose to godhood, or were they always gods ? Former mortals. 3. The Faiths and Pantheons (and its web enhancement) details that mortals cannot kill gods, yet Faerun history has several instances of mortals killing gods, such as Bane, Myrkul and Bhaal (killing Borem), Gargauth (killing Astaoth) and Selvetarm (killing Zanassu). Has the history of these gods changed, or is this rule not correct ? Borem unless I'm mistaken is the old Pool of Radiance god (amongst others). A messy reference at the best of times. I think they were already gods when they came across Borem. Faiths & Avatars makes it clear that they ascended to godhood not by slaying their predecessor. Gargauth was a demon lord, never human. Selvetarm was already a god when he slew Zanassu. -- George Krashos
Srinshee 12-05-03, 10:05 PM	Originally posted by Krash Gargauth was a demon lord, never human. -- George Krashos [Nitpick] Actually, he was a devil lord, but same difference. He has never been 'mortal' and was an exiled member of the lords of the nine or somethin' like that (Don't have P&P in front of me right now) before becoming a demigod.
Krash 12-05-03, 10:24 PM	I live for nitpicks! Consider me suitably chastened. Demon lord indeed. I'm now going to scourge myself with a whip made of tantulhor .... -- George Krashos
Kuje31 12-05-03, 10:49 PM	Wasn't Haela always a dwarven deity? And Astaroth I think is a draconic deity......
Cernunnos 12-06-03, 02:11 AM	Well, I know WotC has been getting more and more generous with the web enhancements (and frankly its one of the best ideas). How much more-or-less completed stuff got cut from some of the other Realms books that didn't end up seeing the light of day as WE's? Somewhat understandable if you wanted to keep some of the crunch stuff for later products. Also, anything you guys are leaning towards as first to get cut from PGtF? You'll also have to let us know what me may/may not see as WE's. On another note, something I've been meaning to ask, though it may be more a question for the WizO's... I haven't noticed anywhere on here "official" we can comment on the FR columns that are appearing here on the WotC site. It'd be nice as far as feedback is concerned.
Mirtek 12-06-03, 07:17 AM	Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor 3. The Faiths and Pantheons (and its web enhancement) details that mortals cannot kill gods, yet Faerun history has several instances of mortals killing gods, such as Bane, Myrkul and Bhaal (killing Borem), Gargauth (killing Astaoth) and Selvetarm (killing Zanassu). Has the history of these gods changed, or is this rule not correct ? Bane, Myrku, and Bhaal vs. Borem: According to the information in F&P, it seems they had Jergal's secret help all the time. And given the sidebar i F&P i would also see that they did not kill him, he just "put him out of action". Just remove the dagger from his heart, wait a few days and Borem will be back. Gargauth vs. [i]Astaoth: Not sure on this at the moment, i will have to check DemihumanDeities before i can say something about this. Selvetarm vs. Zanassu: Zanassu wasn't a god, he was "just and demonlord". Also at this time Selvetarm was already a deity.
Savras 12-06-03, 03:24 PM	Hello. I have a question concerning myself- Krash says I was a former mortal, and MoF further says I was from Halruaa. F&P tells us that I and Azuth battled before the Dawn Cataclysm. So far, so good- unless someone will say that the Dawn Cataclysm was before the Fall of Netheril, in which case Savras (who is from Halruaa, a country made of Netherese survivors) could not be a god. So, what came first- the fall or the cataclysm? Another question- F&B, pg 12, clearly states that while Azuth fought me, he was mortal. He ascended a while AFTER his victory. Same book, pg 104, left side, History/Relationships, can be read as if both I and Azuth were gods. MoF pg six, right side (The Battle With Savras) claims Azuth was mortal when he WON (so no "Azuth began the prolonged combat as a mortal and ascended to divinity before his victory"). However, same book, same page, left side, states that I "came into conflict with Azuth, who shared a similar portfolio". As far as I know, mortals don't hold portfolios. So while tha battle BEGAN he was a god. Hmmm? Savras P.S.: Am I the only one who finds it highly amusing and ironic that the origins of the god of Truth and Divination are shrouded in mystery?
Srinshee 12-06-03, 03:31 PM	The dawn cataclysm occurred after the fall of Netheril. Also, I believe Azuth ascended to godhood sometime around the beginning of Dalereckoning. (Need to check Secrets of The Magister.)
Dargoth 12-06-03, 11:49 PM	Rich Will you be FR putting the Cavalier Prc in a future realms product? As I recall from the 1ed days several notable FR NPCs had the Cavalier class (of the top of my head Mourngrym Amcathra, the now deceased King Azoun of Cormyr and one of the Lords of Waterdeep) all had levels in Cavalier
captainharlock 12-06-03, 11:56 PM	Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Will you be FR putting the Cavalier Prc in a future realms product? As I recall from the 1ed days several notable FR NPCs had the Cavalier class (of the top of my head Mourngrym Amcathra, the now deceased King Azoun of Cormyr and one of the Lords of Waterdeep) all had levels in Cavalier Well, since the Cavalier Pclass is in the Complete Warrior Handbook, is there any particular reason to reprint it in the Players Guide to Faerun? :D
Srinshee 12-07-03, 12:09 AM	Originally posted by Dargoth and one of the Lords of Waterdeep) all had levels in Cavalier Was this Swordsmaster Brian?
Dargoth 12-07-03, 12:10 AM	Originally posted by captainharlock Well, since the Cavalier Pclass is in the Complete Warrior Handbook, is there any particular reason to reprint it in the Players Guide to Faerun? :D Im not neccessarily asking for it to be included in PGTF just in some future product. and yes it does need to be reprinted as Complete warrior isnt a Core or FR book and as such it contents wont be used in any FR book. Id also like to see an FR version Hunter of the Dead it would a perfect PrC for Paladins of Kelemvor
Desies 12-07-03, 02:09 AM	sorry bout the double post
Desies 12-07-03, 02:11 AM	I've got a couple of questions about the Complete Warriors Guide. First off I have a question about the reasoning behind giving the swashbuckler, a fighter based completely around quickness and his great reflexes, a better fortitude save than reflex? Second why no Iaijutsu Master? I think that this PrC has a lot of potential and one updated for 3.5 as well as for standard DND and not just Rokugan. Anyway I am just wondering why such a cool combat oriented PrC was left out (the Forsaker is in the same boat).
Dargoth 12-07-03, 02:29 AM	Originally posted by Srinshee Was this Swordsmaster Brian? *goes and looks it up* Caladorn! Brian was a 12th level Fighter like Durnan
Dargoth 12-07-03, 02:29 AM	DOH!
Dargoth 12-07-03, 02:29 AM	Originally posted by Srinshee Was this Swordsmaster Brian? DOH!
Dargoth 12-07-03, 02:29 AM	DOH!
cwslyclgh 12-07-03, 06:06 PM	I've got a couple of questions about the Complete Warriors Guide. First off I have a question about the reasoning behind giving the swashbuckler, a fighter based completely around quickness and his great reflexes, a better fortitude save than reflex? because he gets an extra bonus o reflex saves as a class ability.
Desies 12-07-03, 10:53 PM	that's a good point!
DreadStar 12-08-03, 02:52 AM	Rich Is there going to be more Dragon magazine stuff in WotC books like we saw in CW? It not that I dislike Dragon, I have a subscription its just the stuff in Dragon is not really playtested and is somewhat unbalanced. Besides if you have a subscription its like your paying twice for the same thing. Any idea how much Dragon stuff is in PGtF or Complete Divine? Thanks Again for taking the time to answer our questions :D
Mr.Waesel 12-08-03, 05:55 AM	Rich Will the Player's Guide to Faerûn contain a map of the Realms, as FRCS did?I hope so...
WotC_RichBaker 12-08-03, 01:24 PM	No maps, sorry. Originally posted by Mr.Waesel Rich Will the Player's Guide to Faerûn contain a map of the Realms, as FRCS did?I hope so...
WotC_RichBaker 12-08-03, 01:35 PM	No revised stat blocks, sorry. Since it's a player's guide, we didn't think it was a great use of the space. There were 32 prestige classes, but 4-5 have been cut for space. The sword dancer isn't revised in the Player's Guide. Boy, feels like I've been very negative lately on this thread. No, no, no. Someone ask me something I can say "yes" to. Originally posted by Jem Purplefeather Dear Richard Baker, Will the Player's Guide to Faerûn have 3.5 revised stat blocks for the heroes and villains featured in the Forgotten Realms Sourcebook? Also, are there really over 30 Prestige Classes in the Player's Guide to Faerûn? If so, will there be a 3.5 revised Sword Dancer prestige class included in the Player's Guide to Faerûn?
Faraer 12-08-03, 01:38 PM	Will you be releasing a series of monthly 640-page leatherbound hardcover Encylopedia of Realmslore books?
WotC_RichBaker 12-08-03, 01:41 PM	We carefully review DRAGON stuff we bring into the core game. In some cases, we redevelop it pretty extensively. I don't believe there is any DRAGON material in the Player's Guide, but I can't speak for the Complete Divine--I don't have it in front of me. I am working on one of the next books in that series, and I used a little DRAGON material in that book, but not much--only 1 or 2 prestige classes, some spells, some feats. Originally posted by DreadStar Rich Is there going to be more Dragon magazine stuff in WotC books like we saw in CW? It not that I dislike Dragon, I have a subscription its just the stuff in Dragon is not really playtested and is somewhat unbalanced. Besides if you have a subscription its like your paying twice for the same thing. Any idea how much Dragon stuff is in PGtF or Complete Divine? Thanks Again for taking the time to answer our questions :D
Arthedain 12-08-03, 01:45 PM	Will you (i.e: the people at Wizards) continue to put out great Forgotten Realms books, packed with Realmslore and sprinkled with crunchy feats & PrC?
captainharlock 12-08-03, 01:47 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Boy, feels like I've been very negative lately on this thread. No, no, no. Someone ask me something I can say "yes" to. Will you answers our questions to the best of your ability and that you are allowed to? :D Do you think you deserve a raise? :angel: Trying to think of other, more topic related ones you can say yes to...but coffee has not kicked in yet. :sad:
Srinshee 12-08-03, 03:54 PM	Yo Richard, What does the "L." stand for?
WotC_RichBaker 12-08-03, 04:40 PM	It's Lynn Richard Baker III, to be precise. My dad went by Lynn, though, so I go by Rich. Originally posted by Srinshee Yo Richard, What does the "L." stand for?
Savras 12-08-03, 04:55 PM	Originally posted by Savras Hello. I have a question concerning myself- Krash says I was a former mortal, and MoF further says I was from Halruaa. F&P tells us that I and Azuth battled before the Dawn Cataclysm. So far, so good- unless someone will say that the Dawn Cataclysm was before the Fall of Netheril, in which case Savras (who is from Halruaa, a country made of Netherese survivors) could not be a god. So, what came first- the fall or the cataclysm? Another question- F&B, pg 12, clearly states that while Azuth fought me, he was mortal. He ascended a while AFTER his victory. Same book, pg 104, left side, History/Relationships, can be read as if both I and Azuth were gods. MoF pg six, right side (The Battle With Savras) claims Azuth was mortal when he WON (so no "Azuth began the prolonged combat as a mortal and ascended to divinity before his victory"). However, same book, same page, left side, states that I "came into conflict with Azuth, who shared a similar portfolio". As far as I know, mortals don't hold portfolios. So while tha battle BEGAN he was a god. Hmmm? Savras P.S.: Am I the only one who finds it highly amusing and ironic that the origins of the god of Truth and Divination are shrouded in mystery? Just bumping my question, just in case. Savras, Off to the Army
Wooly Rupert 12-08-03, 05:49 PM	The Dawn Cataclysm was 700 DR, the Year of the Slain Raven. The Fall of Netheril was -339 DR, the Year of Sundered Webs. So the Fall was first. The final battle betwixt the two happened during or shortly after the Dawn Cataclysm, according to page 47 of Powers & Pantheons. Azuth imprisoned Savras in the Staff of Savras, and intended to use it as his staff of office, but Savras teleported the Staff away. After defeating Savras, Azuth became the first Magister. He became a god later. The Staff eventually came to Syluné of the Seven Sisters. She used it for a while, then gave it back to Azuth. Azuth was kinda bugged by the fact that Savras had been imprisoned for so long, so, after the ToT, Azuth freed Savras in return for a vow of fealty. Of course, there's a slight problem with this: According to the book Secrets of the Magister, Azuth was Magister before the year 136 DR, the Year of the Stalking Beholders. And that's years before the Dawn Cataclysm...
Krash 12-08-03, 09:47 PM	The Dawn Cataclysm did not occur in 700 DR. It supposedly 'heralded the fall of Myth Drannor' but other sources like Secrets of the Magister seem to refute this. It's likely date (if you MUST date it - and for some reason every FR DM has a bee in their bonnet re this one) it likely occured between -339 DR and 136 DR. That's as specific as you are going to get. -- George Krashos
cwslyclgh 12-08-03, 11:47 PM	in fact IIRC Rich and Eric Boyd have both said that there will be no attempt to actually pin down the date of the Dawn cataclysm as it isn't that important (or somethig of that effect)... with that said... some of the things said in Faiths and Avatars which talked about the dawn cataclysm (mainly in Moanders entry, and where it talked about the plitting of Tyche) seemed to indicate that Azuth was already a god when that event happened.
Wooly Rupert 12-09-03, 12:24 AM	Originally posted by Krash The Dawn Cataclysm did not occur in 700 DR. It supposedly 'heralded the fall of Myth Drannor' but other sources like Secrets of the Magister seem to refute this. It's likely date (if you MUST date it - and for some reason every FR DM has a bee in their bonnet re this one) it likely occured between -339 DR and 136 DR. That's as specific as you are going to get. -- George Krashos Well, the only dates I've been able to find for it were 700 and 720... Greenwood himself has contributed to the problem of trying to pin down the date: Tyche was still worshipped in Athalanter, and Elminster left there in 240 DR. The article in Dragon 228 about Athalanter specifically states that she had not yet been split into Beshaba and Tymora. So if Tyche was around in 240, and Secrets of the Magister (also written by Greenwood) is correct, then Savras and Azuth had to have battled long before the Dawn Cataclysm, contradicting Powers & Pantheons. Further, page 264 of the FRCS mentions the Dawn Cataclysm as resulting in a schism in Tyche's church that led to her demise and the rise of Tymora and Beshaba. The schisms happened in the 8th century DR, meaning 700DR-799DR. Myth Drannor's final fall was in 714DR, the Year of Doom. It started to fall before then -- they knew it was going to fall as early as 694, the Year of Ominous Oracles -- but 714 was when the city finally fell to the forces arrayed against it. If the Dawn Cataclysm happened in the same century and it did, indeed, presage the fall of Myth Drannor, then it could have happened any time from 700 to 714. Further, we know that Tymora was around by 720, the Year of the Dawn Rose, because her clergy were present at the Dancing Place when the Harpers were first founded. This also puts the Dawn Cataclysm as having happened earlier in the century. I know that Steven Schend has said in the past that they'd not place the exact year, and I know that the Forgotten Realms Conspectus places it at around 161, but all of the other evidence, including a 3e source, places it in the first part of 8th century DR. Obviously, the belief that Savras and Azuth battled during the Dawn Cataclysm must be some sort of error.
magekiller 12-09-03, 12:29 AM	Hi Rich, In the 3.5 PHB, the Gnome favored Class is Bard. In the Races of Faerun book, it states that their Favored Class is Illusionist. I am now having to take an XP penalty because my Dm states that RoF is not '3.5' rules. Is their Favored Class in the FRCS Illusionist or Bard? Thank you
Gez 12-09-03, 01:08 AM	Originally posted by magekiller Hi Rich, In the 3.5 PHB, the Gnome favored Class is Bard. In the Races of Faerun book, it states that their Favored Class is Illusionist. I am now having to take an XP penalty because my Dm states that RoF is not '3.5' rules. Is their Favored Class in the FRCS Illusionist or Bard? Thank you I asked him that in the previous thread. The official answer is that the stated favored class of illusionist in RoF was an oversight, since it was designed to be compatible with the revised edition, it should have said "bard". Now, personally, I have trouble imagining the shy and silent forest gnomes or deep gnomes as bards. My personal answer is that your DM is a jerk. :cool: When the gnome's change of favored class was first announced, there were big debates in various messageboards thread, who were all going this way: Poster A: "But now what will happen to gnome multiclassed illus? They'll get an XP penalty! That's unfair, and is a way in which this revision isn't actuall compatible with "3.0". Bad idea, evil wotc is shafting us, rant, rant, rant." Poster B: "C'm'on, what kind of jerk would do that? If a DM has a party with a multiclassed illu, he's allow him to keep illusionist as a favored class, or to swap his illu levels to bard levels, or keep using 3.0 rules for the on-going 3.0 campaign and use 3.5 for a new campaign."
ScarLip 12-09-03, 02:42 AM	Rich Can you give us any info on Complete Divine like PrCs, Feats or maybe the Table of Contents Please :bigeyes:
Dargoth 12-09-03, 03:08 AM	Can you provide us with a rough TOC for Serpent Kingdoms?
Krash 12-09-03, 05:49 AM	Well, the only dates I've been able to find for it were 700 and 720... Greenwood himself has contributed to the problem of trying to pin down the date: Tyche was still worshipped in Athalanter, and Elminster left there in 240 DR. The article in Dragon 228 about Athalanter specifically states that she had not yet been split into Beshaba and Tymora. Yes and no. I wouldn't use the church of Tyche as your yardstick for the Dawn Cataclysm (because if you read "Seven Sisters" there are still priestesses of Tyche [Unsible of Neverwinter - around p.6 or so] AFTER 720 DR). The church of Tyche would no doubt have had a considerable 'transition period' possibly extending hundreds of years before all of Tyche's priests and followers acknowledged that their goddess was no more. Basically, the references to the Dawn Cataclysm are scattered to hell and gone simply because writers at TSR haven't really attached much weight to the event. Again, for some unknown reason, people like attaching dates to the doings of the gods. As cwslyclgh noted, the powers that be re FR are on the record as saying that such godly events will not be dated. So if you like the idea of a 700 DR date for the Dawn Cataclysm, fantastic. But note that your arguments (and they are just as compelling as the counter-arguments, simply because there is NO right answer to this conundrum ...) will never receive universal acceptance or an 'official' thumbs up. -- George Krashos
Cernunnos 12-09-03, 08:49 AM	Shame they won't go into more detail about the Dawn Cataclysm, its one of the more interesting (and well known) events in the early Realms. It would be cool at some point if Ed or somebody wrote a trilogy about it.
Mr.Waesel 12-09-03, 09:28 AM	Will any other upcoming product contain a full map of the Realms? Or will one separate from the FRCS come out?
WotC_RichBaker 12-09-03, 12:24 PM	Sorry--I didn't work on the book directly, so I don't have the files close at hand. I'm happy to talk about all things FR in this thread, and things I personally worked on that aren't FR, but I think that there are better threads for sneak peeks at non-FR stuff. Originally posted by ScarLip Rich Can you give us any info on Complete Divine like PrCs, Feats or maybe the Table of Contents Please :bigeyes:
WotC_RichBaker 12-09-03, 12:26 PM	We don't have any immediate plans for it. We've looked into the idea of doing a map product, but we don't have it on the product schedule yet. Originally posted by Mr.Waesel Will any other upcoming product contain a full map of the Realms? Or will one separate from the FRCS come out?
ericlboyd 12-09-03, 12:33 PM	Godly events occur outside the normal timestream. Even if a godly event was a single "scene", the ramifications of such an event might manifest at various times over a very long time frame. Or not. The Dawn Cataclysm is an example of a godly event that occurred outside the normal timestream, yet the ramifications in the mortal world appear to have occurred over a period of centuries. As such, there never can be a "date" for the Dawn Cataclysm other than circa -100 DR to circa 800 DR, and even that might be too narrow. The Time of Troubles is an example of a godly event that occurred outside the normal timestream, yet the ramifications in the mortal world appear to have occurred over a period of months. I stress "appeared" because future ramifications may yet occur. As such, mortals can with false precision date the Time of Troubles to the summer of 1358 DR. And, before the question is asked, this is not a 20/20 hindsight fix to the Dawn Cataclysm question ... that's how Julia and I intended it from the beginning. Yes it's a "conundrum" but that's OK ... mortal attempts to fix the gods to affairs of the mortal world are inherently imprecise and doomed to failure. --Eric
ericlboyd 12-09-03, 12:35 PM	Originally posted by Dargoth Can you provide us with a rough TOC for Serpent Kingdoms? <BEING SMART> Chapters 1-X: Scaly Things Chapters X-Y: Places Scaly Things Live Appendix: Scaly Things are Crunchy! <END BEING SMART> :-) --Eric, who has no authority to answer this question
Iakhovas 12-09-03, 07:36 PM	When I ask to know the exact date of the Dawn Cataclysm, I ask not from the perspective of a citizen of Faerûn. I'm asking as the DM of my campaign, or as a Realms enthusiast. The affairs of gods may not concern a farmer in Shadowdale, but it certain does concern Brian R. James (me) the purchaser of Realms products. Dodging around the issue is just mean spirited. Regardless, The Dawn Cataclysm *DOES* have ramifications on the mortal world. Old gods disappeared and new gods arose during this time. Some deities changed names and others were split it two. Mortals (priest certainly) must have noticed this.[list=1] What was the date (in Dalereckoning) that Beshaba started granting spells to her first cleric? What was the date Amaunator stopped granting spells? When did Jannath tell her clergy that she wanted to henceforth be known as Chauntea? [/list=1]All of these events should be noticeable in the "normal times tream". Hell, this is D&D. I can open up Faiths & Pantheons and tell you Helm's ability scores and what's printed on his underwear. Yet you don't want to nail down this historical event? Brian R. James Explore the vast history of the Forgotten Realms. Visit http://www.geonomicon.com Originally posted by ericlboyd Godly events occur outside the normal timestream. Even if a godly event was a single "scene", the ramifications of such an event might manifest at various times over a very long time frame. Or not. The Dawn Cataclysm is an example of a godly event that occurred outside the normal timestream, yet the ramifications in the mortal world appear to have occurred over a period of centuries. As such, there never can be a "date" for the Dawn Cataclysm other than circa -100 DR to circa 800 DR, and even that might be too narrow. The Time of Troubles is an example of a godly event that occurred outside the normal timestream, yet the ramifications in the mortal world appear to have occurred over a period of months. I stress "appeared" because future ramifications may yet occur. As such, mortals can with false precision date the Time of Troubles to the summer of 1358 DR. And, before the question is asked, this is not a 20/20 hindsight fix to the Dawn Cataclysm question ... that's how Julia and I intended it from the beginning. Yes it's a "conundrum" but that's OK ... mortal attempts to fix the gods to affairs of the mortal world are inherently imprecise and doomed to failure. --Eric
Razz 12-09-03, 09:54 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker There were 32 prestige classes, but 4-5 have been cut for space. Which ones were the ones that were cut?
Cernunnos 12-09-03, 10:05 PM	I don't know... I think its an interesting concept. And look at the Time of Troubles... can you technically call them over when their ripples (new/dead gods, gods gaining/losing portfolios, creation of the kir-lanan, etc) are still being felt? OK, a few more questions I've thought of: 1) Pertaining to the shalarin in Sea of Fallen Stars, has the Fifth Passing happened yet? SoFS has it prophesied to happen on the Feast of the Moon in the Year of the Unstrung Harp. Is this the opening of a portal network? (might make an interesting Perilous Gateways). Any details? 2) Someone (not sure who, possibly Ed) has mentioned something about Leira's "last great suprise." Will this be revealed at any time in the near future?
Green Giant 12-09-03, 10:30 PM	The Monsters of Faerun already said that the gate opened for the Shalarin and it links to the Sea west of Maztica and they are trying to keep it a secret.
Cernunnos 12-10-03, 12:44 AM	I KNEW I read that somewhere (didn't think it was canon though, thought I had picked it up on the boards). That or I had it confused that Iakhovas along with some of those fighting him were thrown by the Myth Nantar gate to the seas in the other side of Maztica (forget if that is canon or not).
ericlboyd 12-10-03, 12:53 AM	Originally posted by Iakhovas What was the date (in Dalereckoning) that Beshaba started granting spells to her first cleric? What was the date Amaunator stopped granting spells? When did Jannath tell her clergy that she wanted to henceforth be known as Chauntea? There most certainly was a specific date when a cleric first identified himself/herself as a cleric of Beshaba, not Tyche, and received spells. (The exact date has not been pinned down to my knowledge.) However, this event may have occurred before, during, or after Tyche was split into two gods. There most certainly was a date when the last cleric claiming to be a cleric of Amaunator received his last spells. (The exact date has not been pinned down to my knowledge.) However, this event may have occurred before, during, or after the death of Amaunator (assuming he actually died). There most certainly was a date when a cleric first claimed that she venerated Chauntea, not Jannath. (The exact date has not been pinned down to my knowledge.) However, this event may have occurred before, during, or after the time Chauntea decided her name had changed. I'm not trying to be smart here ... I'm simply trying to illustrate that there is no 1-to-1 correlation between the mortal realm and the godly realm. There also is no clear cause-and-effect relationship. For instance, did Araushnee rebel and Corellon banish her because the drow rebelled against their kindred or was it the other way around? Probably both and neither are true. Perhaps another way to explain it is as follows: The Dawn Cataclysm was a pantheonic transformation, not a historical event. Of course, if you dislike all the stated and implied "theology" in this post and the god books, feel free to disregard and make the Dawn Cataclysm a historical event in your campaign. Just be prepared to find a lot of chronological conundrums because there has *deliberately* never been any attempt to pick a date and keep all references consistent with it. --Eric
sanishiver 12-10-03, 03:07 AM	Originally posted by ericlboyd Just be prepared to find a lot of chronological conundrums because there has *deliberately* never been any attempt to pick a date and keep all references consistent with it. I'm glad the exact date was left deliberately unstated. It is so much easier as a DM to adapt Deific events like this to a campaign when I don't have to deal with hard and fast specifics. Which is to say: There are certain things that should be left up in the air. Good designers (like Eric) know that not telling us everything in a book is the right thing to do, so the DM can adapt material to his or her game. For example (short version): In my game the tri-partite deity Aumanator grew jealous of Mystryl's influence of the Netherese and conceived a plan to strip her of her power while simultaneously making a siege on the Bastion of Unborn Souls. With magic wrecked for a short time in Faerûn and the Gods distracted by the pleas and prayers of their faithful, Aumanator figured he could make his move. This resulted in his shielding of Karsus from Mystra's awareness so Karsus could craft and later cast his mightiest spell, and Ao stepping in to break up the battle at the Bastion between warring deific factions so Aumanator could be evicted from the Bastion, striped of all deific power and imprisoned, and a new god incarnated in his place (Lathander). Thus, in my game (almost) all knowledge of Aumanator has been erased and Lathander is (wrongly) blamed for the Dawn Cataclysm. Can you imagine how much harder this would have been for me if someone had attached a date to the Dawn Cataclysm (like 700 years after I needed it to happen)? Anyway, back to the thread! :whatsthis ps: If a player came up to me and said, "Tell me when the Dawn Cataclysm happened. I deserve to know as a player and Realms Enthusiast." I would reply, "If you’re really a Realms Enthusiast, go write up a character. Maybe your character will live long enough to find out." :P
Purple Dragon Knight 12-10-03, 06:40 AM	Originally posted by sanishiver I'm glad the exact date was left deliberately unstated. It is so much easier as a DM to adapt Deific events like this to a campaign when I don't have to deal with hard and fast specifics. Which is to say: There are certain things that should be left up in the air. Good designers (like Eric) know that not telling us everything in a book is the right thing to do, so the DM can adapt material to his or her game. I respect your opinion, but I must respectfully disagree. I, as a DM, have been struggling with this Dawn Cataclysm deal and I have decided to drop it as a result (made my PCs look the other way, to another pressing problem...) My views on leaving stuff in the air are this: - If it happened in the past, not good to leave in the air: put a date and don't leave the DM hanging or guessing. DMing is really time consuming and I personally don't have time to play guessing games all the time. The occasional mystery is ok, but gods dying should leave pretty obvious historical records somewhere... come on now! :nonono: - If it is a prophecy or if it is foreseen for the future, then yes, keep me guessing as a DM. I can build on it and not worry about elusive canon that will bite me in the bum later. - Last, I talked with the gentleman who wrote about the Dawn Cataclysm (it's not Eric Boyd for the record, unless the author I talked to lied to me). It was pretty obvious that the Dawn Cataclysm was a casual addition from him, and that no plans or deep research was given to it. Before I met this fellow, I didn't mind "casual" addition to a game book that much (it doesn't really hold a lot of importance or weight in the cosmic balance of the universe), but after a few beers, when I learned that the fellow made more than 10 times my salary last year, then yes, I started to mind and I started thinking about meeting certain standards of quality and care for the customer...
Israfel666 12-10-03, 10:06 AM	I love your work and have a deep respect for the time you spend answering this thread, Eric, but I must also join the "We Want the Exact Dates!" (WWED) faction. In my opinions, Forgotten Realms DM are too much hesitating before homebrewing their Faerun. If any part of FR geography or history does not suit you, just change it. No-one's going to suit you for that - anytime you DM an adventure that is not from an official module, you're already doing that. That said, deliberately leaving dates unspecified only helps those DM who want to play a 100% canon adventure - which, as I said, cannot theoretically exist. Let us take now Sanishiver's example: if the Dawn Cataclysm had been set to, say, 800 years after the Year of Sundered Webs (fall of Netheril), then what? He already changed the "official" Faerun (where it is never said that Amaunator plotted against Mystril), it would have been a very minor change to shift the year of the DC. There are also PDK's arguments, of course, which I agree with. That's why I think having a full, precise history of Faerun is 100% helpful for DMs and players alike.
cwslyclgh 12-10-03, 07:28 PM	there is also the fact that in general D&D gods are (supposably)bound by the same laws of time (although not nessecarily space) as mortals are. Mr. Boyd's idea that "divine events occure outside the normal time stream" would sem to undermine this long standing tradition.
sanishiver 12-10-03, 07:35 PM	Originally posted by cwslyclgh there is also the fact that in general D&D gods are (supposably)bound by the same laws of time (although not nessecarily space) as mortals are. Mr. Boyd's idea that "divine events occure outside the normal time stream" would sem to undermine this long standing tradition. "Long Standing Tradition" :confused: That's news to me. :whatsthis
Cernunnos 12-10-03, 08:56 PM	Who says the splitting of Tyche took place immediately? Maybe she just kind of starting getting multiple personalities... people begin to hear about 2 new luck goddesses, but don't know their relation to Tyche. As more and more people start worshipping Tymora and Beshaba, the stronger these variant personalities become, until Lathander finally must intervene to seperate the goddess(s) before she destoys themselves. Being that Lathander is the god of birth, its rather logical that he presided over the full "birth" of the two goddesses, even if it split Tyche (and thus, he gets blamed for it). The Dawn Cataclysm could very well be the name that got attached to it LONG after the fact. I mean, who during the Renaissance actually called it that? Maybe the Dawn Catalysm is more of a period rather than an event.
Wooly Rupert 12-10-03, 09:33 PM	Originally posted by Cernunnos Who says the splitting of Tyche took place immediately? Maybe she just kind of starting getting multiple personalities... people begin to hear about 2 new luck goddesses, but don't know their relation to Tyche. As more and more people start worshipping Tymora and Beshaba, the stronger these variant personalities become, until Lathander finally must intervene to seperate the goddess(s) before she destoys themselves. Being that Lathander is the god of birth, its rather logical that he presided over the full "birth" of the two goddesses, even if it split Tyche (and thus, he gets blamed for it). The Dawn Cataclysm could very well be the name that got attached to it LONG after the fact. I mean, who during the Renaissance actually called it that? Maybe the Dawn Catalysm is more of a period rather than an event. Actually, the descriptions of the goddesses says that the split was immediate. Selûne saw that her friend Tyche had been corrupted by Moander, zapped her with a silver bolt, and she split into Beshaba and Tymora.
Cernunnos 12-10-03, 11:27 PM	Yes, the split (and ultimate death) of Tyche could have been immediate, but what about the corruption? I kind of like the idea of the godly corruption having to spread so slowly (and so subtly) that a diety of Tyche's power would not have noticed until it was far too late (kind of how Shar had to take a LONG time and be very secretive when creating the Shadow Weave).
cwslyclgh 12-10-03, 11:27 PM	"Long Standing Tradition" as has been quoted about the gods since 1st edition sources... they are bound by the laws of time. Ed's own dragon article (where the fearunian pantheon was unvield as his example of how to make a pantheon... in dragon number 54 or 55 IIRC) makes mention of this fact.
Wooly Rupert 12-11-03, 01:45 AM	Originally posted by cwslyclgh as has been quoted about the gods since 1st edition sources... they are bound by the laws of time. Ed's own dragon article (where the fearunian pantheon was unvield as his example of how to make a pantheon... in dragon number 54 or 55 IIRC) makes mention of this fact. Page 7 of issue 54 (gods, I love the CD-ROM archive!): "Although gods generally have awesome powers such as intraplanar travel and immortality, natural magical abilities, and greater personal attributes than other creatures, gods cannot transcend “the system”— at least, not without destroying game balance. Men, such as magic-users and those who control artifacts, may employ the same forces as gods; such forces are natural, part of the multiverse, and gods are therefore merely beings of much greater power, still bound by the system’s limitations. This stipulation disqualifies creator deities (which transcend the system) and those which jump around in time, such as Yog-Sothoth in the Cthulhu mythos, or those which possess predestination, such as the Norns or any infallible oracles — or the entire Norse pantheon!" And perhaps we should create a new thread for this debate? We're in danger of threadjacking this one...
Razz 12-11-03, 02:04 AM	First of all, how can you say it falls out of the normal "timestream"? If I am sitting on my front porch, and suddenly Bane and Mystra start blasting their way across my farmland on Marpenoth 10 1358 DR (or whatever part of the year it happened) then I am pretty sure it CAN and simply was dated. Now the Dawn Cataclysm could've been outside the timestream, but why do mortals know about it if it is so deific? And my MOST IMPORTANT question of all: WHAT IS THE DAWN CATACLYSM? I know who caused it, but why, how, and what are the details of that event anyway? To me, in a nutshell, it was: "Lathander tried to control Faerunian Pantheon, lots of crazy stuff happened, deities died, deities were born, and then everything went back to normal" That's pretty much all I got and know.
Purpleblade 12-11-03, 03:47 AM	hello Mr. Baker i have a problem about Red Wizards in DMG v3.5. if a sor/nec character gains some Red Wizards levels, his earlier sorcerer spells from specialist school are applied to Spell Power? And he selects sorcerer as arcane spell caster in his Red Wizards level progression. In this case, Can he know new spells from prohibited schools? thanks
WotC_RichBaker 12-11-03, 04:52 PM	The Red Wizard's spell power ability affects all spells he casts, from whatever class. The last sentence in the paragraph"Spell Power" in the Red Wizard description is simply a reminder, I think. If you're a multiclassed sorcerer/specialist wizard, and you increase your sorcerer spellcasting, you are not bound by the restrictions of your specialist barred school. You can use your sorcerer spellcasting levels to learn spells (or use items) that would otherwise be prohibited to your wizard specialty. It's a clever combo, but remember the drawback--multiclassing sorcerer and wizard together is generally a pretty poor multiclass choice. Originally posted by Purpleblade hello Mr. Baker i have a problem about Red Wizards in DMG v3.5. if a sor/nec character gains some Red Wizards levels, his earlier sorcerer spells from specialist school are applied to Spell Power? And he selects sorcerer as arcane spell caster in his Red Wizards level progression. In this case, Can he know new spells from prohibited schools? thanks
Freakboy 12-12-03, 05:51 AM	Hi Mr Baker, I am not sure if you can answer this question. I posted it in the races section of the forum and noone responded. I am trying to find an ECL for the Draegloth as a PC race. There isn't one listed in Monsters of Faerun, and I have tried using the formula given in savage species to extrapolate it but I keep coming up with an ECL that seems way too high (usually around 12-15) I also checked Races of Faerun and couldn't find it in there either. I was wondering if you could tell me what the ECL for the Draegloth is or if you could point me to a source where I could find it. One other quick question, will Spellcasting Prodigy work the same way in that it causes your spell save DC's to be calculated as though your relevant ability score were 2 points higher? Or has it been changed significantly from that? Thanks again in advance for all your time and help!!!!! Its Greatly Appreciated!!!!!!!!!
Laertes 12-12-03, 05:58 AM	Mr Baker Is the Raumathari battlemage Prc adapted to 3.5 rules?, especially the sublime sword class ability (in 3.5 is more difficult to boost the DC saves from spells). Also, would you be so kind of posting a general view of the upcoming Netherese Arcanist epic prestige class?. Will be this Prc suited for sorcerers?. Thanks.
The Simbul 12-12-03, 02:22 PM	Mr. Baker, If the Prestige Classes, Feats, Spells, Magic Items, etc from existing Forgotten Realms Accessory Sourcebooks included in PGtF have been significantly altered via errata or written clarification, will such errata or clarifications (i.e. the text's alterations, not the entire text of the subject itself) be available for download as per the 3.5 accessory booklet, or will we actually have to purchase the new sourcebook to be aware of such changes.
Cassius Harkanor 12-13-03, 11:47 PM	Re Krash: Gormauth is not detailed in the Monster Mythology, so I wonder where he is detailed.
Cassius Harkanor 12-13-03, 11:56 PM	Dear Richard: 1. I noticed that the deities in the Faiths and Pantheons ignored the requirements for their salient divine abilities, such as Extra Domain. Is this intentional or a mistake ? 2. Does a deity need to purchase Extra Domain as one of its salient divine abilities for any prestige domain it can grants (such as Talona's Blightbringer domains) ? 3. What pantheon does the various monstrous deities belong to ? For example, does Sekolah belong to the Faerun pantheon, or the sahaugin pantheon, or not any pantheon ? 4. What happens if a deity possess an immunity granted by a class or other special ability but is attacked by a higher divine power with something that they are immune to ? For example, a god with paladin levels is attacked by a divine ability which causes disease. Are they immune to the disease, even though the attacking god is higher DR becuase paladins are immune to disease ?
Cassius Harkanor 12-14-03, 12:20 AM	Dear Richards What is the home plane of the modrons and the inevitables, if these creatures even belong in the Faerun cosmology ?
Zanan 12-14-03, 05:52 AM	Hello Mr. Baker! Once more, this question is with regard to the 3RE drow. Underdark requests an Intelligence of 13 for a drow character if he wants to use his spell-like abilities. Now, as far as I know, all spell-like abilities (even that of gnomes) are based on Charisma. Am I right to assume that a drow's spell-like ability's DC is then (as it is required) based on INT rather than CHA? Thanks in advance (and sorry if this question has been put before you earlier)!
Iakhovas 12-14-03, 11:45 AM	Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dear Richards What is the home plane of the modrons and the inevitables, if these creatures even belong in the Faerun cosmology ? Mechanus/Nirvana still exists in some form considering it appeared in the recent Realms novel Lord of Stormweather. There has been no mention of it in a sourcebook, but that's for the designers to explain.
Herr Doktor 12-15-03, 08:22 AM	Mister Baker, In Races of Faerûn, Orog are an ECL 2 creature (LA 2). The Underdark supplement lists them as an ECL 3, though it provides no updated statistics or anything of that sort. Was it decided that the Orog was stronger than an ECL 2 and so its ECL was boosted, or is it a typographical mistake?
WotC_RichBaker 12-15-03, 12:55 PM	I'm pretty sure we haven't come out and given a LA for the draegloth yet. Here's my ballpark guess: +5. Remember, you've got 6 good racial Hit Dice, too, so a total ECL of 11 seems about right. That's just a guess on my part. I've answered the Spellcasting Prodigy question a couple of times in this thread, but the short answer is, it's changed for the Player's Guide. Originally posted by Freakboy Hi Mr Baker, I am not sure if you can answer this question. I posted it in the races section of the forum and noone responded. I am trying to find an ECL for the Draegloth as a PC race. There isn't one listed in Monsters of Faerun, and I have tried using the formula given in savage species to extrapolate it but I keep coming up with an ECL that seems way too high (usually around 12-15) I also checked Races of Faerun and couldn't find it in there either. I was wondering if you could tell me what the ECL for the Draegloth is or if you could point me to a source where I could find it. One other quick question, will Spellcasting Prodigy work the same way in that it causes your spell save DC's to be calculated as though your relevant ability score were 2 points higher? Or has it been changed significantly from that? Thanks again in advance for all your time and help!!!!! Its Greatly Appreciated!!!!!!!!!
WotC_RichBaker 12-15-03, 01:03 PM	I'm pretty sure that Races of Faerun is right on this one. Sorry for the confusion. Originally posted by Herr Doktor Mister Baker, In Races of Faerûn, Orog are an ECL 2 creature (LA 2). The Underdark supplement lists them as an ECL 3, though it provides no updated statistics or anything of that sort. Was it decided that the Orog was stronger than an ECL 2 and so its ECL was boosted, or is it a typographical mistake?
WotC_RichBaker 12-15-03, 01:05 PM	No, there's no change necessary for the Raumathari battlemage. It's fine for 3.5 as is. If we had it to do over again we might tinker with sublime sword a bit, but it only gives away a +1 DC boost, and doesn't improve from there, so I think it's OK. Originally posted by Laertes Mr Baker Is the Raumathari battlemage Prc adapted to 3.5 rules?, especially the sublime sword class ability (in 3.5 is more difficult to boost the DC saves from spells). Also, would you be so kind of posting a general view of the upcoming Netherese Arcanist epic prestige class?. Will be this Prc suited for sorcerers?. Thanks.
WotC_RichBaker 12-15-03, 01:09 PM	In a case like this, the "most right" source is the 3.5 Monster Manual. Drow spell-likes are based on Charisma, and there's no Charisma score minimum to use them. The extra sentence in Underdark is wrong, our apologies. Originally posted by Zanan Hello Mr. Baker! Once more, this question is with regard to the 3RE drow. Underdark requests an Intelligence of 13 for a drow character if he wants to use his spell-like abilities. Now, as far as I know, all spell-like abilities (even that of gnomes) are based on Charisma. Am I right to assume that a drow's spell-like ability's DC is then (as it is required) based on INT rather than CHA? Thanks in advance (and sorry if this question has been put before you earlier)!
Wooly Rupert 12-15-03, 01:43 PM	Mr. Baker, there is a debate that's been raging in another thread, and so I thought I'd try to get an official answer. Page 24 of Faiths & Pantheons says that Qilué Veladorn, the Dark Sister, is a Chosen of Eilistraee. Page 56 of the 2nd edition sourcebook The Seven Sisters states that "She is sometimes addressed by the other drow of the temple as "the Chosen of the Chosen" (by which they mean the foremost of themselves, the Chosen of Eilistraee -- not the Chosen of Mystra)." Between these two sources, people are reading different things. Some read that Qilué bears the same title as the other priestesses of the Promenade, and note that no boons from Eilistraee are noted or implied, save for her free spells (all Chosen of Mystra recieve these, but as a cleric, Qilué gets the actual spells from her deity, not Mystra). In this case, Chosen of Eilistraee is just a title, since all the priestesses of the Promenade are called Chosen of Eilistraee. Some read it and run with the concept that all Chosen of deities are special persons, bearing unique abilities granted to them by their deities -- a la Chosen of Mystra. These people note that it is stated that Qilué has other, undisclosed powers. And various sources have also referred to her as Chosen of Eilistraee, though again, there is no mention of whether or not this means anything. In this case, in addition to all the powers and abilities from Mystra, Qilué has additional powers and abilities granted by Eilistraee. So, officially, what does her status as Chosen of Eilistraee mean? Is it a title, or is it in fact something rather more, as with the Chosen of Mystra?
Freakboy 12-15-03, 01:57 PM	Sorry about the Spellcasting Prodigy Question Mr. Baker. I just didn't read all the posts before I asked. I know it is annoying to get the same question over and over. Thanks again for all your time and help. It has made my campaign much better for your insights and answers to our questions no matter how mundane. Thanks again for everything!!!!!!
Blibdoolpoolp 12-15-03, 08:23 PM	Please forgive us if this has been asked, we have searched this thread and did not find our answer. Is spellfire going to be changed to work like the new 3.5 rod of absorbtion? Meaning, will it still require a readied action? Thank you for your assistance. We appreciate it.
Cernunnos 12-15-03, 11:38 PM	Wooly, the title is actually meant to mean alot of things. She is a Chosen of both Mystra AND Eilistraee. (both were involved in her birthing). And as you pointed out, the other priestesses of Eilistraee are also called Chosen, thus the title "Chosen of the Chosen." In short, both arguments are correct... while I don't think she gets any more special powers from Eilistraee, her Seven Sister/Mystran Chosen powers make her more than powerful enough. She serves two masters. For more details you probably want to pick up the novel Silverfall, the sourcebook for Skullport (I THINK it details her, since the Promenade is in Skullport), and a few other sources should talk about her a little bit.
Kronos_C 12-16-03, 03:45 AM	Hi Mr. Baker. I have a question regarding the "Cavelord" Prestige Class from the Underdark Sourcebook. The Class seems to be ideal for Barbarians and Rangers, and the flavor text says as much, but unfortunatly it has Knowledge (Local) 8 Ranks as one of its Requirements. But neither the Ranger nor the Barbarian have Knowledge (Local) as a class skill, is this some sort of mistake ? Or is it intentional so you would have to take a level of Wizard/Bard/Rouge to qualify for this class ?
WotC_RichBaker 12-16-03, 12:26 PM	I agree it's very restrictive, but I can't say that it's a mistake. One level of rogue will certainly help you to knock out that skill requirement much faster, and lots of rangers don't mind a level of rogue anyway. Originally posted by Kronos_C Hi Mr. Baker. I have a question regarding the "Cavelord" Prestige Class from the Underdark Sourcebook. The Class seems to be ideal for Barbarians and Rangers, and the flavor text says as much, but unfortunatly it has Knowledge (Local) 8 Ranks as one of its Requirements. But neither the Ranger nor the Barbarian have Knowledge (Local) as a class skill, is this some sort of mistake ? Or is it intentional so you would have to take a level of Wizard/Bard/Rouge to qualify for this class ?
Alisair Longreach II 12-16-03, 01:17 PM	Races of Stone, a sourcebook about Dwarves and Gnomes, is out in august. Will this book include new Dwarf and Gnome pantheons or will the Dwarf and Gnome deities from Faiths and Pantheons be recycled? Will this book also include the Dwarf and Gnome clerical domains from the FRCS ?
Arthedain 12-16-03, 07:40 PM	Greetings Mr. Baker and all readers of this most excellent thread. I have a question regarding prestige classes with unique spell lists that lose their spell list and gain "+1 level of existing spellcasting class" in the conversion from 3.0 to 3.5. Specifically the Harper Scout/Harper Agent. Over the course of a couple of years some spells have been added to the spell list in the FRCS, for example "Camoflage" and "Living Prints" in Magic of Faerun, and "Burrow" and "Tremorsense" in Underdark. Will the Harper Agent lose access to these spells (unless he has a spellcasting class that gains them, e.g. ranger for "Burrow"), or does the PGtF include some info that says something like "these spells can be added to the spell list of your previous spellcasting class"? For example, a Bard/Harper agent would lose access to "Burrow" if this is not the case. Also, I note that the Harper Scout spell list in Underdark (p. 55) states that a HS gains "Mass Burrow" and "Mass Darkvision" as 4th level spells. Since the Harper Scout can't cast 4th level spells, I guess this is an indication that the Harper Agent will be able to add spells to his spell list, but if not, why are they listed, and when would it be appropriate for a Harper Scout (if the DM and/or player wants to continue using the Harper Scout instead of the Harper Agent, in order to minimize the changes to an existing character because PrC requirements change etc) to gain these spells? Thanks in advance, and keep up the good work! :)
Kronos_C 12-17-03, 04:46 AM	Thanks for your answer Mr. Baker, I have another Question regarding "Underdark". The Grimlock has Racial Hit Die and gains Skill Points from them, but his racial Skill List includes Spot. Isn`t this kind of pointless ? Grimlocks are Blind and have Blindsight, why would they need Spot ? Shouldn't Spot be be replaced with a Skill they would actually need, like Move silently or survival ? Thanks in advandce.
Mr.Waesel 12-17-03, 04:52 AM	:embarrass
Cernunnos 12-17-03, 09:20 AM	That question was answered about 4-6 pages back. Short answer is he doesn't get darkvision since he can't technically see.
Blibdoolpoolp 12-17-03, 02:46 PM	Confusticate and bebother these boards! We hate extra posts!
Blibdoolpoolp 12-17-03, 02:52 PM	We ask this question again becasue we recieved no response. We do not know if this is becasue the question has been answered prior to our posting. If it has been answered please share this with us. We are very curious. Is spellfire going to be updated to work like the 3.5 rod of absorption? The 3.5 rod of absorption does not require a readied action to use. You have our gratitude for your elucidation.
WotC_RichBaker 12-17-03, 06:17 PM	Short answer: Their unique spell lists no longer exist after conversion to 3.5. A spell that was formerly Harper Scout 3 (for example) is not automatically transferred to the character's spell list when you redo the character as a Harper Agent. In the specific case of the Underdark spells you mentioned, you'll see that they're also ranger and sorcerer/wizard spells... so a Harper Agent who got into his prestige class with either ranger spellcasting or sorcerer/wizard spellcasting will still have "access" to those spells. The 4th level Harper Scout spells seem to have been a goof. Our apologies. I think it's perfectly reasonable to keep using the Harper Scout instead of forcing a change to Harper Agent, if that's what you want to do. The Harper Scout is essentially sound, I think. Originally posted by Arthedain Greetings Mr. Baker and all readers of this most excellent thread. I have a question regarding prestige classes with unique spell lists that lose their spell list and gain "+1 level of existing spellcasting class" in the conversion from 3.0 to 3.5. Specifically the Harper Scout/Harper Agent. Over the course of a couple of years some spells have been added to the spell list in the FRCS, for example "Camoflage" and "Living Prints" in Magic of Faerun, and "Burrow" and "Tremorsense" in Underdark. Will the Harper Agent lose access to these spells (unless he has a spellcasting class that gains them, e.g. ranger for "Burrow"), or does the PGtF include some info that says something like "these spells can be added to the spell list of your previous spellcasting class"? For example, a Bard/Harper agent would lose access to "Burrow" if this is not the case. Also, I note that the Harper Scout spell list in Underdark (p. 55) states that a HS gains "Mass Burrow" and "Mass Darkvision" as 4th level spells. Since the Harper Scout can't cast 4th level spells, I guess this is an indication that the Harper Agent will be able to add spells to his spell list, but if not, why are they listed, and when would it be appropriate for a Harper Scout (if the DM and/or player wants to continue using the Harper Scout instead of the Harper Agent, in order to minimize the changes to an existing character because PrC requirements change etc) to gain these spells? Thanks in advance, and keep up the good work! :)
WotC_RichBaker 12-17-03, 06:26 PM	That's a bit of style weirdness, really. The basic rule for monsters is that any skill that appears in their monster description is considered a racial skill. Our style for skill presentation in monster stat blocks is that any skill that has a non-obvious number attached to it (skill ranks, racial modifiers, synergy bonuses, or feats) gets listed in the monster's skills. Grimlocks have Alertness, ergo their Spot score goes into the skill list. Myself, I'm not 100% sure that grimlocks don't make Spot checks. If a rogue pressed up against a stalagmite and held real still, could he use his Hide skill to hide from the grimlock? I'd guess so. And Spot opposes Hide checks. There's language in the blindsense description to the effect that you *usually* don't need to make Spot checks to notice and locate enemies within range of its blindsight--but there are exceptions. Originally posted by Kronos_C Thanks for your answer Mr. Baker, I have another Question regarding "Underdark". The Grimlock has Racial Hit Die and gains Skill Points from them, but his racial Skill List includes Spot. Isn`t this kind of pointless ? Grimlocks are Blind and have Blindsight, why would they need Spot ? Shouldn't Spot be be replaced with a Skill they would actually need, like Move silently or survival ? Thanks in advandce.
WotC_RichBaker 12-17-03, 06:28 PM	I don't know off the top of my head. I'd have to dig deep into the Player's Guide to see if it's handled there, and I'm a little busy today. Originally posted by Blibdoolpoolp We ask this question again becasue we recieved no response. We do not know if this is becasue the question has been answered prior to our posting. If it has been answered please share this with us. We are very curious. Is spellfire going to be updated to work like the 3.5 rod of absorption? The 3.5 rod of absorption does not require a readied action to use. You have our gratitude for your elucidation.
The Simbul 12-18-03, 02:45 AM	*attempts to use a Scroll of Enthrall to get Richard Baker's attention* *Richard Baker succeed's Will Save (DC 15 vs 1d20 + 12 + 500 (sacred bonus from the Rulesbook Author Template) = 520 :tantrum::tantrum::tantrum: Anyways I have a more generic question: Why is Alustriel Silverhand the only Chosen of Mystra listed with the Name and Song Attunement supernatural ability listed in her stat block. Name and Song Attunement (Su): Whenever Alustriel's name or the rune of the Chosen is spoken, she hears it and the next nine words that person speaks. According to both 2nd edition game rescources, and post 3rd edition novels, all of the Chosen should have this ability, however it isnt listed in the Chosen of Mystra Template, or listed amoung the abilities of any of the other fully-stated FRCS Chosen (Elminster, Khelben, Storm, & The Simbul). Was this ability omitted in 3rd edition but accidentally kept in Alustriel's entry from an earlier draft of her stats (i.e. pre-release online NPC "sneak-peeks"), or was there just not enough room in the Template side-bar?
Cernunnos 12-18-03, 08:40 AM	Hi Rich, don't know if you know anything about it, but I just read via EnWorld this morning that Ryan Dancey is having Organized Play drop the Living City liscense starting Jan 1, 2004. Previously, they had announced plans for a series of published Living City high level adventures that would be in hardcover. Any idea if those are cancelled? (I'm imagining probably, but hoping thats not the case).
WotC_RichBaker 12-18-03, 10:22 AM	Boy, I thought all the Chosen got that, too. It appears to be something we just didn't include in the template, most likely an oversight. So it's strange that Alustriel got it back. Can't explain how it happened, but I think you're right, the Chosen should definitely have it based on the novels. Originally posted by The Simbul *attempts to use a Scroll of Enthrall to get Richard Baker's attention* *Richard Baker succeed's Will Save (DC 15 vs 1d20 + 12 + 500 (sacred bonus from the Rulesbook Author Template) = 520 :tantrum::tantrum::tantrum: Anyways I have a more generic question: Why is Alustriel Silverhand the only Chosen of Mystra listed with the Name and Song Attunement supernatural ability listed in her stat block. According to both 2nd edition game rescources, and post 3rd edition novels, all of the Chosen should have this ability, however it isnt listed in the Chosen of Mystra Template, or listed amoung the abilities of any of the other fully-stated FRCS Chosen (Elminster, Khelben, Storm, & The Simbul). Was this ability omitted in 3rd edition but accidentally kept in Alustriel's entry from an earlier draft of her stats (i.e. pre-release online NPC "sneak-peeks"), or was there just not enough room in the Template side-bar?
WotC_RichBaker 12-18-03, 10:24 AM	Sorry, I haven't heard a thing about this. I've got no more information on it than you do. Originally posted by Cernunnos Hi Rich, don't know if you know anything about it, but I just read via EnWorld this morning that Ryan Dancey is having Organized Play drop the Living City liscense starting Jan 1, 2004. Previously, they had announced plans for a series of published Living City high level adventures that would be in hardcover. Any idea if those are cancelled? (I'm imagining probably, but hoping thats not the case).
Blibdoolpoolp 12-18-03, 03:15 PM	I don't know off the top of my head. I'd have to dig deep into the Player's Guide to see if it's handled there, and I'm a little busy today. We thank you for your reply. Any information you could find for us on this topic would be greatly appreciated. We will, of course, permit you to take your time. We aren't going anywhere. You have our gratitude.
ksu_bond 12-18-03, 05:01 PM	Rich, Just wanted to apologize for my miss-interpretation and then ultimately false presentation of what you had said. (this in regards to the Twin Sword Style thread). ksu_bond
DreadStar 12-19-03, 07:17 AM	Rich Races of Stone, a sourcebook about Dwarves and Gnomes, is out in august. Will this book include new Dwarf and Gnome pantheons or will the Dwarf and Gnome deities from Faiths and Pantheons be recycled? Will this book also include the Dwarf and Gnome clerical domains from the FRCS ? Alisair Longreach II asked this but, forgot to address it to you so, I reposted
Wooly Rupert 12-19-03, 10:17 AM	I'm reposting my question, since it seems to have been skipped... Mr. Baker, there is a debate that's been raging in another thread, and so I thought I'd try to get an official answer. Page 24 of Faiths & Pantheons says that Qilué Veladorn, the Dark Sister, is a Chosen of Eilistraee. Page 56 of the 2nd edition sourcebook The Seven Sisters states that "She is sometimes addressed by the other drow of the temple as "the Chosen of the Chosen" (by which they mean the foremost of themselves, the Chosen of Eilistraee -- not the Chosen of Mystra)." Between these two sources, people are reading different things. Some read that Qilué bears the same title as the other priestesses of the Promenade, and note that no boons from Eilistraee are noted or implied, save for her free spells (all Chosen of Mystra recieve these, but as a cleric, Qilué gets the actual spells from her deity, not Mystra). In this case, Chosen of Eilistraee is just a title, since all the priestesses of the Promenade are called Chosen of Eilistraee. Some read it and run with the concept that all Chosen of deities are special persons, bearing unique abilities granted to them by their deities -- a la Chosen of Mystra. These people note that it is stated that Qilué has other, undisclosed powers. And various sources have also referred to her as Chosen of Eilistraee, though again, there is no mention of whether or not this means anything. In this case, in addition to all the powers and abilities from Mystra, Qilué has additional powers and abilities granted by Eilistraee. So, officially, what does her status as Chosen of Eilistraee mean? Is it a title, or is it in fact something rather more, as with the Chosen of Mystra?
WotC_RichBaker 12-19-03, 12:17 PM	That's a question for the core D&D message boards. I'm happy to answer questions about anything I worked on, and in addition I'll take a shot at anything FR, but I really haven't had anything to do with Races of Stone. Originally posted by DreadStar Rich Races of Stone, a sourcebook about Dwarves and Gnomes, is out in august. Will this book include new Dwarf and Gnome pantheons or will the Dwarf and Gnome deities from Faiths and Pantheons be recycled? Will this book also include the Dwarf and Gnome clerical domains from the FRCS ? Alisair Longreach II asked this but, forgot to address it to you so, I reposted
WotC_RichBaker 12-19-03, 12:22 PM	Here's what I think it means: I think it means that Qilue has both a Chosen of Mystra template (which we've defined) and a Chosen of Eillistraee template (which we haven't yet defined). I believe that's our intent in 3rd Ed. FR. Since we haven't described the Chosen of Eillistraee template anywhere in 3rd Ed., I have no idea what it might or might not do (and I'm not going to take a shot at designing it in this post). IMO, it's about time we seriously lassoed the Chosen question and nailed it down--i.e., which gods get Chosen, how the Chosen templates differ from each other, how your PC can become a Chosen, and so on. That's a big hunk of a major sourcebook, though. Originally posted by Wooly Rupert I'm reposting my question, since it seems to have been skipped... Mr. Baker, there is a debate that's been raging in another thread, and so I thought I'd try to get an official answer. Page 24 of Faiths & Pantheons says that Qilué Veladorn, the Dark Sister, is a Chosen of Eilistraee. Page 56 of the 2nd edition sourcebook The Seven Sisters states that "She is sometimes addressed by the other drow of the temple as "the Chosen of the Chosen" (by which they mean the foremost of themselves, the Chosen of Eilistraee -- not the Chosen of Mystra)." Between these two sources, people are reading different things. Some read that Qilué bears the same title as the other priestesses of the Promenade, and note that no boons from Eilistraee are noted or implied, save for her free spells (all Chosen of Mystra recieve these, but as a cleric, Qilué gets the actual spells from her deity, not Mystra). In this case, Chosen of Eilistraee is just a title, since all the priestesses of the Promenade are called Chosen of Eilistraee. Some read it and run with the concept that all Chosen of deities are special persons, bearing unique abilities granted to them by their deities -- a la Chosen of Mystra. These people note that it is stated that Qilué has other, undisclosed powers. And various sources have also referred to her as Chosen of Eilistraee, though again, there is no mention of whether or not this means anything. In this case, in addition to all the powers and abilities from Mystra, Qilué has additional powers and abilities granted by Eilistraee. So, officially, what does her status as Chosen of Eilistraee mean? Is it a title, or is it in fact something rather more, as with the Chosen of Mystra?
Another Gnome 12-19-03, 01:09 PM	IMO, it's about time we seriously lassoed the Chosen question and nailed it down--i.e., which gods get Chosen, how the Chosen templates differ from each other, how your PC can become a Chosen, and so on. That's a big hunk of a major sourcebook, though. WOO-HOO!! :bounce: Though I suppose that doesn't mean one is being planned already?
Dargoth 12-19-03, 07:50 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker IMO, it's about time we seriously lassoed the Chosen question and nailed it down--i.e., which gods get Chosen, how the Chosen templates differ from each other, how your PC can become a Chosen, and so on. That's a big hunk of a major sourcebook, though. Now that would rock How about calling it Powers and Avatars :D Id be really keen to see a FR "Complete divine" with following Avatar stats for those gods that missed out in F&P More Deity specfic spells converted from 2ed to 3ed Right ups for all the religious orders ie Paladins, Monks, Druid Circles etc etc The locations of all the Monastrys, Chapter houses and major churches. A list of all the Chosen which would include stats and a Chosen of XYZ Templates. More Divine PrCs
Cernunnos 12-19-03, 07:56 PM	Probably the follow-up to Faiths & Pantheons. It would make for an interesting series of Dragon articles... how to create your own "Chosen" templates (with some Realms examples).
Raven Dark 12-20-03, 12:47 AM	Mr. Baker, Thanks for all you have done so far, we appreciate is a great deal. I recall you said something about a Waterdeep book being in the works or something of the sort. If so, will it contain any information (maybe even maps and mini-adventures) of the dreaded Undermountain? I have been wanting to run my players through that maze for years, but there has never been any 3rd edition updates to the greatest FR dungeon ever. Thanks Again!
Kuje31 12-20-03, 01:16 AM	Originally posted by Raven Dark Mr. Baker, Thanks for all you have done so far, we appreciate is a great deal. I recall you said something about a Waterdeep book being in the works or something of the sort. If so, will it contain any information (maybe even maps and mini-adventures) of the dreaded Undermountain? I have been wanting to run my players through that maze for years, but there has never been any 3rd edition updates to the greatest FR dungeon ever. Thanks Again! If I recall right, Rich said it will probably contain updates for Waterdeep, Undermountain, and maybe Skullport. "Scooper ArthurQ: "During the Underdark chat that he ran with Rich and one or two others, Rich said that Skullport wasnt more then mentioned becasuse it will be included in the Waterdeep Book. So Waterdeep wont be Waterdeep/Undermountain. Its going to be Waterdeep/Skullport + surrounding environs (farm communities and such that feed the city), possibly mentions of the sea elf town in Waterdeeps harbor. (Most of this is my assumption, because it does sound as if waterdeep is getting its own book. assuming its going to be a normal size, 192 pages like others, we need to wonder what else is in it.) Perhaps the highest levels of undermountain would be in it but thats it." The Waterdeep book has now been confirmed by WotC's Rich Baker; unknown as to any Undermountain sections."
The Simbul 12-20-03, 01:27 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Boy, I thought all the Chosen got that, too. It appears to be something we just didn't include in the template, most likely an oversight. So it's strange that Alustriel got it back. Can't explain how it happened, but I think you're right, the Chosen should definitely have it based on the novels. Thanks for responding to my question:D P.S. side note, what are the requisite skills and vocational requirements to work as a game designer/developer/playtester/etc for WoTC/Hasbro, or where can such infomation be found?
The Simbul 12-20-03, 03:15 AM	Spells: Eye of Power Lightning Ring :D These were two of my favorite AD&D spells, assuming they are 3rd edition versions of those that appeared in The Seven Sisters. If so I am glad they are to be translated.
Cassius Harkanor 12-20-03, 05:08 AM	Dear Richard. 1. The epic level handbook states that a character does not need a high ability score to cast 10th lvl or higher spells (except highetend versions), but the new DMG states that you do (under the Increased Spell Capacity feat. Is the new DMG right ? 2. When does a monstrous character with class levels begin to get the epic attack and save bonus ? For example, a monster with 1 racial hit dice gains 19 levels in fighter. For his 20th lvl, does he get the epic attack bonus, or what a 20th lvl fighter gets ? 3. Do deities need to spend a salinet divine ability on Extra Domain to grant prestige domains. For example, does Talona need to spend one of her salinet divin abilities on Extra Domain to grant the Blightbringer domain ?
The Simbul 12-20-03, 07:37 PM	Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor 2. When does a monstrous character with class levels begin to get the epic attack and save bonus ? For example, a monster with 1 racial hit dice gains 19 levels in fighter. For his 20th lvl, does he get the epic attack bonus, or what a 20th lvl fighter gets ? When your Character Level exceeds 20. Character Level= Class Levels + Hit Dice, but does NOT include your Level Adjustment. So you dont use your ECL to determine if you are Epic, but rather your total number of Hitdice. I.E. a 7th level Nymph Druid (6 Fey HD, + 7 LA, +7 Class levels=ECL 20) would not begin her Epic Attack and Epic Save progression until she had 7 more class levels or Monstrous Hit Dice, since she currently only has 13 hit dice. It's covered in the new FAQ.
Dargoth 12-20-03, 09:12 PM	Rich Any chance well see the Saurials and the Lost Vale get a write up in Serpent Kingdoms? Also any chance well see write ups for gods of those races detailed in the book?
Srinshee 12-20-03, 09:27 PM	Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Any chance well see the Saurials and the Lost Vale get a write up in Serpent Kingdoms? he already answered this. Answer was a tentative yes, but they might get cut.
Zanan 12-21-03, 08:15 AM	Hello agian! Just before x-mas, the final drow question of 2003 ;) . Since the fate that has befallen Ched Nasad is now more or less known (Underdark book), is there any chance that we will get a vague list of those names of the important chartacters of Ched Nasad who have survived? Eric Boyd has given us names of Matrons, mages and other important folk and it would be good to know who escaped, since at least my campaign has many drow who hail from this city (and I know of other gamers who do so as well). All the best for 2004!
WotC_RichBaker 12-22-03, 12:20 PM	We haven't started working on it yet, so I can't say for sure. If it were completely up to me, though, I'd make Undermountain 40 to 50 percent of the book. Originally posted by Raven Dark Mr. Baker, Thanks for all you have done so far, we appreciate is a great deal. I recall you said something about a Waterdeep book being in the works or something of the sort. If so, will it contain any information (maybe even maps and mini-adventures) of the dreaded Undermountain? I have been wanting to run my players through that maze for years, but there has never been any 3rd edition updates to the greatest FR dungeon ever. Thanks Again!
WotC_RichBaker 12-22-03, 12:46 PM	That's actually not an easy question, because we have a great variety of backgrounds. If you're mostly interested in writing RPG materials, I can be a little more specific. First, you'll find that anything that trains you as a writer is helpful. Myself, I've got a B.A. in English. I'd also completed a novel when I applied for the job. Even though I never sold the book, simply making the attempt made me a writer instead of a wishful thinker. Secondly--and this is the tricky part--you have to get your foot in the door. You really can't start up cold by writing for WotC (I did, but that was 12 years ago and the business has changed since). We're always looking to pick up new freelancers who have proven their design skills by writing for the magazines or for other d20 publishers. Originally posted by The Simbul Thanks for responding to my question:D P.S. side note, what are the requisite skills and vocational requirements to work as a game designer/developer/playtester/etc for WoTC/Hasbro, or where can such infomation be found?
WotC_RichBaker 12-22-03, 12:49 PM	Yes, the new DMG is right. I see that your second question was answered already. Regarding prestige domains, I think the answer is no. However, I'm not real familiar with the deity-building rules, so my answer is far from authoritative here. Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dear Richard. 1. The epic level handbook states that a character does not need a high ability score to cast 10th lvl or higher spells (except highetend versions), but the new DMG states that you do (under the Increased Spell Capacity feat. Is the new DMG right ? 2. When does a monstrous character with class levels begin to get the epic attack and save bonus ? For example, a monster with 1 racial hit dice gains 19 levels in fighter. For his 20th lvl, does he get the epic attack bonus, or what a 20th lvl fighter gets ? 3. Do deities need to spend a salinet divine ability on Extra Domain to grant prestige domains. For example, does Talona need to spend one of her salinet divin abilities on Extra Domain to grant the Blightbringer domain ?
WotC_RichBaker 12-22-03, 12:55 PM	Short answer: I don't know who survived, and I don't know who would know. It'll be the next author or designer who has a reason to deal with Ched Nasad at length. As far as examining the Drizzt's Guide writeup and saying definitively "yes" or "no" for each character... we wouldn't do that unless we had a product where that information would be relevant. We probably should have covered it in Underdark, but that book was pretty full already, and we missed the opportunity. I'm hesitant to answer questions like that until we actually do the product in question, because I'm always afraid that we'll misplace that info when the time comes, or we'll find that we needed a different answer later. So Schroedinger knows, I guess. Originally posted by Zanan Hello agian! Just before x-mas, the final drow question of 2003 ;) . Since the fate that has befallen Ched Nasad is now more or less known (Underdark book), is there any chance that we will get a vague list of those names of the important chartacters of Ched Nasad who have survived? Eric Boyd has given us names of Matrons, mages and other important folk and it would be good to know who escaped, since at least my campaign has many drow who hail from this city (and I know of other gamers who do so as well). All the best for 2004!
TheDarkestOfAngels 12-22-03, 03:08 PM	Hey Rich, I have a question about "Improved Metamagic" (both the epic feat and the incantrix ability) Does it apply to all individual metamagic feats, like if I wanted to quicken and maximize magic missile (Level 1 + 3 - 1(Max) +4 -1(Quick) = Level 6 spell slot) or does it apply to a total (Level 1 +3 (Max) +4 (Quick) -1 = Level 7 spell slot)? Thanks in advance. :)
Xyr 12-23-03, 09:32 AM	hi Rich, greetings from germany, i have a little question about the Arcane Preparation Feat from the FRCS. with the feat is a sorcerer/bard able to prepare spells as a wizards does to add metamagic feats to spells without use a full-round action. its ok. now the question to the feat: it is possible for a sorcerer/bard to prepare spells from other source (a spellbook from a wizard for example) or is it only to add metamagic feats to a known spell. a happy x-mas and a good new year to all.
WotC_RichBaker 12-23-03, 12:20 PM	I'm pretty sure the intent was simply to let you "pre-metamagic" your spells. Lack of spell versatility is a significant drawback for the bard and sorcerer, and I'm not sure that one feat should be able to let you get around that limitation. Unfortunately, the wording of the feat does not support that as well as I would like, now that I look at it. Originally posted by Xyr hi Rich, greetings from germany, i have a little question about the Arcane Preparation Feat from the FRCS. with the feat is a sorcerer/bard able to prepare spells as a wizards does to add metamagic feats to spells without use a full-round action. its ok. now the question to the feat: it is possible for a sorcerer/bard to prepare spells from other source (a spellbook from a wizard for example) or is it only to add metamagic feats to a known spell. a happy x-mas and a good new year to all.
Herr Doktor 12-23-03, 12:37 PM	Mister Baker, In Monsters of Faerûn, the entry for fey'ri says that the can choose any four abilites from the following list, and then goes into detail about these abilities. In Races of Faerûn, the fey'ri can only have one of the more potent abilities from this list and three of the less powerful sort. Monsters of Faerûn makes no distinction between the more powerful sort and the lesser sort. When deciding on what demonic abilities are particular fey'ri has should one base their choice of special powers on the rule in Monsters of Faerûn or Races of Faerûn?
Hardhead 12-23-03, 12:48 PM	Originally posted by Herr Doktor Mister Baker, In Monsters of Faerûn, the entry for fey'ri says that the can choose any four abilites from the following list, and then goes into detail about these abilities. In Races of Faerûn, the fey'ri can only have one of the more potent abilities from this list and three of the less powerful sort. Monsters of Faerûn makes no distinction between the more powerful sort and the lesser sort. When deciding on what demonic abilities are particular fey'ri has should one base their choice of special powers on the rule in Monsters of Faerûn or Races of Faerûn? I can answer that one: use Races of Faerun. You always use the later source if they contain the same information. It's especially easy here, since one is 3.5 and one is 3.0.
WotC_RichBaker 12-23-03, 05:08 PM	Greetings, all: I'm going to be taking some time off from work, so I don't expect to be monitoring these boards between now and January 5th. If you've got a bunch of questions, I'd prefer it if you could save them for next year, just so that I don't have to wade through several dozen posts on this thread the first day I get back. Merry Christmas, everybody (or a nondenominational Happy Holidays, if you prefer).
Gez 12-27-03, 06:08 AM	Monsters of Faerûn is written for the DM to use monsters. Races of Faerûn is written for all players to make characters. While the rules that govern characters should also apply to monsters, it's not always the case. For example, I don't allow gelatinous cube or giant centipede PCs, yet I have used them as monsters. ;) Anyway, a fey'ri monster with four major abilities is not going to have much of a CR bump. But a fey'ri character with more than one major ability is going to have a big LA bump. And that's how it works.
Straploknight 12-27-03, 06:55 PM	Originally posted by Gez For example, I don't allow gelatinous cube or giant centipede PCs, yet I have used them as monsters. ;) Awww, man and this is my favorite monster race to use as a PC DM: Strap, what is your gelatinous cube doing? Strap (in character): ... DM: Uh, okay who's turn is it anyway.
Xyr 12-27-03, 08:01 PM	short question, i know that was a change at the Spellcasting Prodigy Feat, but i cant find the posting to it, can one post me the changes or the link to it plz. :confused:
Israfel666 12-28-03, 06:40 AM	Originally posted by Xyr short question, i know that was a change at the Spellcasting Prodigy Feat, but i cant find the posting to it, can one post me the changes or the link to it plz. :confused: Spellcasting Prodigy now only affects the bonus spell slots you get, not the spell save DC. IMO, it would be a good idea to make a sticky FAQ (parallel to this thread) with the most important answers provided by the Authors.
Yoritomo Katsui 12-28-03, 12:30 PM	Hi Mr. Baker! I have really stupid ( but neccesary ) cuestion: What colour are the skin of Mountain orcs and Orogs? Races of Faerun give the skin colour of Gray Orcs :rolleyes: , Half-orcs, and Tanarukk, but... What about these sub-races?
Alac Luin 12-28-03, 10:10 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Boy, feels like I've been very negative lately on this thread. No, no, no. Someone ask me something I can say "yes" to. OK, besides dealing with deadlines and publishers, do you enjoy your job?
sanishiver 12-29-03, 03:09 AM	Hello Mr. Baker, While reading through the Underdark hardback I noticed that in addition to Cook, Tweet and Williams, both you and Pete Adkinson are listed as creators of ”the new Dungeons and Dragons game”. I’m sure you’re swamped with work, having just returned from vacation, but if you’ve the time would you mind shedding some light on those areas of Third Edition both you and Mr. Adkinson worked on? Also (assuming you’re at liberty to say), why weren’t you and Mr. Adkinson credited on the covers of each of the original Core Books? Also, if it’s not an inconvenience, I was hoping you could give the authors of Underdark a pat on the back for me. I’ve gotten *A LOT* of use out of this book, both in terms of crunchy rules (i.e. Illithid Body Tamers and Annihilators) and High Level/Epic adventure ideas (the Illithid Lore Thieves of Oryndoll and the Githyanki outpost at Torglor spring to mind). On top of that, Underdark has just the rules I need to spruce up City of the Spider Queen. Lastly, any chance we’ll see a web supplement that updates some (or all) of the NPC stats in CotSQ to 3.5, and that (hopefully) makes use of information from Underdark? Thanks in advance and Happy New Year! :whatsthis
WotC_RichBaker 12-31-03, 03:14 PM	Mountain orcs are supposed to be just like Monster Manual orcs. Looking at the picture on p. 203, I'd say greenish-gray. Based on the illo in Races of Faerun, it seems orogs have similar coloration. Originally posted by Yoritomo Katsui Hi Mr. Baker! I have really stupid ( but neccesary ) cuestion: What colour are the skin of Mountain orcs and Orogs? Races of Faerun give the skin colour of Gray Orcs :rolleyes: , Half-orcs, and Tanarukk, but... What about these sub-races?
WotC_RichBaker 12-31-03, 03:15 PM	Sure! Most days it's a lot of fun. Sometimes the business gets in the way, but by and large it's a good way to make a living. Originally posted by Alac Luin OK, besides dealing with deadlines and publishers, do you enjoy your job?
WotC_RichBaker 12-31-03, 03:37 PM	OK, that's a bit of a tough one... When we first started on 3rd Edition, the design team was me, Monte Cook, and Skip Williams. Peter Adkison was a very interested kibbitzer who often sat in on our design meetings, and frequently contributed ideas. About 6 or 8 months into the job, we had an internal reorganization. The job of Creative Director for Alternity was open, so I decided to change hats and go take over that product line. Around the time I switched jobs, Peter chose Jonathan Tweet to head up the 3E team as lead designer. He'd been following our work closely, too, and Peter wanted to get Jonathan's talents seriously engaged on the project. Jonathan, Monte, and Skip did the work of taking our various design drafts and turning them into a finished PHB, DMG, and MM. That work came after I moved over to Alternity, and Peter didn't actually write drafts, so that's why we don't have cover credit. That said, there are a number of features I contributed in early drafts that survived (with some evolution and development) all the way to publication. The most significant of these were the barbarian, druid, paladin, and sorcerer, the notion of feats, and the first draft of a number of the fighterish ones, and many spell descriptions (particularly high-level cleric and druid spells). These aren't exclusive contributions--we all pitched in and contributed on many fronts, and the other fellows helped me create and polish these first-draft features, just like I helped them work on other early features of the game. RE: a web supplement for City of the Spider Queen, I'm sorry to say we have no plans for that at the time. Check around the boards, I wouldn't be surprised if some other fans have suggested conversions. Originally posted by sanishiver Hello Mr. Baker, While reading through the Underdark hardback I noticed that in addition to Cook, Tweet and Williams, both you and Pete Adkinson are listed as creators of ”the new Dungeons and Dragons game”. I’m sure you’re swamped with work, having just returned from vacation, but if you’ve the time would you mind shedding some light on those areas of Third Edition both you and Mr. Adkinson worked on? Also (assuming you’re at liberty to say), why weren’t you and Mr. Adkinson credited on the covers of each of the original Core Books? Also, if it’s not an inconvenience, I was hoping you could give the authors of Underdark a pat on the back for me. I’ve gotten *A LOT* of use out of this book, both in terms of crunchy rules (i.e. Illithid Body Tamers and Annihilators) and High Level/Epic adventure ideas (the Illithid Lore Thieves of Oryndoll and the Githyanki outpost at Torglor spring to mind). On top of that, Underdark has just the rules I need to spruce up City of the Spider Queen. Lastly, any chance we’ll see a web supplement that updates some (or all) of the NPC stats in CotSQ to 3.5, and that (hopefully) makes use of information from Underdark? Thanks in advance and Happy New Year! :whatsthis
Herr Doktor 01-01-04, 12:02 PM	Mister Baker, I have two questions for you concerning Faerûnian races: I know that the new racial ability modifiers of wood elves as described in the Monster Manual are supposed to override the ones in the FRCS (+2 Str, -2 Int instead of +2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con, -2 Int, and -2 Cha). Is the same true for the FRCS sun elves and the Monster Manual's gray elves? Their habits seem entirely the same... Should sun elves get +2 Int, -2 Str instead of +2 Int, -2 Con? Shade is a template in the back of the FRCS, it is in the standard format for templates and it even says:"Shade" is a template that can be added to any humanoid.In Races of Faerûn, however, it does not seem to describe a template. Are the shades in Races of Faerûn simply the standard gifted shadovar and one should still use the template from the FRCS when making elf or other types of shades? Or can the non-template race in Races of Faerûn simply be stacked atop any other race? Also, it says that the creatures type is considered Outsider when they become a shade, not a Native Outsider. Is this correct? Thanks!
Wooly Rupert 01-01-04, 12:30 PM	Mr. Baker: Once more I turn to you with a question plaguing another thread. When someone who is Faithless dies, they get stuck in the Wall as punishment. So what happens when someone dies before they have a chance to make a choice? For example, a toddler is too young to even comprehend the concept of deities. So, do they get stuck in the Wall -- punished for not making a choice they can't comprehend -- or does someone else claim their soul?
Israfel666 01-01-04, 12:47 PM	Originally posted by Herr Doktor I know that the new racial ability modifiers of wood elves as described in the Monster Manual are supposed to override the ones in the FRCS (+2 Str, -2 Int instead of +2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con, -2 Int, and -2 Cha). Incorrect. Actually, 3.5 wood elves have +2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con, -2 Int. The trick here is that, while all elven subraces' entries contain "These traits are in addition to the high elf traits [except where noted]", only the wild elves' abilities modifiers are followed by "These adjustments replace the high elf ’s ability score adjustments" (in which case you DO NOT add +2 Dex, -2 Con in). Hence, wild elves only have +2 Dex, -2 Int. To all the others, you must add +2 Dex, -2 Con (as a result: drow +2 Dex, -2 Con, +2 Int, +2 Cha; gray: -2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con, +2 Int; wood: +2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con, -2 Int). Hope I have answered your first question (and spared Mr. Baker some work).
Zanan 01-03-04, 04:06 AM	Vendui! Mr. Baker, since the next publication of WotSQ-characters is still some way off, could you do us a new year favor and give us the class level(s) of Danifae? (I'm almost through with book II now and wonder whether she will actually be the first drow female fighter to enter the novel frame, after so many mages and priestesses ...) Thanks in advance!
PhilCW 01-03-04, 05:34 PM	Mr Baker, this question comes out of curiosity. What are the main themes and the atmosphere that the FR deisgn team aims to impress upon readers of FR material as opposed to other settings (Dragonlance, Greyhawk, etc)?
TheDarkestOfAngels 01-03-04, 09:05 PM	Mr. Baker, I have a question concerning spontaneous casters and the T&B feat "arcane preparation" My question is: would a sorcerer be able to spontaneously switch out a prepared spell for another known spell the sorcerer has (at an equal level of the prepared spell, of course.) for instance, if I had prepared a quickened teleport (9th level), would it be possible to loose that spell and cast time stop as a cleric could loose a prepare spell and cast a cure spell?
Damador 01-04-04, 05:54 AM	Originally posted by TheDarkestOfAngels Mr. Baker, I have a question concerning spontaneous casters and the T&B feat "arcane preparation" My question is: would a sorcerer be able to spontaneously switch out a prepared spell for another known spell the sorcerer has (at an equal level of the prepared spell, of course.) for instance, if I had prepared a quickened teleport (9th level), would it be possible to loose that spell and cast time stop as a cleric could loose a prepare spell and cast a cure spell? no - only cleric ( and 3.5 drd ) can spontaneosly switch spells
TheDarkestOfAngels 01-04-04, 11:43 AM	Originally posted by Damador no - only cleric ( and 3.5 drd ) can spontaneosly switch spells but why couldn't a caster whom spontaneously casts ALL of his spells switch out a prepared spell for one he/she can normally spontaneously cast anyway?
Cunning Linguist 01-04-04, 12:06 PM	but why couldn't a caster whom spontaneously casts ALL of his spells switch out a prepared spell for one he/she can normally spontaneously cast anyway? A sorc does not Spontaneously cast spells. Spontaneously casting is limited to Cure and Inflict spells, and Summon Nature's Ally.
TheDarkestOfAngels 01-04-04, 09:39 PM	Originally posted by Cunning Linguist A sorc does not Spontaneously cast spells. Spontaneously casting is limited to Cure and Inflict spells, and Summon Nature's Ally. I'm sorry, I thought loosing an unused spell slot for a spell the character didn't prepare beforehand was the very definition of spontaneous casting. Silly me, I thought for sure that sorcerers could only do that and couldnt' even prepare beforehand, essentially casting any spell he/she knows on the fly, which is also spontaneous in nature. I musta gotten this confused with something else, like what a cleric does in the exact same manner, but with but with a far, far smaller list of spells, being cure spells of one per each level. [/sarcasm]
Damador 01-04-04, 09:48 PM	clerics and druid spells come from gods and their permit them to spontaneusly cast some of them also clr/drd cast Divine spells - sorc cast aracane one
Garen Thal 01-04-04, 09:49 PM	Originally posted by TheDarkestOfAngels but why couldn't a caster whom spontaneously casts ALL of his spells switch out a prepared spell for one he/she can normally spontaneously cast anyway? Because it gives too much versatility. A sorcerer invariably knows fewer spells than she has spell slots of a particular level. Conceivably, a character would be able to use Arcane Preparation to fill all of those slots with metamagicked versions of lower-level spells, and then decide to swap them out spontaneously as the day progressed. The intent of Arcane Preparation is to shift the extra time spent on using metamagic feats from the casting time to the preparation time. You sacrifice the versatility inherent in your class in order to do this, and that's the entire point. If you could keep the versatility, and still use metamagic without having to increase your casting time, then there'd be no point to having the sorcerer's increased casting time for metamagic in the first place; letting the feat do that would, in effect, be saying "the rule in the PH is stupid."
Drake Ambrose 01-05-04, 12:19 PM	Hey Rich I hope you enjoyed your time off! I have a question that I feel a bit silly for asking but as of FRPG what is the game world month year. I remember in the FR 3.0 source you mentioned a rough 5months in the real world=2months game time, however that doesn't really give a reference of when we should start counting from. And perhaps this is a little off topic but in the 1000 Orc novels what is the relational timeline in the game? Really enjoying the thread and thanks for answering us! Drake
WotC_RichBaker 01-05-04, 12:50 PM	RE: Wood elves. Go with the Monster Manual 3.5. RE: Sun elves. No, stick with FRCS/RoF. They're not gray elves. The shade description in Races of Faerun is arranged that way to match the other descriptions in the book. It's still a template. Only the captains and lords of the Shadovars actually have the shade template, and get the powers listed there. The rest are just humans. You can use the FRCS shade monster description to make shades out of any humanoid. I'm not sure if they should be native outsiders or not. Let me think on that one. Originally posted by Herr Doktor Mister Baker, I have two questions for you concerning Faerûnian races: I know that the new racial ability modifiers of wood elves as described in the Monster Manual are supposed to override the ones in the FRCS (+2 Str, -2 Int instead of +2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con, -2 Int, and -2 Cha). Is the same true for the FRCS sun elves and the Monster Manual's gray elves? Their habits seem entirely the same... Should sun elves get +2 Int, -2 Str instead of +2 Int, -2 Con? Shade is a template in the back of the FRCS, it is in the standard format for templates and it even says:In Races of Faerûn, however, it does not seem to describe a template. Are the shades in Races of Faerûn simply the standard gifted shadovar and one should still use the template from the FRCS when making elf or other types of shades? Or can the non-template race in Races of Faerûn simply be stacked atop any other race? Also, it says that the creatures type is considered Outsider when they become a shade, not a Native Outsider. Is this correct? Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 01-05-04, 12:53 PM	Garen's got it right. Arcane Preparation gives you the ability to "lock down" some of your spell slots ahead of time, so that you can cast metamagicked spells without taking extra time to do so. That's it. Originally posted by Garen Thal Because it gives too much versatility. A sorcerer invariably knows fewer spells than she has spell slots of a particular level. Conceivably, a character would be able to use Arcane Preparation to fill all of those slots with metamagicked versions of lower-level spells, and then decide to swap them out spontaneously as the day progressed. The intent of Arcane Preparation is to shift the extra time spent on using metamagic feats from the casting time to the preparation time. You sacrifice the versatility inherent in your class in order to do this, and that's the entire point. If you could keep the versatility, and still use metamagic without having to increase your casting time, then there'd be no point to having the sorcerer's increased casting time for metamagic in the first place; letting the feat do that would, in effect, be saying "the rule in the PH is stupid."
WotC_RichBaker 01-05-04, 12:55 PM	Kythorn 1, 1373. We haven't really stuck with our intended world progression as well as we wanted to. I'm afraid I couldn't give you a good answer about "Thousand Orcs," try over on the book boards. Originally posted by Drake Ambrose Hey Rich I hope you enjoyed your time off! I have a question that I feel a bit silly for asking but as of FRPG what is the game world month year. I remember in the FR 3.0 source you mentioned a rough 5months in the real world=2months game time, however that doesn't really give a reference of when we should start counting from. And perhaps this is a little off topic but in the 1000 Orc novels what is the relational timeline in the game? Really enjoying the thread and thanks for answering us! Drake
Kuje31 01-05-04, 01:12 PM	Reposting this for Wooly since I would like a answer also. :) "Mr. Baker: Once more I turn to you with a question plaguing another thread. When someone who is Faithless dies, they get stuck in the Wall as punishment. So what happens when someone dies before they have a chance to make a choice? For example, a toddler is too young to even comprehend the concept of deities. So, do they get stuck in the Wall -- punished for not making a choice they can't comprehend -- or does someone else claim their soul?"
cwslyclgh 01-05-04, 04:22 PM	And perhaps this is a little off topic but in the 1000 Orc novels what is the relational timeline in the game? RAS's books have always lagged behind the campaign timeline by a few years, although the gap does seem to be closing.
WotC_RichBaker 01-05-04, 04:26 PM	Heck, I don't know. My guess would be that the deity whom the soul shows the most affinity takes the soul. So, an infant whose parents were devout Lathanderites is probably looked out for by Lathander, even though the infant made no conscious choice to worship Lathander. The cosmos can be hard, but it's not actively malicious. Originally posted by Kuje31 Reposting this for Wooly since I would like a answer also. :) "Mr. Baker: Once more I turn to you with a question plaguing another thread. When someone who is Faithless dies, they get stuck in the Wall as punishment. So what happens when someone dies before they have a chance to make a choice? For example, a toddler is too young to even comprehend the concept of deities. So, do they get stuck in the Wall -- punished for not making a choice they can't comprehend -- or does someone else claim their soul?"
Kuje31 01-05-04, 04:43 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Heck, I don't know. My guess would be that the deity whom the soul shows the most affinity takes the soul. So, an infant whose parents were devout Lathanderites is probably looked out for by Lathander, even though the infant made no conscious choice to worship Lathander. The cosmos can be hard, but it's not actively malicious. Thank you, this is what me and him have been argueing for all along. :)
Garen Thal 01-06-04, 12:01 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker The shade description in Races of Faerun is arranged that way to match the other descriptions in the book. It's still a template. Only the captains and lords of the Shadovars actually have the shade template, and get the powers listed there. The rest are just humans. You can use the FRCS shade monster description to make shades out of any humanoid. I'm not sure if they should be native outsiders or not. Let me think on that one. Personally, I think that making shades native outsiders isn't really the right call. My reason is that human shadovar aren't native to the Material Plane. They are native to the Plane of Shadow. Other than those born since the return of Shade, all shadovar should have the extraplanar subtype on the Material Plane (just because you can't have the extraplanar subtype on the Plane of Shadow doesn't mean you lack it if that's where you're from). Since the extraplanar and native subtypes are mutually exclusive- you can lack both on some other plane, but you can never have both on the Material Plane- there's no good reason a Shade should be considered a native outsider. Their connection is inherently one to the Plane of Shadow, which runs counter to the entire meaning of the native subtype.
Kronos_C 01-06-04, 10:50 AM	Hi Mr. Baker, got a question regarding "UnapproachableEast" this time. The Voldoni have Immunity to polymorphing listed as one of their racial traits, yet their favored class is druid. Wouldn`t their immunity prevent them from wildshaping, and so nerf one of the druids primary abilities ?
Xyr 01-06-04, 01:28 PM	Hi Rich, my question today: the Shou Disciple Prestige Class from the FR Unapproachable East. one of my players will take this prestige class next level, if there are any changes from 3.0 to 3.5 (HD, skills, speicals ...)?
cwslyclgh 01-06-04, 02:13 PM	got a question regarding "UnapproachableEast" this time. The Voldoni have Immunity to polymorphing listed as one of their racial traits, yet their favored class is druid. Wouldn`t their immunity prevent them from wildshaping, and so nerf one of the druids primary abilities ? in the players handbook it states that creatures with special resistances or immunities can lower them at any time, and goes on to use an example of an elf allowing itself to be put to sleep by a sleep spell. there for this should not be a problem for Voldoni druids.
Wooly Rupert 01-06-04, 02:31 PM	Originally posted by Garen Thal Personally, I think that making shades native outsiders isn't really the right call. My reason is that human shadovar aren't native to the Material Plane. They are native to the Plane of Shadow. Other than those born since the return of Shade, all shadovar should have the extraplanar subtype on the Material Plane (just because you can't have the extraplanar subtype on the Plane of Shadow doesn't mean you lack it if that's where you're from). Since the extraplanar and native subtypes are mutually exclusive- you can lack both on some other plane, but you can never have both on the Material Plane- there's no good reason a Shade should be considered a native outsider. Their connection is inherently one to the Plane of Shadow, which runs counter to the entire meaning of the native subtype. The people of Shade were humans, native to the Realms. Even in the Plane of Shadow, they continued to breed with other humans. Thus, the current batch of inhabitants are human. Besides, I'm not recalling anywhere where it says that being born on another plane give you any tie or connection to the plane.
Garen Thal 01-06-04, 05:16 PM	Originally posted by Wooly Rupert The people of Shade were humans, native to the Realms. Even in the Plane of Shadow, they continued to breed with other humans. Thus, the current batch of inhabitants are human. Besides, I'm not recalling anywhere where it says that being born on another plane give you any tie or connection to the plane. By the same logic, the elves, orcs, and other races that originate from other planes of existence should not be considered native to Toril's Material Plane. The relationship of an individual to a given plane isn't about actual origin. It's about time. The people of Shade were on the Plane of Shadow for more than forty generations (42.775, assuming a staggeringly long 40-year birth cycle). That is, in my opinion, certainly long enough for such a connection to be established. Also, please note that I never said that the people of Shade weren't human. Of course they are. They're just not humans native to Faerûn. That'd be like taking a small colony to the moon for a thousand years, and calling the inhabitants "Earthlings."
Wooly Rupert 01-06-04, 07:13 PM	Originally posted by Garen Thal By the same logic, the elves, orcs, and other races that originate from other planes of existence should not be considered native to Toril's Material Plane. The relationship of an individual to a given plane isn't about actual origin. It's about time. The people of Shade were on the Plane of Shadow for more than forty generations (42.775, assuming a staggeringly long 40-year birth cycle). That is, in my opinion, certainly long enough for such a connection to be established. Also, please note that I never said that the people of Shade weren't human. Of course they are. They're just not humans native to Faerûn. That'd be like taking a small colony to the moon for a thousand years, and calling the inhabitants "Earthlings." The connection is established -- they are native outsiders. The ancestors of the inhabitants of Shade were humans from the Prime Material Plane, and they bred with other humans from that same chunk of Prime Material Plane. They stayed human, but the tiniest bit of Shadow crept in... Just being there, no matter how long, wasn't enough to make them extra-planar. They didn't try to adapt to the plane, they were trying to get back to the Prime Material. If they had decided to settle in Shadow, then yes, make them extraplanar. But as they stayed true to their Prime Material Plane origins, they didn't become extraplanar. As for the other races you mention... Either they were from a different Prime Material Plane, or the thousands (not hundreds, like the people of Shade) of years of being on Faerûn has made them native. To draw on your lunar example, yes, those dwellers on the moon would, after a long enough time, be native to the moon. But they would still be human, and still be from the same plane of existence.
Jem Purplefeather 01-06-04, 08:30 PM	Heh...me thinks we have created one heck of a monster topic! ;)
TechnoLurker 01-07-04, 12:23 AM	So are shades on Toril considered extraplanar or just outsiders? It doesn't say they are extraplanar in the Races of Faerun description. Any enlightenment on this topic would be appreciated. Edit: Grr. Guess if I would have read up a little farther on this thread I would have seen that Mr. Baker was thinking about whether or not a shade is a native outsider or not.
WaaMatt 01-07-04, 02:50 AM	First off. 3rd (and 3.5) ed FR = AMAZING. I never played or read earlier (2nd ed. and other) FR material, but I have begun reading some of the novels. In essence, then, I'm a newbie (though, by no means unfamiliar with the concept of Forgotten Realms). So, I am one of those who would like to see things like a Western Heartlands or a Dalelands book. Thus, it makes me happy to see things like Serpent Kingdoms in the works. Good stuff. Keep it up. Now... Monsters of Faerûn. I started a thread that says, in short: update this book and make it more comprehensive. Basically, take the Monstes of Faerûn book as is, throw in monsters from other 3rd ed. FR books, make sure it's all 3.5 ready and give it a hard cover. If it's too much, leave out anything unneccesary (such as, say, things from Unapproachable East or Underdark). The point would be to create a definitive book for, well, Monsters of Faerûn that meant less hunting through multiple sourcebooks. I know I had another comment... OH! You know Ed Greenwood's fantastic Elminster's Guide to the Realms articles from Dragon? How cool would it be to see those archived in a hardcover book, possibly (that is, if in any way at all possible) updated as neccessary for 3rd editiom D&D. I know I'd buy it as soon as it came out. Ed Greenwood is... Um... For lack of better words: Awesome. -He Who Obsesses, m PS: Re-releasing the Faerûn map would be nice. Mine is a bit beat up from accidents, as I never got around to laminating it and making it eternal and then blessing it against all evils... That or larger-scale (ie, zoomed in) portioned maps!!!
WaaMatt 01-07-04, 03:04 AM	Personally, and I'm not an employee of WotC and probably never will be because I'm lazy, here's my take on 3.5-readiness: If something uses, requires or otherwise relies on a non-existant or heavily modified element of the game (feat, skill, spell, etc.) then it needs to be updated. For example, Ambidexterity is no longer in the game, so a Prestige Class requiring Ambidexterity either needs to be modified, or it is now that much easier to attain. Skills are fairly easy to deal with. Alchemy is a Craft, for example. All of this is explain, to my knowledge, both in the 3.5 Player's Handbook, that 3.5 Update Booklet, and probably in web articles and these forums. Hope I was of some help. I'd look at Unapproachable East and be more specific, but I leant it to a good friend... Or I'm blind and can't see it with my other books. Originally posted by Xyr Hi Rich, my question today: the Shou Disciple Prestige Class from the FR Unapproachable East. one of my players will take this prestige class next level, if there are any changes from 3.0 to 3.5 (HD, skills, speicals ...)?
WotC_RichBaker 01-07-04, 01:43 PM	Volodni have immunity to polymorphing because they have the plant type. I asked around the office, and we decided that folks who have racial immunities to things and class abilities to do them anyway (say, a lich with a polymorph spell, or a treant or volodni druid) have learned to voluntarily suppress their immunity and use their ability normally. Originally posted by Kronos_C Hi Mr. Baker, got a question regarding "UnapproachableEast" this time. The Voldoni have Immunity to polymorphing listed as one of their racial traits, yet their favored class is druid. Wouldn`t their immunity prevent them from wildshaping, and so nerf one of the druids primary abilities ?
WotC_RichBaker 01-07-04, 01:44 PM	Should be fine. Unapproachable East anticipated 3.5 for the most part. Originally posted by Xyr Hi Rich, my question today: the Shou Disciple Prestige Class from the FR Unapproachable East. one of my players will take this prestige class next level, if there are any changes from 3.0 to 3.5 (HD, skills, speicals ...)?
Kezghan 01-07-04, 09:34 PM	Rich, just a 3.5 question regarding the DR of your fabulous creation Bazim-Gorag. It would seem most of the adventure is 3.5 compliant but for his DR. I think its listed currenty 35/+4. I was thinking of 15/Lawful and Magic, or 15/Good and Lawful. What would your expert opinion suggest? I hope this hasnt been asked before..
WotC_RichBaker 01-08-04, 01:10 PM	I'd go 15/lawful, it's a step up from a death slaad. Originally posted by Kezghan Rich, just a 3.5 question regarding the DR of your fabulous creation Bazim-Gorag. It would seem most of the adventure is 3.5 compliant but for his DR. I think its listed currenty 35/+4. I was thinking of 15/Lawful and Magic, or 15/Good and Lawful. What would your expert opinion suggest? I hope this hasnt been asked before..
Zanan 01-08-04, 04:55 PM	Hello (once more)! Scanning the WotSQ character descriptions - as well as any other NPC stat blocks given so far, one thing seems to be missing which is usually demanded of all players: the patron deity. I think those should be listed as well, even if they are as needed as the swim or ride skill of a guy like Elminster ;) Since you created them, what are the patron deities of Ryld and especially Valas Hune? From the text I have read so far I'd expect them both to still have Lolth as patron, despite the fact that they are both males and are not that fond of some of the priestesses' follies.
WotC_RichBaker 01-08-04, 05:29 PM	Good point. Ryld nominally venerates Lolth--like many males, he's not especially happy with that choice, but he's too smart to invite the sort of trouble that comes with picking someone else. Ditto Valas, although I think Valas is very Vhaeraun-curious. Originally posted by Zanan Hello (once more)! Scanning the WotSQ character descriptions - as well as any other NPC stat blocks given so far, one thing seems to be missing which is usually demanded of all players: the patron deity. I think those should be listed as well, even if they are as needed as the swim or ride skill of a guy like Elminster ;) Since you created them, what are the patron deities of Ryld and especially Valas Hune? From the text I have read so far I'd expect them both to still have Lolth as patron, despite the fact that they are both males and are not that fond of some of the priestesses' follies.
Dargoth 01-09-04, 05:25 PM	Rich Regarding the Planar Handbook How useful will this book be to people playing in the FR?
WaaMatt 01-09-04, 05:36 PM	ooh! ooh! I wanna try to answer this one... The Manual of the Planes, though not matching the cosmology of Toril (the world Faerûn is part of), is still quite useful. However, most of the neccessary information is probably just as good read from the 3.5 Dungeon Master's Guide. Some of the planes in Toril have different names and several of them simply don't exist. A brief description of each plane is found in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, and one of the FAQs available on the D&D website here explains which plane in Toril is equivelant to which plane in The Great Wheel (think: Greyhawk...). Personally, I would say that places like Baator (remember, that's "bay-AH-tor") are identical, save for the possible inclusion of any Realms-specific deities. Lastly, it's worth noting that in the Forgotten Realms, you get from Plane A to Plane B through the Plane of Shadows, not the Astral Plane! Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Regarding the Planar Handbook How useful will this book be to people playing in the FR?
Herr Doktor 01-09-04, 06:01 PM	WaaMatt, you must've miss read. Dargoth was asking about the upcoming product from WotC titled The Planar Handbook, not the 3rd Edition Manual of the Planes.
WaaMatt 01-09-04, 06:28 PM	Sorry. I wasn't aware of such a product!
Basho 01-09-04, 07:33 PM	While we're on the topic of volodni, any idea why the Volodni warrior from page 80 in UE has +2 Natural Armor? I'm running a UE campaign about the Rotting Man (took me two hours just to do his stats and come up with a Chosen of Talona ;) ) and it's not a big deal, but I'm just curious to know.... Originally posted by Richard Baker Volodni have immunity to polymorphing because they have the plant type. I asked around the office, and we decided that folks who have racial immunities to things and class abilities to do them anyway (say, a lich with a polymorph spell, or a treant or volodni druid) have learned to voluntarily suppress their immunity and use their ability normally.
cwslyclgh 01-09-04, 08:30 PM	My guess would be tht they are meant to have it, but it wa accidetntly left out of thier "As Characters" stats block.
Cassius Harkanor 01-10-04, 01:11 AM	Dear Richard Will we see updated character profiles for the major players from the War of the Spider Queen novels. Some, especially Halisstra, have changed significatly ?
Jem Purplefeather 01-11-04, 11:46 PM	Dear Richard, Will we get to see some 3.5 revised character statistics of the following Faerûnian characters in the Player's Guide to Faerûn: Heroes of Faerûn: Elminster Alusair Obarskyr Caladnei Storm Silverhand Queen Ellesime Methrammar Aerasumé Drizzt Do'Urden Ningal The Simbul Liriel Baenre Marasa Ferrentio Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun Alustriel Dove Falconhand Laeral Silverhand Qilué Veladorn Villains of Faerûn: Hadrhune Jezz the Lame Arrk Chalathra Nyndra Sahbuti Shanardanda Artemis Entreri Fzoul Chembryl Scyllua Darkhope Gerti Orelsdottr Szass Tam Nimor Imphraezl Eles Wianar Sememmon Khalia The Xanathar Manshoon You don't have to answer this if you don't want to. I really don't want to seem overbearing. Thanks for all your hard work! ;) :D
Blibdoolpoolp 01-12-04, 02:00 AM	Greetings Mr. Baker, We are still very curious about the changes to spellfire. We understand that you are a very busy person and we forgive you for making us wait. We wish to know if spellfire is going to be changed to work like the rod of absorption in the 3.5 DMG. The feat in Magic of Faerun states that spellfire works like a rod of absorption. Unfortunately, the issue is clouded by a sentence in the FRCS stating that spellfire requires a readied action to use. The rod of absorption used to require this also, but has been changed in 3.5 so that it does not. If there is nothing in the Players Guide, we would like to know what your opinion of the subject is. The way that things are stated is ambiguous. The statement we refer to is located on page 56 of the FRCS, second column, last paragraph, first sentence. "A spellfire wielder can ready an action to absorb spells targeted at her as if she were a rod of absorption." We appreciate your help with our question and all of the questions you have answered for others. You are truly a paragon of game designers.
Dargoth 01-12-04, 02:35 AM	Rich Regarding unannounced FR products for 2004 Last year you mentioned that Wizards plan'd on releasing 4 FR sups a year 2 General books and 2 Regional books. Now WOTC have released there product scheduele for 2004 up to August but there arent any Regional source books announced (ok you mentioned there was a small bit in SK) Are WOTC going to release 2 FR Regional source books in the last third of this year? or have things changed since you made your origional statement? Thanks in advance
WotC_RichBaker 01-12-04, 12:41 PM	To be honest, I don't know. Other folks are working on it, and I just don't know much about its contents. I suspect that many FR DMs will find it at least a little bit useful, but that it won't provide much FR cosmology support. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Regarding the Planar Handbook How useful will this book be to people playing in the FR?
WotC_RichBaker 01-12-04, 12:47 PM	Well, the racial writeup in Chapter 1 doesn't mention natural armor, and the "volodnis as characters" writeup on page 80 doesn't mention it, so I think the volodni warrior in the monster stat block is wrong. (There was a point where volodni did get natural armor, but I think that late in the book we decided that they didn't really need it.) Originally posted by Basho While we're on the topic of volodni, any idea why the Volodni warrior from page 80 in UE has +2 Natural Armor? I'm running a UE campaign about the Rotting Man (took me two hours just to do his stats and come up with a Chosen of Talona ;) ) and it's not a big deal, but I'm just curious to know....
WotC_RichBaker 01-12-04, 12:50 PM	I wrote the initial set of characters in 3.0. The characters that were published in #312 were updated to 3.5 after they left my hands. However, I went ahead and updated the final batch of characters that will be coming out this summer (#322, I think). I don't have plans to go back and specifically update the older characters, but you'll see one character "repeated" and "updated" in the #322 batch because of changes taking place in the course of the ongoing story. Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dear Richard Will we see updated character profiles for the major players from the War of the Spider Queen novels. Some, especially Halisstra, have changed significatly ?
WotC_RichBaker 01-12-04, 12:52 PM	We'd like to update all these guys to 3.5, but the FR Player's Guide isn't really the place to do it. First of all, that's not necessarily player information. Secondly, the FR Player's Guide wound up being so over-packed that including any NPC writeups was just not possible. We have a couple of upcoming products that these guys might be good in, but it'll be a while before I can talk about those. Originally posted by Jem Purplefeather Dear Richard, Will we get to see some 3.5 revised character statistics of the following Faerûnian characters in the Player's Guide to Faerûn: Heroes of Faerûn: Elminster Alusair Obarskyr Caladnei Storm Silverhand Queen Ellesime Methrammar Aerasumé Drizzt Do'Urden Ningal The Simbul Liriel Baenre Marasa Ferrentio Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun Alustriel Dove Falconhand Laeral Silverhand Qilué Veladorn Villains of Faerûn: Hadrhune Jezz the Lame Arrk Chalathra Nyndra Sahbuti Shanardanda Artemis Entreri Fzoul Chembryl Scyllua Darkhope Gerti Orelsdottr Szass Tam Nimor Imphraezl Eles Wianar Sememmon Khalia The Xanathar Manshoon You don't have to answer this if you don't want to. I really don't want to seem overbearing. Thanks for all your hard work! ;) :D
WotC_RichBaker 01-12-04, 12:59 PM	We're planning 1 more FR book in 2004, in the 3rd trimester. It's a regional book. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Regarding unannounced FR products for 2004 Last year you mentioned that Wizards plan'd on releasing 4 FR sups a year 2 General books and 2 Regional books. Now WOTC have released there product scheduele for 2004 up to August but there arent any Regional source books announced (ok you mentioned there was a small bit in SK) Are WOTC going to release 2 FR Regional source books in the last third of this year? or have things changed since you made your origional statement? Thanks in advance
Arkenian 01-12-04, 03:27 PM	Hey rich, I know the first question has been asked before, but, I can't recall where. The second is: we want more fluffy serpent kingdom info! 1.) Does a red wizard non-diviner (Say an RW evoker) have 3 oppositions or 4? The text in the DMG on enhanced specialization contradicts itself between the wording which arguably suggests 4, and the example which clearly states 3 complicated by the fact that both seem to be lifted directly from the FRCS which uses wildly different (3.0) rules on choosing specialist schools. While I have very strong opinions that it should be 3, as in the example, when clarified in the errata (could you also make sure it actually makes it IN to the DMG errata please?) I do understand that my opinion isn't the one that counts (except at my gaming table). 2.) Also, can you give us any sort of sneak peeks into the insights on the saurian creator race Serpent Kingdom gives? As usual, the information I need for my campaign is almost always in exactly the next source book to come out. Even knowing roughly what sorts of topics would be covered could be helpful.
Zanan 01-12-04, 04:06 PM	Hello Mr. Baker! This question is related to the "one-step-rule" and a FAQ answer: FRCS FAQ p. 3 says ... What are the rules regarding divine spellcasters in the new FORGOTTEN REALMS setting? Can a human become a cleric of a nonhuman deity? Can a human become a paladin, druid, or ranger of a nonhuman deity? If you’re a divine spellcaster of any kind in the FORGOTTEN REALMS setting, you must choose a patron deity. When choosing a patron deity, you follow the “one-step” rule described in the Alignment subsection of the Cleric section of Chapter 3: Classes in the Player’s Handbook. Your alignment can be up to one “step” away from your patron’s. For example, a chaotic neutral ranger can choose Malar (a chaotic evil deity) as his patron, but could not choose Mielikki (a neutral good deity). Note that the one-step rule applies to anyone choosing a patron, not just divine spellcasters. (See page 39 of the FORGOTTEN REALMS Campaign Setting book.) Given the last line about patron deities, this - e.g. - effectively bars any Elves and Drow from ever taking the monk class if they follow any of the deities of their pantheons. Maybe I am wrong here, but it does not say anything about a restriction like the one-step rule on p. 39 of the FRCS and I wonder whether this FAQ holds true now? Furthermore, being a supporter of the former F&A, DD and P&P (AD&D) way of handling clergies' and worshippers' alignments for FR deities, I wonder why it should not be possible to have e.g. "Lawful Evil" Fighter/Templars of Lolth in the service of an order of Lolthite Crusaders and dedicated to defending a temple site etc.. ... while on the other hand, Oghma can have even a clergy of any alignment according to F&P. :(
Kuje31 01-12-04, 04:15 PM	Originally posted by Zanan Hello Mr. Baker! This question is related to the "one-step-rule" and a FAQ answer: FRCS FAQ p. 3 says ... [B]What are the rules regarding divine spellcasters in the new FORGOTTEN REALMS setting? Can a human become a cleric of a nonhuman deity? Can a human become a paladin, druid, or ranger of a nonhuman deity? If you’re a divine spellcaster of any kind in the FORGOTTEN REALMS setting, you must choose a patron deity. When choosing a patron deity, you follow the “one-step” rule described in the Alignment subsection of the Cleric section of Chapter 3: Classes in the Player’s Handbook. Your alignment can be up to one “step” away from your patron’s. For example, a chaotic neutral ranger can choose Malar (a chaotic evil deity) as his patron, but could not choose Mielikki (a neutral good deity). Note that the one-step rule applies to anyone choosing a patron, not just divine spellcasters. (See page 39 of the FORGOTTEN REALMS Campaign Setting book.) The FAQ is wrong according to Sean. Sean said this, two years ago on the FR Mailing list, but it never got changed in the FAQ. "I just talked with Skip about the Sage Advice where he says(paraphrased) "Remember that clerics must follow the one-step alignment rule for selecting a patron deity, as do all other characters." We know that our intent was that as long as you weren't a divine spellcaster you should be able to pick any patron you want (although some alignment conflicts would make some deities bad choices), and so he thinks he dropped a pair of words from that. The last part should read "as do all other divine spellcasting characters." So yes, if you aren't a divine spellcaster you can choose any patron deity." http://oracle.wizards.com/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0110D&L=realms-l&P=R8188
Dargoth 01-12-04, 04:24 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker To be honest, I don't know. Other folks are working on it, and I just don't know much about its contents. I suspect that many FR DMs will find it at least a little bit useful, but that it won't provide much FR cosmology support. Ah ok Is there any chance you could ask Gwen or Bruce to post their thoughts?
Dargoth 01-12-04, 04:24 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker To be honest, I don't know. Other folks are working on it, and I just don't know much about its contents. I suspect that many FR DMs will find it at least a little bit useful, but that it won't provide much FR cosmology support. Ah ok Is there any chance you could ask Gwen or Bruce to post their thoughts
Zanan 01-12-04, 04:35 PM	THX Kuje, though I hope the one-step-rule mystery will go away in days to come. The entire drow race is NE now and yet, a drow templar, sacred fist, ranger, blackguard and what have you cannot be LE ... :twitch: (as in: no multiclassing with a monk)
Kuje31 01-12-04, 04:39 PM	Originally posted by Zanan THX Kuje, though I hope the one-step-rule mystery will go away in days to come. The entire drow race is NE now and yet, a drow templar, sacred fist, ranger, blackguard and what have you cannot be LE ... :twitch: (as in: no multiclassing with a monk) Yeah. I never cared for the 1 step rule myself and I stick to the 2e ones. I've been in a few heated debates about that rule on the boards before (there's a suprise huh? :)) and until a few months ago I always argued that every 1 had to follow the 1 step rule until I saw that post from Sean. (Can' do a search on the boards for these threads also since some of them were 4 to 6 pages long.)
Gez 01-13-04, 08:24 AM	On a similar topic to the one-step rule, characters are not allowed to pick a deity outside of their racial pantheons (except it seems every one can choose from the faerûnian pantheon). What happens to a halfling cleric of brandobaris (with the halfling domain) when he's killed and reincarnated as, say, a human?
Israfel666 01-13-04, 10:02 AM	Originally posted by Gez On a similar topic to the one-step rule, characters are not allowed to pick a deity outside of their racial pantheons (except it seems every one can choose from the faerûnian pantheon). What happens to a halfling cleric of brandobaris (with the halfling domain) when he's killed and reincarnated as, say, a human? Well, you're still a halfling, except that you live in a human body. Had the halfling been subject to baleful polymorph + permanency, would it have been any different? As I side-note, IMC I do not restrict racial pantheons to each race. After all, aarakocras worship Aerdrie Faenya [Races of Faerûn], so you see it's in fact not truly applied.
WotC_RichBaker 01-13-04, 12:49 PM	Yeah, Sean's take on this is correct. Although I'd point out that choosing a patron deity wildly at odds with your alignment (directly opposed, or thematically opposed) might call your alignment choice into question. I could see a LG elven monk with Corellon as a patron, but I wouldn't buy Bane as a patron for any good-aligned character--at least, not in my campaign. Originally posted by Kuje31 The FAQ is wrong according to Sean. Sean said this, two years ago on the FR Mailing list, but it never got changed in the FAQ. "I just talked with Skip about the Sage Advice where he says(paraphrased) "Remember that clerics must follow the one-step alignment rule for selecting a patron deity, as do all other characters." We know that our intent was that as long as you weren't a divine spellcaster you should be able to pick any patron you want (although some alignment conflicts would make some deities bad choices), and so he thinks he dropped a pair of words from that. The last part should read "as do all other divine spellcasting characters." So yes, if you aren't a divine spellcaster you can choose any patron deity." http://oracle.wizards.com/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0110D&L=realms-l&P=R8188
WotC_RichBaker 01-13-04, 12:59 PM	I'm pretty sure that it's simply, +1 barred school more than you previously had. So, a diviner would increase to 2 barred schools, anybody else would increase to 3 barred schools. I'm hesitant to say very much about the saurian creator race, simply because Serpent Kingdoms is still "in the works." Here's a couple of tidbits, though: they're called the sarrukh, and they're individually very powerful (14 racial Hit Dice, I think, and most will have character levels too). Originally posted by Arkenian Hey rich, I know the first question has been asked before, but, I can't recall where. The second is: we want more fluffy serpent kingdom info! 1.) Does a red wizard non-diviner (Say an RW evoker) have 3 oppositions or 4? The text in the DMG on enhanced specialization contradicts itself between the wording which arguably suggests 4, and the example which clearly states 3 complicated by the fact that both seem to be lifted directly from the FRCS which uses wildly different (3.0) rules on choosing specialist schools. While I have very strong opinions that it should be 3, as in the example, when clarified in the errata (could you also make sure it actually makes it IN to the DMG errata please?) I do understand that my opinion isn't the one that counts (except at my gaming table). 2.) Also, can you give us any sort of sneak peeks into the insights on the saurian creator race Serpent Kingdom gives? As usual, the information I need for my campaign is almost always in exactly the next source book to come out. Even knowing roughly what sorts of topics would be covered could be helpful.
WaaMatt 01-14-04, 01:41 AM	14 HD? Crap! Oh. I may have missed this: Saurials. In Serpent Kindgom or not? Can we hope to see nice and fresh stat blocks for all the Yuan-Ti types (well, except for the basic kind, which are in MM v3.5, right?)?
Cernunnos 01-14-04, 02:01 AM	14 HD! Wow... then again, they DID spawn the yuan-ti, and may have spawned dragons or other draconic creatures (guess we'll have to wait till the book comes out). Can't imagine there are too many of them running around now, unless they are waking up or something. Again, guess we have to wait for the book. As for Saurials, I think Rich replied with a VERY tentative "maybe." I assume its still too early in the books production cycle to say what will make it and what won't. I'm guessing (as much as I'd like to see it) it won't, since Saurials are a pretty niche race, and were already given the 3E treatment (and probably don't have alot of conversion to 3.5) in Dragon and an online article (which was the Dragon article printed verbatim on the WotC site). I'd actually like something on the Lost Vale geography-wise as well, but I'm not holding my breath.
kilamanjaro 01-14-04, 10:44 AM	Rich, I think I saw you name associated with the expanded psionics handbook, I have a quick question about psionic focus. In the preview in Dragon it seemed clear that you can only use one feat the requires you to expend your focus at a time, but what about feats the require you to maintain your focus? As long as you're maintaining your focus are all feats that require it active? Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 01-14-04, 12:21 PM	Yeah, pretty much that's how it works. So you really have two types of psionic feat users: 1. The guys who pick up feats that don't expend the focus, so that they just focus once and power up all the feats based on that. 2. The guys who pick up feats that expend the focus, and then run up their Concentration ranks and pick up "focus-faster" feats that allow them to expend and regain their focus several times in the course of a combat. Originally posted by kilamanjaro Rich, I think I saw you name associated with the expanded psionics handbook, I have a quick question about psionic focus. In the preview in Dragon it seemed clear that you can only use one feat the requires you to expend your focus at a time, but what about feats the require you to maintain your focus? As long as you're maintaining your focus are all feats that require it active? Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 01-14-04, 12:23 PM	Yes, saurials *should* be in Serpent Kingdoms. But it's still not finished, and it was badly overlength the last time I saw it, so I just can't make an ironclad promise. I'm not doing the cutting and developing, so I don't know how it will turn out. Originally posted by WaaMatt 14 HD? Crap! Oh. I may have missed this: Saurials. In Serpent Kindgom or not? Can we hope to see nice and fresh stat blocks for all the Yuan-Ti types (well, except for the basic kind, which are in MM v3.5, right?)?
monk-ki 01-14-04, 08:42 PM	Rich I have a short question in regards to RoF: 1. Fey'ri alter self ability; It says that they can change into any humanoid. does this include monsterous humanoids? (I don't think so, but just maybe). I also have noted that lycnathropes in their hybrid form are humanoid, so can a fey'ri turn into a hybrid form? Finally, if he were to change into a merman or aquatic elf, would the fey'ri be able to breathe water? Thanks for your time!!
Jem Purplefeather 01-14-04, 11:46 PM	Dear Richard, Hi. Thanks a bunch for answering my questions so far. I now have another question. If I may be so bold as to ask, does Wizards of the Coast plan on giving us a preview of the new 3.5 revised Hathran Prestige Class this week on their site? Just wondering as I play a Female Human Wizard 3/Cleric 3/Hathran 4/Mystic Theurge 8 of Chauntea and I'm curious to see any changes to the Hathran class and it's prerequisite feat (I forgot the name of it)...
Cunning Linguist 01-15-04, 10:12 AM	Im reading the new Underdark book, and it appears that Throrgar has a portal to a plane (Cocytus, the second layer of Pandemonium) not in the FR cosmology? Are the FR writers using another (expanded perhaps?) cosmology then the one in FRCS? Or is this just a typo?
WotC_RichBaker 01-15-04, 12:25 PM	"Humanoid" means specifically, a creature of the humanoid type. So a monstrous humanoid is definitely out. I'd be inclined to say that lycanthrope is out, too, because it's a humanoid [shapechanger], but I have to look closer to quote you chapter and verse. And yes, the fey'ri could breathe water by turning into a merman or aquatic elf. Originally posted by monk-ki Rich I have a short question in regards to RoF: 1. Fey'ri alter self ability; It says that they can change into any humanoid. does this include monsterous humanoids? (I don't think so, but just maybe). I also have noted that lycnathropes in their hybrid form are humanoid, so can a fey'ri turn into a hybrid form? Finally, if he were to change into a merman or aquatic elf, would the fey'ri be able to breathe water? Thanks for your time!!
WotC_RichBaker 01-15-04, 12:37 PM	I don't know what the web team's preview schedule is like. However, some of the key changes in the hathran include: 1. You can get in with either 4th-level arcane or 4th-level divine spells; you don't need 2nd in both now. 2. Leadership is a new prereq feat. 3. There's a special ability at each level--I can't really sum up all the class changes here. 4. The ethran feat no longer has a Charisma requirement, and it gives +2 to Handle Animal and Survival (since Intuit Direction went away in 3.5). Originally posted by Jem Purplefeather Dear Richard, Hi. Thanks a bunch for answering my questions so far. I now have another question. If I may be so bold as to ask, does Wizards of the Coast plan on giving us a preview of the new 3.5 revised Hathran Prestige Class this week on their site? Just wondering as I play a Female Human Wizard 3/Cleric 3/Hathran 4/Mystic Theurge 8 of Chauntea and I'm curious to see any changes to the Hathran class and it's prerequisite feat (I forgot the name of it)...
WotC_RichBaker 01-15-04, 12:41 PM	Type. We should have said the Supreme Throne (we think that's the most Pandemonium-like of the FR planes). Originally posted by Cunning Linguist Im reading the new Underdark book, and it appears that Throrgar has a portal to a plane (Cocytus, the second layer of Pandemonium) not in the FR cosmology? Are the FR writers using another (expanded perhaps?) cosmology then the one in FRCS? Or is this just a typo?
Herr Doktor 01-15-04, 03:06 PM	Mister Baker, Speaking of Planes of Existence, there is a reference to the city of Sigil in the write up for the Abbey of the Sword. It's a keyed portal beneath the abbey that leads to Sigil according to the book. Is this also a typo? If so where does this portal really lead? If not, which plane does Sigil exist on in the Forgotten Realms cosmology?
Blibdoolpoolp 01-15-04, 03:23 PM	The Fey'ri ability uses the alter self spell. The description of the spell alter self says "You cannot take the form of any creature with a template, even if that template doesn't change the creature type or subtype." Lycanthrope is a template, so that form is not legal according to the alter self spell. Originally posted by monk-ki Rich I have a short question in regards to RoF: 1. Fey'ri alter self ability; It says that they can change into any humanoid. does this include monsterous humanoids? (I don't think so, but just maybe). I also have noted that lycnathropes in their hybrid form are humanoid, so can a fey'ri turn into a hybrid form? Finally, if he were to change into a merman or aquatic elf, would the fey'ri be able to breathe water? Thanks for your time!!
Blibdoolpoolp 01-15-04, 03:27 PM	Mr. Baker, We are sorry to be a nuisance. We have asked our question many times. We were under the impression that you needed time to look up the rules so that you could answer our question. We would like to know if you intend to answer us or if we should just wait for the players guide to be released. We do not wish to annoy you or anyone else reading this thread. We thank you for your time.
WotC_RichBaker 01-15-04, 04:34 PM	No, I think it's a valid reference. I see no reason why Sigil's existence is at odds with the FR cosmology. It's the city that is nowhere and everywhere--more a reflection of Sigil's nature than Faerun's, I think. (Specifically, in the FR cosmology, Sigil sits off in the same sort of cosmic corner as Cynosure. It's a unique plane.) Originally posted by Herr Doktor Mister Baker, Speaking of Planes of Existence, there is a reference to the city of Sigil in the write up for the Abbey of the Sword. It's a keyed portal beneath the abbey that leads to Sigil according to the book. Is this also a typo? If so where does this portal really lead? If not, which plane does Sigil exist on in the Forgotten Realms cosmology?
Faraer 01-15-04, 04:40 PM	I don't see why Cocytus's existence is at odds with the Realms cosmology either; the FRCS text is clear that the named planes are just samples.
WotC_RichBaker 01-15-04, 04:50 PM	Sorry, must have missed this one. Spellfire hasn't changed between the FRCS and FRPG. Both MoF and FRCS seem to agree that spellfire works like a rod of absorption, except you've got to ready an action to absorb. Is there something I'm not seeing here? Are you sure about that change to rod of absorption? I just compared the 3.0 and 3.5 DMG and didn't see it. Originally posted by Blibdoolpoolp Greetings Mr. Baker, We are still very curious about the changes to spellfire. We understand that you are a very busy person and we forgive you for making us wait. We wish to know if spellfire is going to be changed to work like the rod of absorption in the 3.5 DMG. The feat in Magic of Faerun states that spellfire works like a rod of absorption. Unfortunately, the issue is clouded by a sentence in the FRCS stating that spellfire requires a readied action to use. The rod of absorption used to require this also, but has been changed in 3.5 so that it does not. If there is nothing in the Players Guide, we would like to know what your opinion of the subject is. The way that things are stated is ambiguous. The statement we refer to is located on page 56 of the FRCS, second column, last paragraph, first sentence. "A spellfire wielder can ready an action to absorb spells targeted at her as if she were a rod of absorption." We appreciate your help with our question and all of the questions you have answered for others. You are truly a paragon of game designers.
monk-ki 01-15-04, 04:52 PM	Rich- Thanks for the answer! I think blibdoolpoolp has the right answer on the humanoid(shapechanger) question. It is considered a template. Don't know how I missed that one, thanks blibdoolpoolp! And thanks again for your time, Rich.
Dargoth 01-15-04, 05:09 PM	Rich Has the PGTF contents page been finalised yet? If so can you post it?
Cunning Linguist 01-15-04, 05:13 PM	There is a reason why this is at odds with the FR cosmology, it would allow travel to the "real" outer planes without any bother, it would just be a stop by Sigil, then traveling into the "Toril Demiplane" This would link FR cosmology with standar D&D cosmology quite easy. Unless there is a Sigil but it's not the Sigil that Planescape talks about, its the FR own Sigil. (Like Baator and The Abyss) Originally posted by Richard Baker No, I think it's a valid reference. I see no reason why Sigil's existence is at odds with the FR cosmology. It's the city that is nowhere and everywhere--more a reflection of Sigil's nature than Faerun's, I think. (Specifically, in the FR cosmology, Sigil sits off in the same sort of cosmic corner as Cynosure. It's a unique plane.)
Kronos_C 01-16-04, 06:45 AM	Hi Mr Baker, Im curious if the Feat "Magical Artisan" will be changed in 3.5, in respect to it`s prerequisites and/or its effect. If you could give some Info in regards to that Feat, that would be really cool. Thanks in advance for your time.
WotC_RichBaker 01-16-04, 01:52 PM	Yes, it's been finalized, but no, I can't easily post it. The file's now in Quark, and my machine doesn't have that program, so I'd have to keystroke the whole ToC. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Has the PGTF contents page been finalised yet? If so can you post it?
WotC_RichBaker 01-16-04, 01:56 PM	The wording changed a little, but it's essentially the same feat. Originally posted by Kronos_C Hi Mr Baker, Im curious if the Feat "Magical Artisan" will be changed in 3.5, in respect to it`s prerequisites and/or its effect. If you could give some Info in regards to that Feat, that would be really cool. Thanks in advance for your time.
Tempus665 01-17-04, 04:41 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Are you sure about that change to rod of absorption? I just compared the 3.0 and 3.5 DMG and didn't see it. Actually, 3.5 DMG states: Absorption requires no action on the part of the user if the rod is in hand at the time. This would mean that every spell cast at a Spellfire Wielder is automatically absorped, if I´m not mistaken.
Gez 01-17-04, 07:26 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Sorry, must have missed this one. Spellfire hasn't changed between the FRCS and FRPG. Both MoF and FRCS seem to agree that spellfire works like a rod of absorption, except you've got to ready an action to absorb. Is there something I'm not seeing here? The "must ready to absorb" is about the only serious balancing factor of the spellfire feat. Removing it, just because the item don't require it, would be a mistake.
Another Gnome 01-17-04, 10:54 AM	But that's just what Rich is saying, isn't it? Spellfire does require a readied action to absorb in 3.0, regardless what the rod does, and since the spellfire rules won't be changed, what's the problem?
Tempus665 01-17-04, 11:02 AM	After reading Gez´s reply, I realize my earlier comment doesn´t make sense :blush: Sorry!
Dargoth 01-17-04, 05:41 PM	Rich Someone just pointed this out to me on another board The Repose Domain in F&P has Deathwatch as its first level. However in 3.5 it has the evil descriptor (For some Bizzare reason) which sort of defeats the purpose of the Repose Domain as its meant to be a "Death" domain for good and neutral gods Will the Repose Domain be altered in PGTF?
Cernunnos 01-18-04, 12:01 AM	All of these domain questions! I think WotC needs to release the "Complete Domain Handbook" somewhere down the line ;)
Dargoth 01-18-04, 02:29 AM	Originally posted by Cernunnos All of these domain questions! I think WotC needs to release the "Complete Domain Handbook" somewhere down the line ;) Theres a Complete Divine coming out in may
Prince Forge Of Avalon 01-20-04, 02:41 AM	Dear Mr Baker, First let me say thank you for your time and dedication to FR and its fans! This question has beeen plaging me for some years now; Araumycos- what is it hiding and/or guarding? I've read the entry on pg 126-127 of the Underdark book, could you please expand on this if at all possible, is it sentient,why is it there, why do the Gods not speak of it etc. Thank you again P.S. Enjoyed your books very much! Cant wait to see the Elves of Faerun get a much deserved booter shot!!!!!!
WotC_RichBaker 01-20-04, 01:15 PM	Yeah, Repose is altered slightly in PG to F. It has Hide from Undead as its 1st level spell now. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Someone just pointed this out to me on another board The Repose Domain in F&P has Deathwatch as its first level. However in 3.5 it has the evil descriptor (For some Bizzare reason) which sort of defeats the purpose of the Repose Domain as its meant to be a "Death" domain for good and neutral gods Will the Repose Domain be altered in PGTF?
WotC_RichBaker 01-20-04, 01:18 PM	It's my pleasure. RE: Araumycos, I don't have any real idea. Maybe Ed or Eric knows. Originally posted by Prince Forge Of Avalon Dear Mr Baker, First let me say thank you for your time and dedication to FR and its fans! This question has beeen plaging me for some years now; Araumycos- what is it hiding and/or guarding? I've read the entry on pg 126-127 of the Underdark book, could you please expand on this if at all possible, is it sentient,why is it there, why do the Gods not speak of it etc. Thank you again P.S. Enjoyed your books very much! Cant wait to see the Elves of Faerun get a much deserved booter shot!!!!!!
Dargoth 01-20-04, 06:38 PM	Rich One of the guys Seans board mentioned that in Dragon Annual 5 (Circa 2000) Ed Greenwood wrote an article called After the Dragon detailing the situation in Cormyr soon after the deaths of Azoun and Tanalasta, its 11 odd pages. I went and checked Pazios site and its not in there Back order (so it is assumable out of Print.) Is there any chance the article could republished on the WOTC site? The article aparently has lots of stuff that wasnt included/Repeated in the FRC
J. Grenemyer 01-20-04, 06:58 PM	Now THAT'S a good idea! I could use information like that in my campaign straight away. :)
cwslyclgh 01-20-04, 07:03 PM	much of the stuff in that article is directly contradicted by the FRCS (such as Alusiars class/level combination etc.)
Zanan 01-20-04, 07:39 PM	Vendui! Some question arose about the bonus given for Divine Favor per caster level. This has apparently been answered in the 3E Main Faq as is repeated below. When a spell description, such as divine favor or greater magic weapon, says the spell gives a bonus for every 3 levels (or some other number of levels), do you round up or down? For example, divine favor gives a +1 luck bonus per 3 caster levels; do you get +2 at caster level 4 or caster level 6? If a spell gives a bonus per X caster levels, divide the caster’s level by X and round down to determine the bonus. (You always round down in the D&D® game unless you’re specifically told to round up.) You’d have to be a 6th-level caster to get a +2 bonus from divine favor. (Note that the spell always gives a bonus of at least +1.) My first question here would be: Why is Divine Favor a 1st level spell if its caster level is differently handled than, say a fireball? For a fireball, all CL are used to determine the power, starting from 1 to 10, whereas for Divine Favor the first CL are apparently worth more than higher ones? To put it more precisely: The spell's and the CL's description would make sense to me if a Clr 1 would gain a +1 bonus (why would it be a 1st level spell if not for this reason?), a Clr 3 a +2 bonus and a Clr 6 a +3 bonus, as +1 per every three caster levels (in this respect class levels) suggests. SRD 3,5: Calling upon the strength and wisdom of a deity, you gain a +1 luck bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls for every three caster levels you have (at least +1, maximum +6). Perhaps a more clearly worded spell description (e.g. magic missile: ... For every two caster levels beyond 1st, you gain an additional missile—two at 3rd level, three at 5th, four at 7th, and the maximum of five missiles at 9th level or higher. ) could have avoided this confusion, for I am not sure whether the FAQ is right here, nor does the 3,5 SRD say anything about this?
TechnoLurker 01-21-04, 12:28 AM	Mr. Baker, Pardon me if I'm interrupting a train of thought, but was there ever a decision made as to whether the Shades were to be considered native outsiders?
Herr Doktor 01-21-04, 12:43 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker The shade description in Races of Faerun is arranged that way to match the other descriptions in the book. It's still a template. Only the captains and lords of the Shadovars actually have the shade template, and get the powers listed there. The rest are just humans. You can use the FRCS shade monster description to make shades out of any humanoid. I'm not sure if they should be native outsiders or not. Let me think on that one. I originally asked the question, but Rich hasn't given a final answer on the subject yet. After reading about some of the races that are Native Outsiders, I'd say that shades are probably not in that category, unless they were someone who dwelled in Faerûn who somehow earned the favor of the Princes, then maybe. They've dwelled in the Plane of Shadow far longer than Toril, so I'd say that'd be considered natives of that place.
Mr.Waesel 01-21-04, 04:45 AM	Zanan: D&D uses only integers, so just round down :)
Zanan 01-21-04, 06:06 AM	Originally posted by Mr.Waesel Zanan: D&D uses only integers, so just round down :) Well, yes I know, but it would be much easier if it were mentioned in the 3,5 text just as it is with magic missiles. Else one has to dig up this FAQ or a "hidden" integer ruling for the spell. Apart from this, it does look strange to say "it is always a +1" yet you have to divide all other CL by three which does in fact leave Clr 2 to Clr 5 with the same bonus as a Clr 1. It progresses "normally" after level 6, but why make it awkward here instead of a small addendum like "+2 at 6th level, +3 at 9th etc."?
Mr.Waesel 01-21-04, 06:23 AM	*pm*
J. Grenemyer 01-21-04, 02:19 PM	Hello Rich! I originally posted this on the Dungeon 101: Prison of the Firebringer (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=2383674) thread, but thought I'd repost it here: On a side note: I sometimes wish they'd let Rich Baker go hog wild for a month. Which is to say he could spend all that time writing up the most wicked and dangerous NPC/Monster descriptions he can think of to put in a splatbook. I'd buy a book full of Bazim-Gorag level nasties in a heartbeat. I guess this will never happen, but I am hopeful! Which leads me to my questions: (1) Rich, do you have any other vicious, evil and vile villians on the works for future Dungeon or WotC products? (2) Were the Spider Golem and Revenant (from CotSQ) your creations? (3) Were you responsible for all the write ups for the numerous NPC's and Monsters in the back CotSQ? (4) Did you do any of the monster revisions for the 3.5 MM? Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer! :D
WotC_RichBaker 01-21-04, 02:29 PM	The FAQ is pretty clear to me. I don't think I understand your question. (We're pretty sure that high-CL divine favor is probably better than it ought to be anyway, so I would be suspicious of any reinterpretation that made the spell any better.) Originally posted by Zanan Vendui! Some question arose about the bonus given for Divine Favor per caster level. This has apparently been answered in the 3E Main Faq as is repeated below. When a spell description, such as divine favor or greater magic weapon, says the spell gives a bonus for every 3 levels (or some other number of levels), do you round up or down? For example, divine favor gives a +1 luck bonus per 3 caster levels; do you get +2 at caster level 4 or caster level 6? If a spell gives a bonus per X caster levels, divide the caster’s level by X and round down to determine the bonus. (You always round down in the D&D® game unless you’re specifically told to round up.) You’d have to be a 6th-level caster to get a +2 bonus from divine favor. (Note that the spell always gives a bonus of at least +1.) My first question here would be: Why is Divine Favor a 1st level spell if its caster level is differently handled than, say a fireball? For a fireball, all CL are used to determine the power, starting from 1 to 10, whereas for Divine Favor the first CL are apparently worth more than higher ones? To put it more precisely: The spell's and the CL's description would make sense to me if a Clr 1 would gain a +1 bonus (why would it be a 1st level spell if not for this reason?), a Clr 3 a +2 bonus and a Clr 6 a +3 bonus, as +1 per every three caster levels (in this respect class levels) suggests. SRD 3,5: Calling upon the strength and wisdom of a deity, you gain a +1 luck bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls for every three caster levels you have (at least +1, maximum +6). Perhaps a more clearly worded spell description (e.g. magic missile: ... For every two caster levels beyond 1st, you gain an additional missile—two at 3rd level, three at 5th, four at 7th, and the maximum of five missiles at 9th level or higher. ) could have avoided this confusion, for I am not sure whether the FAQ is right here, nor does the 3,5 SRD say anything about this?
WotC_RichBaker 01-21-04, 02:31 PM	Yeah, I think I'm with Herr Doktor on this one. Outsider is just fine. It's kind of interesting if you can blow shades into the Plane of Shadow with a holy word. Originally posted by TechnoLurker Mr. Baker, Pardon me if I'm interrupting a train of thought, but was there ever a decision made as to whether the Shades were to be considered native outsiders?
WotC_RichBaker 01-21-04, 02:38 PM	Thanks for the vote of confidence! I'm glad you liked Bazim-Gorag. To answer your questions... (1) Yes, you'll see more War of the Spider Queen characters in an upcoming DRAGON article (#322, I think). And I've got an archdevil named Malkizid who should be putting in an appearance in an upcoming Realms product (2005, sorry for the wait). (2) No, James Wyatt gets the credit for those. (3) Ditto, although I helped on a few of them. (4) Yes, I did a lot of the monster revisions. Andrew Finch and David Eckelberry revised the demons and devils, but I revised most of the other critters that were revised. A number of folks contributed to the "uber-monsters" like the mummy lord, truly horrid umber hulk, etc., that we added to the book (although I did those two). Originally posted by J. Grenemyer Hello Rich! I originally posted this on the Dungeon 101: Prison of the Firebringer (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=2383674) thread, but thought I'd repost it here: On a side note: I sometimes wish they'd let Rich Baker go hog wild for a month. Which is to say he could spend all that time writing up the most wicked and dangerous NPC/Monster descriptions he can think of to put in a splatbook. I'd buy a book full of Bazim-Gorag level nasties in a heartbeat. I guess this will never happen, but I am hopeful! Which leads me to my questions: (1) Rich, do you have any other vicious, evil and vile villians on the works for future Dungeon or WotC products? (2) Were the Spider Golem and Revenant (from CotSQ) your creations? (3) Were you responsible for all the write ups for the numerous NPC's and Monsters in the back CotSQ? (4) Did you do any of the monster revisions for the 3.5 MM? Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer! :D
Meepo the Iconic Kobold 01-21-04, 03:20 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Yeah, I think I'm with Herr Doktor on this one. Outsider is just fine. It's kind of interesting if you can blow shades into the Plane of Shadow with a holy word. Another way of seeing the shades as native outsiders is that they were still human, and at least according to the Manual of the Planes and the MM 3.5 (I think, I'm at work right now so don't quote me on this) is that a being doesn't become extraplanar simply by going to a transitive plane such as the ethereal, shadow and astral planes. A human from the plane of shadow who has roots in the prime is still a prime. A shade also still breeds true to humans, not to shades, another argument for making them a native outsider. Although it is handier to get rid of them if they are not native outsiders. Meepo, Iconic Kobold, PhD
Israfel666 01-21-04, 03:41 PM	Originally posted by Meepo the Iconic Kobold Another way of seeing the shades as native outsiders is that they were still human, and at least according to the Manual of the Planes and the MM 3.5 (I think, I'm at work right now so don't quote me on this) is that a being doesn't become extraplanar simply by going to a transitive plane such as the ethereal, shadow and astral planes. A human from the plane of shadow who has roots in the prime is still a prime. A shade also still breeds true to humans, not to shades, another argument for making them a native outsider. I'd like to draw a comparison with the star elves from Unapproachable East. These were once just normal elves (Humanoid [Elf]), but then they all went to live on a demiplane. After several centuries they have now returned, but, as a consequence of their living there, they are now (Humanoid [Elf, Extraplanar]), and a dismissal/banishment spell returns them to their demiplane. I think Shades should work just the same, except for the fact that, having been actually changed by the nature of the Plane of Shadow (while the star elves are still practically normal elves), shades should be Outsiders and no longer Humanoids. As for the transitive plane stuff, here's the quote from the 3.5 SRD: Extraplanar Subtype: A subtype applied to any creature when it is on a plane other than its native plane. A creature that travels the planes can gain or lose this subtype as it goes from plane to plane. Monster entries assume that encounters with creatures take place on the Material Plane, and every creature whose native plane is not the Material Plane has the extraplanar subtype (but would not have when on its home plane). Every extraplanar creature in this book has a home plane mentioned in its description. Creatures not labeled as extraplanar are natives of the Material Plane, and they gain the extraplanar subtype if they leave the Material Plane. No creature has the extraplanar subtype when it is on a transitive plane, such as the Astral Plane, the Ethereal Plane, and the Plane of Shadow.Emphasis mine. You were a little mistaken in your interpretation - the fact that you don't gain the EP subtype on a transitive plane does not mean that plane can't become your home plane; it just means that, whatever plane is your home plane, you can't be banished out of a transitive plane.
Meepo the Iconic Kobold 01-21-04, 04:11 PM	So does that mean ordinary Shadovar humans can be banished to the Plane of Shadow. I don't think so. They are listed under the Races of Faerun section under Human, Netherese, and there is nothing in their entry that says they are extraplanar like the star elves. Which means that the humans from the City of Shade are all primes, just like the ones that live in Faerun. That's the point I'm trying to make about shades being native outsiders.
Dargoth 01-21-04, 04:32 PM	Rich Do the Shadow Druids still exist as an organisation in 3ed FR? (the Shadow Druids appeared in the Baldur gate PC game but where also PnP canon as they appeared in the Complete book of Druids)
Dargoth 01-21-04, 10:17 PM	Rich Let us assume hypothetically that WOTC do an Old Empires source book, if they did such a book would Murghom and Semphar be included?
Capn Charlie 01-22-04, 06:40 AM	Okay I am unsure of the protocol here so I will just jump in. On page187 of the FRCS in the line directly under "Important Sites" it states that there is roughly 20,000 Mulhorandi soldiers in Unther. !.)Is that per city, in total, or am I missing something? It also says the same thing on page 185 under the same heading. 2.) Is that just reinforcing the fact that 20,000 of their citizens are away? I find it unlikely that a typo would be made twice, and what with all the people on the boards making it sound like a zero is missing I thought I should ask. A Thousand Thanks. By the way, Mr. Baker The Prison of the Firebringer was what brought my players out of a three month sabbatical. Great work.
Israfel666 01-22-04, 10:04 AM	Mr. Baker, I'd like to know what you think about the Ur-Priest prestige class from the Book of Vile Darkness, and how it can be applied to the Realms. The fact that in FR (unlike in Greyhawk) you normally can't get divine powers without worshipping a god should make many people interested in the PrC if, for whatever reason, they can't become clerics or druids and need their spells. For example, I had thought of the Eldreth Veluuthra as a suitable organization that might include ur-priests, since they are specifically mentioned in Lords of Darkness as having problems with their lack of healing spells, as none of the Seldarine would sponsor them. The pre-fall Netherese might also have used some, as Netheril: Empire of Magic mentions that archwizards refused to benefit from divine spells, believing it would prevent their eventual ascent to godhood via arcane power. What are your ideas on the subject? Perhaps this is mentioned in the PGtF (which, unless I'm mistaken, contains a section about including Exalted/Vile material into FR games)?
WotC_RichBaker 01-22-04, 12:35 PM	We haven't specifically gotten rid of them, so yes, I'd say they're still around. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Do the Shadow Druids still exist as an organisation in 3ed FR? (the Shadow Druids appeared in the Baldur gate PC game but where also PnP canon as they appeared in the Complete book of Druids)
WotC_RichBaker 01-22-04, 12:36 PM	At least tangentially. They might not rate full chapters of their own. Murghom's got a better chance than Semphar, simply because Murghom is on the map and Semphar isn't. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Let us assume hypothetically that WOTC do an Old Empires source book, if they did such a book would Murghom and Semphar be included?
WotC_RichBaker 01-22-04, 12:39 PM	I'm pretty sure that it's 20,000 total. And yes, I think it's just reminding you that a big part of Mulhorand's army is over in Unther now. Glad you liked Prison of the Firebringer. Hope you didn't bring your players back just to whack them with Bazim-Gorag. Originally posted by Capn Charlie Okay I am unsure of the protocol here so I will just jump in. On page187 of the FRCS in the line directly under "Important Sites" it states that there is roughly 20,000 Mulhorandi soldiers in Unther. !.)Is that per city, in total, or am I missing something? It also says the same thing on page 185 under the same heading. 2.) Is that just reinforcing the fact that 20,000 of their citizens are away? I find it unlikely that a typo would be made twice, and what with all the people on the boards making it sound like a zero is missing I thought I should ask. A Thousand Thanks. By the way, Mr. Baker The Prison of the Firebringer was what brought my players out of a three month sabbatical. Great work.
WotC_RichBaker 01-22-04, 12:41 PM	I see no reason that the ur-priest couldn't work in FR. The flavor text of the prestige class strongly suggests that they're stealing or borrowing divine power, so I don't see any hang-up over where they're getting their spells from. I don't think the PG to F mentions them specifically. Originally posted by Israfel666 Mr. Baker, I'd like to know what you think about the Ur-Priest prestige class from the Book of Vile Darkness, and how it can be applied to the Realms. The fact that in FR (unlike in Greyhawk) you normally can't get divine powers without worshipping a god should make many people interested in the PrC if, for whatever reason, they can't become clerics or druids and need their spells. For example, I had thought of the Eldreth Veluuthra as a suitable organization that might include ur-priests, since they are specifically mentioned in Lords of Darkness as having problems with their lack of healing spells, as none of the Seldarine would sponsor them. The pre-fall Netherese might also have used some, as Netheril: Empire of Magic mentions that archwizards refused to benefit from divine spells, believing it would prevent their eventual ascent to godhood via arcane power. What are your ideas on the subject? Perhaps this is mentioned in the PGtF (which, unless I'm mistaken, contains a section about including Exalted/Vile material into FR games)?
Kuje31 01-23-04, 02:08 AM	Rich, A few of us were wondering. Is the Sigil in FR the same Sigil of the Great Wheel? Or is it a seperate plane like the Abyss in FR is not the same Abyss in the Great Wheel...... I think I know how you are going to answer this but you might surprise me. :)
Another Gnome 01-23-04, 02:15 AM	Well, Rich said this earlier: I see no reason why Sigil's existence is at odds with the FR cosmology. It's the city that is nowhere and everywhere--more a reflection of Sigil's nature than Faerun's, I think. (Specifically, in the FR cosmology, Sigil sits off in the same sort of cosmic corner as Cynosure. It's a unique plane.) [Edit regarding below: Okay, I suppose the answer could be clearer, though I'd say the first paragraph is clear enough. Well, it's not my business... :) ] __________________ Oh, yes it is...
Kuje31 01-23-04, 02:22 AM	Originally posted by Another Gnome Well, Rich said this earlier: __________________ Oh, yes it is... Yes I know he did say that, but a few of us are still wondering about that. As I said I think I know how he is going to answer but I hope he would give a more straight forward answer.
Cunning Linguist 01-23-04, 08:39 AM	The problem with Sigil being the same City in the great wheel and in the FR cosmology is that it ties them togheter much more then some maybe portals in the plane of shadows. Those who live in Sigil could quite easy jump from one Abyss to the next, and have the benefits of two planes. I also see a problem for those poor players trying to get into lets say The Abyss and they have to ask: "Is it the portal for the Forgotten Realms Abyss, or the normal Abyss?"
WotC_RichBaker 01-23-04, 12:31 PM	My answer: Yes, it is the same Sigil. It might seem bizarre that Sigil, a feature of the Great Wheel cosmology, has anything to do with the FR cosmology. But, as I said before, I think this contradiction is a reflection of Sigil's nature, not FR's nature. Sigil is the place from which you can get to anywhere else. Originally posted by Kuje31 Rich, A few of us were wondering. Is the Sigil in FR the same Sigil of the Great Wheel? Or is it a seperate plane like the Abyss in FR is not the same Abyss in the Great Wheel...... I think I know how you are going to answer this but you might surprise me. :)
Kuje31 01-23-04, 01:02 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker My answer: Yes, it is the same Sigil. It might seem bizarre that Sigil, a feature of the Great Wheel cosmology, has anything to do with the FR cosmology. But, as I said before, I think this contradiction is a reflection of Sigil's nature, not FR's nature. Sigil is the place from which you can get to anywhere else. Thanks Rich, actually you might have just changed my mind on the new planes because of this reply. :)
Shemeska the Marauder 01-23-04, 03:31 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker My answer: Yes, it is the same Sigil. It might seem bizarre that Sigil, a feature of the Great Wheel cosmology, has anything to do with the FR cosmology. But, as I said before, I think this contradiction is a reflection of Sigil's nature, not FR's nature. Sigil is the place from which you can get to anywhere else. *glances both ways to make sure there's nobody looking* ... YES!!!!!! *dances the Yugoloth Boogey* Thats like an evil Snoopy Dance if you didn't know any better.:pile: Thank you Rich, thank you very much.
vexed 01-24-04, 06:04 PM	This spell has caused some trouble in my game for years. Last night someone used it and it occured to me the duration may have changed since 3.5 has come out. (It is quite a powerful *worded* spell, and often ruins many challenges set up in mods i have used primarily due to its area and duration, but that is the way it is i suppose.) The spell is Blindsight from the FR magic of faerun. I have copied the spell below. Does anyone feel the duration should be shortened (ala bulls strength, cats grace, etc.) Has anyone read anything regarding this spell? Opinions? mof pg 82 BLINDSIGHT Trans Level: Clr 4, Drd 3, Sor/Wiz 3 Components: V, S Range: Touch Target: Creature touched Duration: 1 hour/level Saving Throw: Will negates(harmless) Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless) This spell grants the blindsight feat. The target creature gains sensitivity to vibrations, so that it maneuvers and fights as well as a sighted creature. The target creature's senses extend to a 30 foot radius, and the creature need not make spot or listen checks to notice creatures within its range. Invisibility and darkness are irrelevant, though the creature can't discern ethereal beings.
cwslyclgh 01-24-04, 11:58 PM	blindsight was actually revised as early as "Savage Species"... where it was changed to: Blindsight transmutation Level: Clr 3, Drd 2, Sor/Wiz 2 Components: V,S Casting Time: 1 action Range:Touch Target: creature touched Duration: 1 minute/level Saving Throw: Will Negates (harmless) Spell Resistance: yes (harmless)
Zanan 01-25-04, 04:00 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker The FAQ is pretty clear to me. I don't think I understand your question. (We're pretty sure that high-CL divine favor is probably better than it ought to be anyway, so I would be suspicious of any reinterpretation that made the spell any better.) Of course, this was not meant as a reinterpretation. The reasoning (not just of myself) was that the base bonus is +1 (first level spell gives +1 bonus, which seems logic). And at every CL which can be divided by 3 "you gain another +1", which would be at level 3, 6, 9 and so on. Hence my remark that rewording the description slightly could help avoiding such misinterpretation. As it was in the FAQ, I assume that this was indeed a bit unclear to some gamers. (NB: Of course, not everyone has access to the FAQs.)
entropysoda 01-25-04, 10:58 AM	blindsight was actually revised as early as "Savage Species"... where it was changed See the Underdark book for the latest version. Duration is 1min/level. This has mega-nerfed my Ranger/Druid ;>
Bocklin 01-28-04, 10:56 AM	Hi! One of my players' character is a Calim Sorcerer with the "Bloodline of Fire" Feat. As DM, I always had the feeling that this +4 bonus for all fire related tests was quite generous, especially compared to the bonus Fire Genasis get. Anyway, I never did anyhting about it and let my player use the Feat as is, but now, I am curious: Are there any changes brought to the "Bloodline of Fire" Feat in this new book? Thanks a lot to the Very Wise WotC person who will take the time to reply to my question! Bocklin
WotC_RichBaker 01-28-04, 12:19 PM	Here's what it says in the Player's Guide: You get +4 to saves vs. fire, and you cast fire spells at +2 caster levels. You have to be human or planetouched to take the feat. Originally posted by Bocklin Hi! One of my players' character is a Calim Sorcerer with the "Bloodline of Fire" Feat. As DM, I always had the feeling that this +4 bonus for all fire related tests was quite generous, especially compared to the bonus Fire Genasis get. Anyway, I never did anyhting about it and let my player use the Feat as is, but now, I am curious: Are there any changes brought to the "Bloodline of Fire" Feat in this new book? Thanks a lot to the Very Wise WotC person who will take the time to reply to my question! Bocklin
Capn Charlie 01-29-04, 01:02 PM	In the dmg it states that the Astral plane has the "timeless" trait. Timeless. Age, hunger, thirst, poison, and natural healing don’t function in the Astral Plane, though they resume functioning when the traveler leaves the Astral Plane. Does this mean that the time spent on the Astral is retroactively applied? So that if you stayed there for a year and returned to the prime you would instantly age one year? Also does the passage in the FRCS on page 211 where it states that trade caravans in the underdark use existing portals to speed travel(in relation to trade) supercede the earlier ban on no trade caravans through portals? Also a passage in the Underdark states that thousands of troops are ready to go through a portal as reinforcements. Does this also meanthat the ban on portals for troop movement has been lifted? The dungeon adventure "Doorway to Everywhere" sipports this by saying Cormyr uses portals for troop movement. Thanks a million!
Shemeska the Marauder 01-29-04, 07:23 PM	It does catch up with you retroactively, it's been that way since 2e. 'Guide to the Astral' had a good deal of information regarding this and its impact on the Githyanki. The 3e MotP did indeed imply this as well, but was hazy and so I can see why some might question this. However the 3.5 DMG has clarified this rather explicitely (as detailed on threads both in the MotP forum and one of the FR forums here that you've posted on actually). It's quite firm about this. The Astral plane has the Timeless trait. Thus as per the DMG's definition of Timeless: "Timeless: On planes with this trait, time still passes, but the effects of time are diminished. How the timeless trait can affect certain activities or conditions such as hunger, thirst, aging, the effects of poison, and healing varies from plane to plane. The danger of a timeless plane is that once one leaves such a plane for one where time flows normally, conditions such as hunger and aging do occur retroactively."
andrewm 01-29-04, 07:51 PM	Does the feat still apply mainly to sorcerors as it did in its previous incarnation Originally posted by Richard Baker Here's what it says in the Player's Guide: You get +4 to saves vs. fire, and you cast fire spells at +2 caster levels. You have to be human or planetouched to take the feat.
Capn Charlie 01-29-04, 09:22 PM	Okay I have reviewed everything I have on the astral plane and on the Githyanki. The timelesness here has to be different. The gith could not survive as a race if they had to shift their entire population off plane two to three times a day so that they could ever breed, or go on maneuvers and not instantly die. All their biological processes have to be done off plane and thus all eating has to be done there as well. Since the theory of everything "snapping back" and retroactively applying time would mean that it is nigh impossible for their race to exist at all. They simply do not posess these capabilities. However if my theory of "relative timelesness" applies they can go off plane at their leisure and only then does their survival as not only a species, but a MILITARY species becomes viable. This is the only way anything could"live" on the astral as anything but a stranded individual. I found references to mild "discomfort" upon returning to the material after an extended (week+) stay on the astral. More references about human inhabitants say that the first time a certain mage and his wife left (to start a family) in many decades there was none of thenegative effects of "snapping back" as that would have put them well into gerriatrics if not death yet they were still in their prime health that they first arrived there in. At the very least "snap back" time here flows so slowly as to be imperceptible. Though I hold that timelesness acts differently here due to it's status as existing everywhere, and possibly everywhen.
Shemeska the Marauder 01-29-04, 09:53 PM	Umm, no. Previous statements stand and the Githyanki employ magic to prevent the problems with retroactive aging when they leave the Astral. Also, keep in mind that they, as a race, have been living on the Astral plane long enough to have both diverged into a seperate species from the Githzerai, and to count as effectively a planar race rather than a prime race (being of originally human stock). They don't eat except when on or about to travel to another plane, and they take their young (they lay eggs) off plane as well to hatch and mature till they return to the Astral to rejoin their larger community. [Page 44+ 'Guide to the Astral'] In any event, this likely deserves a seperate thread to banter on since this is Rich's thread to be answering questions and not mine. So take the answers as you will, accept them or house rule as you wish, I'll try and not clutter this thread anymore.
Zechi 01-30-04, 02:17 AM	Dear Rich, i have a question concerning the spell "anyspell" from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (p.67). With this spell my cleric can prepare on of his spells as an arcane spell. Does this mean my cleric gains the class feature to cast 2nd level arcane spell and would qualify for the Hathran prestige class or any other prestige class with the requirement: able to cast 2nd level arcane spells? Thank you in advance for any answer.
Zanan 01-30-04, 04:11 AM	Addendum to Zechi's request: ... e.g., the Arcane Trickster PrC?
Wooly Rupert 01-30-04, 11:24 AM	Originally posted by Zechi Dear Rich, i have a question concerning the spell "anyspell" from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (p.67). With this spell my cleric can prepare on of his spells as an arcane spell. Does this mean my cleric gains the class feature to cast 2nd level arcane spell and would qualify for the Hathran prestige class or any other prestige class with the requirement: able to cast 2nd level arcane spells? Thank you in advance for any answer. I don't know what Rich is gonna say, but I'd not let a single spell enable someone to qualify for a PrC. In this case, his ability to cast 2nd level arcane spells would not be a class ability, it's just because of a spell.
cwslyclgh 01-30-04, 11:27 AM	I am pretty sure that anyspell lets you prepare an arcane spell as a divine spell... so it wouldn't work.
WotC_RichBaker 01-30-04, 12:41 PM	No, we dropped that bit. Anybody who uses fire spells gets the benefit. Originally posted by andrewm Does the feat still apply mainly to sorcerors as it did in its previous incarnation
WotC_RichBaker 01-30-04, 12:44 PM	No, I don't buy it. "Anyspell" is a divine spell. But that's a very sneaky argument. Originally posted by Zechi Dear Rich, i have a question concerning the spell "anyspell" from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (p.67). With this spell my cleric can prepare on of his spells as an arcane spell. Does this mean my cleric gains the class feature to cast 2nd level arcane spell and would qualify for the Hathran prestige class or any other prestige class with the requirement: able to cast 2nd level arcane spells? Thank you in advance for any answer.
Bocklin 01-31-04, 10:19 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Here's what it says in the Player's Guide: You get +4 to saves vs. fire, and you cast fire spells at +2 caster levels. You have to be human or planetouched to take the feat. Thanks a lot for your reply! So it is still the same. My new question is: How to understand "Vs Fire" Is it against all spells with the "fire" descriptor or all kind of tests involving fire? For exemple if the player tries to start or put off a fire in circumstances requiring a test, does it apply? Or if I ask for a Ref test to avoid a fire trap? In advance, thanks a lot for your reply. Bocklin Ps: I am currently reading "Condemnation" and am having a lot of pleasure doing so! Thanks a lot for that as well! ;-) Pps: Are there any plans to officially release the stats of the characters of the serie (Ryld, Hallissttra, Pharaun or the others)?
Wooly Rupert 02-01-04, 12:39 AM	oops. How I wish you could delete a post...
Zanan 02-01-04, 02:56 PM	A question related to Savage Species: There are a few more templates on offer for undead creatures, e.g. the mummy, the spectral creature and the wight. While I understand (not entirely, but anyway) why standard varieties of these monsters (mummies and wights) are "always lawful evil", I wonder why people turned into those beings must become "lawful evil". I agree about the evil part, no question, but say turning a willing vasall of a chaotic evil god into a wight will rob him of any divine spells or specific class features (Divine Champion, Blackguard) due to the one-step rule. The definite alignment change has been altered in the 3RE vampire - template already and I wonder whether an "always evil" is appropriate here as well?
WotC_RichBaker 02-02-04, 12:35 PM	I'd say that "fire" is anything that deals fire damage (the energy type) or anything that has the fire descriptor. So no, I wouldn't give you a bonus on a check to put out a burning hut, but I'd probably give you the bonus on checks to avoid catching on fire. Glad you're enjoying Condemnation. A number of the characters appeared in DRAGON magazines #302 and #312 (or was it #313?), with more expected for #322. Originally posted by Bocklin Thanks a lot for your reply! So it is still the same. My new question is: How to understand "Vs Fire" Is it against all spells with the "fire" descriptor or all kind of tests involving fire? For exemple if the player tries to start or put off a fire in circumstances requiring a test, does it apply? Or if I ask for a Ref test to avoid a fire trap? In advance, thanks a lot for your reply. Bocklin Ps: I am currently reading "Condemnation" and am having a lot of pleasure doing so! Thanks a lot for that as well! ;-) Pps: Are there any plans to officially release the stats of the characters of the serie (Ryld, Hallissttra, Pharaun or the others)?
Dargoth 02-02-04, 04:10 PM	Hey Rich Do Deity Aspects (As seen in the monster section of the Minis handbook) exist in the FR?
WotC_RichBaker 02-02-04, 07:48 PM	Yes. I know that there's some question of how aspects are meant to work with the things that have already been said about various FR deities, but they're in the FR game, the same way that any new "thing" from a core book--a prestige class, a magic item, a spell, whatever--is in the game. Originally posted by Dargoth Hey Rich Do Deity Aspects (As seen in the monster section of the Minis handbook) exist in the FR?
Dargoth 02-03-04, 12:44 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Yes. I know that there's some question of how aspects are meant to work with the things that have already been said about various FR deities, but they're in the FR game, the same way that any new "thing" from a core book--a prestige class, a magic item, a spell, whatever--is in the game. you know that rules becoming quite troublesome Is there a formula around for converting Avatar stats into an Aspect?
Israfel666 02-03-04, 04:05 PM	Hi Rich, I don't think you have been posed this question yet, and it's been bugging me for some time. At the end of Crucible (1371 DR), Kelemvor drastically changes his realm and stops rewarding the good Faithless/False while punishing the evil; instead, everyone spends eternity in a dull afterlife of neither happiness nor sorrow. However, in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (1372), it is explicitly said that Kelemvor sticks all of the Faithless into the Living Wall, just like old cruel Myrkul did. There is a clear contradiction here, since the Wall is decidedly a horrible punishment... is there any source between the two (novel or gamebook) that I do not know of? Or is the change being explained in an upcoming book?
Dargoth 02-03-04, 04:24 PM	Rich Has it been decided what the PGTF release week will be in March? and if so what is it? Also is the cut monster section from PGTF going to be released as a Web Enhancement or are you going to sav it for another product?
WotC_RichBaker 02-03-04, 04:35 PM	I'm not sure, but usually it's early in the month. Most of the monsters cut from Player's Guide will be incorporated into a 2005 FR product. There's an appendix of 3.5 conversions for Monsters of Faerun that's supposed to get posted as a web article. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Has it been decided what the PGTF release week will be in March? and if so what is it? Also is the cut monster section from PGTF going to be released as a Web Enhancement or are you going to sav it for another product?
Dargoth 02-03-04, 10:44 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Most of the monsters cut from Player's Guide will be incorporated into a 2005 FR product. There's an appendix of 3.5 conversions for Monsters of Faerun that's supposed to get posted as a web article. You mean youve managed to con the bean counters into doing a "Monsters of Faerun 2"?
Aurotuli 02-04-04, 11:11 PM	I believe he meant that the Monsters of Faerun will be updated, not that they will be included. Think of the downloadable pamphlet that updated creatures in Fiend Folio, DDG, etc. Without the original books the minor one sentence updates (or less) for each of the creatures is gibberish. The update, therefore, will likely be of little aid except to those that already have the book. I haven't seen a copy of Monsters of Faerun on the shelves of any store in the area in over a year. I assume it is no longer printed. As such, this update will not aid new players. Of course, this is only my interpretation of his words. Perhaps there will really be a Monsters of Faerun 2. Doubtful, but perhaps vaguely possible.
Capn Charlie 02-05-04, 03:48 AM	What they could make some serious scratch on in 2006 is another Monstrous Manual. All the stuff to date. I would pay 55-60 bucks for that easy.
Bocklin 02-05-04, 12:17 PM	Dear Rich, I asked this question a couple of days ago on the FR thread "People and Places" but wasn't very lucky with an answer. Maybe you can help me out here. On my map from the "Silver Marches" supplement (precisely, on the big map, there is a smaller map called "The Underdark in the North"), I can see a red cross indicating an Underdark site under the Evermoors. On the map, it is called "Gate of Sschindylryn" (for "gate", I am not sure, my map is in french, but "Sschindylryn" is right). I can't find any references to that site in the "Silver Marches" book, nor in the "Underdark" one. Do you know where I can find more about Sschindylryn??? Thanks for your reply!! Bocklin
roler 02-05-04, 12:45 PM	Will there be an adventure about the Rage of Dragons that will hit the realms in Year of the Rouge Dragon?
The Eye of the Cyclop 02-05-04, 01:09 PM	Originally posted by Bocklin Dear Rich, I asked this question a couple of days ago on the FR thread "People and Places" but wasn't very lucky with an answer. Maybe you can help me out here. On my map from the "Silver Marches" supplement (precisely, on the big map, there is a smaller map called "The Underdark in the North"), I can see a red cross indicating an Underdark site under the Evermoors. On the map, it is called "Gate of Sschindylryn" (for "gate", I am not sure, my map is in french, but "Sschindylryn" is right). I can't find any references to that site in the "Silver Marches" book, nor in the "Underdark" one. Do you know where I can find more about Sschindylryn??? Thanks for your reply!! Bocklin Id don't want to interfere with Richard Baker but here is what I have discovered on the book page of the Forgotten Realms website, under the collumn The Underdrak below the North (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=books/fr/underdark) It gave me this: Sschindylryn's Gate: Sschindylryn's Gate is a portal to an unknown plane that was discovered by scouts from the city of Sschindylryn. Sschindylryn is a drow city under Cormyr known for its use of portals to explore and conquer other parts of the Underdark. During a battle with Menzoberranzan, the portal was damaged, and none from the western city know how to operate it or to where it leads.
WotC_RichBaker 02-05-04, 01:36 PM	Yeah, that's what we have in mind. That appendix of update info was originally going to be in the Player's Guide, but we ran out of space, so we decided to make it a web feature. Should be out next month, I hope--it still needs a little work. Originally posted by Aurotuli I believe he meant that the Monsters of Faerun will be updated, not that they will be included. Think of the downloadable pamphlet that updated creatures in Fiend Folio, DDG, etc. Without the original books the minor one sentence updates (or less) for each of the creatures is gibberish. The update, therefore, will likely be of little aid except to those that already have the book. I haven't seen a copy of Monsters of Faerun on the shelves of any store in the area in over a year. I assume it is no longer printed. As such, this update will not aid new players. Of course, this is only my interpretation of his words. Perhaps there will really be a Monsters of Faerun 2. Doubtful, but perhaps vaguely possible.
AngryMonkey 02-05-04, 06:23 PM	Hi Rich, I will be replacing my character in my groups campaign soon. I am looking to play an Incantrix since no-one in my group ever has. Since characters are a long term commitment where I come from I was wondering if there was going to be any changes made to the Incantrix - it sucks to have your character nerfed due to a rules revision. Also, will there be any changes made to the Hathran, as I think this is one of the most flavoursome PrC I've seen and they are definitely in my list of favourites (despite the fact that I also think they are a little weak:D ). Are there any plans to change this? Was there a reason it was decided not to include the Durthran in the same book other than space? Just how much attention to the boards do the designers pay when it comes to revising old works? Do you often get moments of "OMG, what was I thinking when I wrote/edited that?" after seeing some of the results here or do you find that you have "what do mean thats broken? What planet are you living on?" moments instead? I guess this last one is off topic, but I know I'm interested to listen if you want to tell us:angel:
Master Fu 02-06-04, 12:55 AM	Rich: First, I would like to say that I have been playing Dungeons and Dragons since before there was a "1st Edition", and it is wonderful to see someone like yourself making time to answer our questions. Now that I have shmoozed a bit, here are mine: :D 1) I *loved* the concept behind the Shifter PrC class (in the DotF supplement), but with the 3.5 changes to Wild Shape, they are fairly underpowered. Are they being looked at? 2) Any changes in the works for Acolytes of the Skin or Pale Masters? These PrC also seemed underpowered. 3) For a Druid, the incredibly useful Augment Summoning feat has the incredibly useless prerequisite of Spell Focus: Conjuration (useless because only 3 druidic Conjuration spells in the PH require saves). Will this be changed, or will the effects of the focus feats be made more useful? 4) In the FRC, there was a multiclassed Monk/Sorceror of Shar (his initials are SS). Do he or his order of monks appear in any of the novels?
Kuje31 02-06-04, 01:07 AM	Originally posted by Master Fu 4) In the FRC, there was a multiclassed Monk/Sorceror of Shar (his initials are SS). Do he or his order of monks appear in any of the novels? The Black Bouquet by Richard Lee Byers has a monk/sorc of Shar as one of the villians. PLEASE DON'T HURT ME BIGSIS! I couldn't help but answer him by giving him the name of the novel. :)
Cassius Harkanor 02-06-04, 05:42 AM	Dear Richard 1. Why is there no index in the back of the Faerun books ? 2. Will future product releases all be in hardcover, or will certain books be in softcover ? 3. Will we no longer see any pull out map in future Faerun products ?
Cassius Harkanor 02-06-04, 06:21 AM	Dear Richard I know Wizards will not be releasing large adventure modules for Faerun, but is there any chance of books detailing some of Faeruns dungeons in greater detail.
Bocklin 02-06-04, 04:58 PM	Originally posted by The Eye of the Cyclop Id don't want to interfere with Richard Baker but here is what I have discovered on the book page of the Forgotten Realms website, under the collumn The Underdrak below the North (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=books/fr/underdark) It gave me this: bla Thanks a lot! I did not try the web, just browsed madly through my FR books... Maybe these "new technologies" are not that bad after all... :eek: :-) Bocklin
WotC_RichBaker 02-06-04, 05:31 PM	Yes, there are some changes in the hathran and incantatrix. I think they're changes for the better (the hathran no longer needs to eat so many cleric levels and hose up her arcane spellcasting), but they're a little too detailed for me to go into on this board. Check Player's Guide to Faerun when it comes out and decide if you like it better or not. We watch a few boards very carefully for game balance issues--usually the Character Optimization board over in the D&D area. I keep half an eye on the FR boards to see if folks are talking about things that may be broken. We try hard not to make mistakes in the first place, but when we do, we'd rather own up to them and fix material rather than pretend we didn't do anything wrong. Originally posted by AngryMonkey Hi Rich, I will be replacing my character in my groups campaign soon. I am looking to play an Incantrix since no-one in my group ever has. Since characters are a long term commitment where I come from I was wondering if there was going to be any changes made to the Incantrix - it sucks to have your character nerfed due to a rules revision. Also, will there be any changes made to the Hathran, as I think this is one of the most flavoursome PrC I've seen and they are definitely in my list of favourites (despite the fact that I also think they are a little weak:D ). Are there any plans to change this? Was there a reason it was decided not to include the Durthran in the same book other than space? Just how much attention to the boards do the designers pay when it comes to revising old works? Do you often get moments of "OMG, what was I thinking when I wrote/edited that?" after seeing some of the results here or do you find that you have "what do mean thats broken? What planet are you living on?" moments instead? I guess this last one is off topic, but I know I'm interested to listen if you want to tell us:angel:
WotC_RichBaker 02-06-04, 05:36 PM	No problem. 1. Yes, the shifter's been looked at for 3.5. I can't say more than that right now, I'm afraid (deals with upcoming product I can't discuss yet). 2. Ditto. 3. Yeah, it's kind of hard on the druid, but we don't have plans to change that (other than the gradual introduction of new druid spells, as new products come out). In general clerics and druids have feats to spare. 4. Haven't used the Dark Moon monks yet, but I hope we will soon. Sometimes we just put things out there as "tools" for the "DM toolbox," and trust that some DMs will catch on to something and have a lot of fun featuring it in their games. Not everything needs a master plan. Originally posted by Master Fu Rich: First, I would like to say that I have been playing Dungeons and Dragons since before there was a "1st Edition", and it is wonderful to see someone like yourself making time to answer our questions. Now that I have shmoozed a bit, here are mine: :D 1) I *loved* the concept behind the Shifter PrC class (in the DotF supplement), but with the 3.5 changes to Wild Shape, they are fairly underpowered. Are they being looked at? 2) Any changes in the works for Acolytes of the Skin or Pale Masters? These PrC also seemed underpowered. 3) For a Druid, the incredibly useful Augment Summoning feat has the incredibly useless prerequisite of Spell Focus: Conjuration (useless because only 3 druidic Conjuration spells in the PH require saves). Will this be changed, or will the effects of the focus feats be made more useful? 4) In the FRC, there was a multiclassed Monk/Sorceror of Shar (his initials are SS). Do he or his order of monks appear in any of the novels?
WotC_RichBaker 02-06-04, 05:37 PM	I know of a couple of projects we're working on which may provide a little of what you're looking for, but they're far enough out that I can't discuss them yet. DUNGEON magazine publishes FR adventures from time to time. A few months back my adventure "Prison of the Firebringer" appeared in DUNGEON, describing the Dungeon of the Ruins. Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dear Richard I know Wizards will not be releasing large adventure modules for Faerun, but is there any chance of books detailing some of Faeruns dungeons in greater detail.
Scytax Killbane 02-06-04, 06:06 PM	Originally posted by Master Fu Rich: 4) In the FRC, there was a multiclassed Monk/Sorceror of Shar (his initials are SS). Do he or his order of monks appear in any of the novels? See "The black Bouquet". One of the main character is from Shar order of monk.
Dargoth 02-07-04, 01:46 AM	Rich you mentioned that there would be a third FR book later in the year any chance you'll announce (or drop some hints about it) in March after PGTF comes out?
biomante 02-07-04, 01:42 PM	Hey Rich What are the possibilities of DUNGEON releasing a WOTSQ related adventure (I know about COTSQ, but still...) ? It would be cool (specially if it involves other cities, like Sshamath), don't you think?
J. Grenemyer 02-08-04, 02:20 PM	Hello Biomante, Originally posted by biomante What are the possibilities of DUNGEON releasing a WOTSQ related adventure (I know about COTSQ, but still...) ? You ought to check out Dungeon Magazine #94, in which you will find the adventure, Spiral of Manzessine (by Dave Noonan) that is specifically designed to fit in the middle of part 2 of CotSQ. Note that it is easily placed as a stand alone sight based adventure as well (which is how I used it). :D
druid berrymore 02-09-04, 01:54 AM	Hi, I am a little confused about the languages in the campaign setting book. Does Thorass correspond with the letters of the english language? There is no guide to say so. It is a little confusing becuase of the changes from the 2nd edition books.
Mr.Waesel 02-09-04, 09:43 AM	Hello again Rich, Are there any FR books solely covering Epic material in the pipeline? Are there any books covering Epic material in the pipeline at all?
WotC_RichBaker 02-09-04, 12:33 PM	Sorry, but I really can't say anything until our catalog for the 3rd trimester comes out (which tells you something right there, I suppose). Originally posted by Dargoth Rich you mentioned that there would be a third FR book later in the year any chance you'll announce (or drop some hints about it) in March after PGTF comes out?
WotC_RichBaker 02-09-04, 12:35 PM	Player's Guide to Faerun includes some material on using several of our "cap system" books in play, including Epic, Psionics, Vile Darkness, and Exalted Deeds. (Going forward, we're trying to offer better support for these products in just about everything we do, so you'll see more Epic material in a number of different books.) Originally posted by Mr.Waesel Hello again Rich, Are there any FR books solely covering Epic material in the pipeline? Are there any books covering Epic material in the pipeline at all?
WotC_RichBaker 02-09-04, 12:36 PM	I think it does. I wish I could say for sure, but the letters were generated by one of our artists, and I don't know precisely what he had in mind. I sure wish we'd included the English letters right alongside them, though--it would have made a lot more sense. Originally posted by druid berrymore Hi, I am a little confused about the languages in the campaign setting book. Does Thorass correspond with the letters of the english language? There is no guide to say so. It is a little confusing becuase of the changes from the 2nd edition books.
DreadStar 02-10-04, 08:19 AM	Rich In Dragon 317 Skip answered the 2nd question in Sage Advice and say "Both of these corrections are noted in the Dungeon Masters Guide Errata File" but, there is No Errata file for the 3.5 DMG. If you check Wizard's site you will only find a 3.5 Errata for the PHB. :confused: Where is the 3.5 Errata for the DMG that Skip is talking about? If you don't know the answer could you please check with the people who run the Website? Thanks
monk-ki 02-10-04, 11:47 AM	Mr. Baker... Thank you for your time. In the players handbook it states that if you use a weapon not designed for someone your size, you take a -2 to hit with such weapon. Does that mean when A fey'ri turns into a goblin and wields his own short sword, he takes a -2 penalty even though he does not when he is medium sized, becasue the short sword is not now a long sword for goblins, right? And can a short spear be wielded like a double weapon by a medium sized humanoid? Thanks for your time.
WotC_RichBaker 02-10-04, 12:21 PM	Hey, folks -- Not to fuss too much about this, but I think the real intent of this thread is to talk about Realms-specific questions, not to provide general rules Q&A. There are other forums available for D&D rules support. And, by the way, yes, I think you now take a -2 to your attack rolls with that Medium short sword when you change from size Medium to Small. Originally posted by monk-ki Mr. Baker... Thank you for your time. In the players handbook it states that if you use a weapon not designed for someone your size, you take a -2 to hit with such weapon. Does that mean when A fey'ri turns into a goblin and wields his own short sword, he takes a -2 penalty even though he does not when he is medium sized, becasue the short sword is not now a long sword for goblins, right? And can a short spear be wielded like a double weapon by a medium sized humanoid? Thanks for your time.
Chemosh 02-10-04, 05:04 PM	Mr. Baker, I searched the thread to the best of my ability, and I hope this question has not been answered already. Somewhere on this thread you state that planetouched cannot be shades. I presume that this is because the shade template can only be applied to humanoids, and the planetouched are considered native outsiders. I presume that this rule also applies to half-fiends, seeing as their type changes to outsider as an inherited template (as per MM 3.5). Thus a half-fiend couldn't become a shade. However, in F&P, Volumvax is listed as a half-fiend human shade. Is this possible? Along the same line, the Lich template from the MM 3.5 can only be applied to humanoid creatures, thus excluding outsiders again. Yet in LoD, Shangalar the Black is a teifling lich. This would also seem impossible. Am I missing something? I hope you or somebody else on the board could give me some insight into this, because I have always been terrible at detailed game mechanics. I have no complaints with any of the FR products and I have been buying them (usually two copies of each product) since the line started. Thank you for your time, Mr. Baker, and you are doing a great job. --K.C.
WotC_RichBaker 02-10-04, 05:20 PM	Thanks for the kind words, glad you like what we're doing. RE: shades and liches, yes, you can only apply the templates to humanoids. So that means that we goofed in Faiths & Pantheons and Lords of Darkness. Good catches. However, that said, a tiefling is really so close to a humanoid that I don't mind slapping templates on one as if it were a humanoid. (On the other hand, the half-fiend shade is a very busy pair of templates, so I would shy away from that one.) Originally posted by Chemosh Mr. Baker, I searched the thread to the best of my ability, and I hope this question has not been answered already. Somewhere on this thread you state that planetouched cannot be shades. I presume that this is because the shade template can only be applied to humanoids, and the planetouched are considered native outsiders. I presume that this rule also applies to half-fiends, seeing as their type changes to outsider as an inherited template (as per MM 3.5). Thus a half-fiend couldn't become a shade. However, in F&P, Volumvax is listed as a half-fiend human shade. Is this possible? Along the same line, the Lich template from the MM 3.5 can only be applied to humanoid creatures, thus excluding outsiders again. Yet in LoD, Shangalar the Black is a teifling lich. This would also seem impossible. Am I missing something? I hope you or somebody else on the board could give me some insight into this, because I have always been terrible at detailed game mechanics. I have no complaints with any of the FR products and I have been buying them (usually two copies of each product) since the line started. Thank you for your time, Mr. Baker, and you are doing a great job. --K.C.
monk-ki 02-11-04, 02:09 AM	Oops, My bad. Sorry about that, but thank you. I thought since it was a Fey'ri, which is a Forgotten Realms race, that I could slide that one under your radar. Thank you again for your time, Mr. Baker!
J. Grenemyer 02-11-04, 02:58 AM	SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY PARTICIPATING IN CITY OF THE SPIDER QUEEN. * * * * * * * Hello Mr. Baker, First, thanks for taking the time to answer all of our questions! I was wondering if you or any of the other designer(s) that worked on ”City of the Spider Queen” ever took the time to fully stat out the Great Revenance spell that Irae T’sarran was researching towards the middle/end of the adventure? I am operating under the assumption that the spell would be at least 9th level or (more likely) an Epic Spell. Are you at liberty to share any specifics on the exact effects of this spell (XP Cost to cast, unique material components, options to create Keening Spirits and/or Silveraiths instead of or in addition to Revenants, etc..?) And if you are not at liberty, do you have any suggestions (beyond what is mentioned in CotSQ on page 6 at the D+68 marker) on how to spice up the Great Revenance spell even more? Lastly, I just wanted to tell you exceptionally useful CotSQ has been for me as a resource for new creatures, creature templates, magic items, encounter scenarios and (especially) pre-generated NPC and monster statistics. I’ve broken up the book (so to speak) and inserted portions of it into my campaign over the last year and a half with great success. It sure has saved me lots of time! Thanks again! :D
Zanan 02-11-04, 04:32 AM	Vendui! Grenemeyer ... to my knowledge this spell has never been put out in any material, but it might well be similar to the (indeed epic) "Horrible Army of the Dead" spell to be found in the Epic Insights UPDATE (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ei/20030810a) here.
Ghostrider 02-11-04, 10:08 AM	Mr. Baker, The FRCS changed the face of 3.0, clarified many rules as well as adding new ones. I'm excited for the 3.5 version to come out! 1. Will you again be clarifying some of the issues with ECL and Templates? Alter Self comes to mind. Since a vampire loses it's (ex) weaknesses from its template in a Alternate/wild shaped form does it mean it can walk in sunlight? BoED names feats as (Ex). Do you lose feats while polymorphed? 2. Any of the old gods making any big comebacks? 3. Selune granting the power to be controlled lycanthrope again? I loved that! Thanks! GR
WotC_RichBaker 02-11-04, 01:11 PM	I know I never thought too much about "great revenance," although James Wyatt might have. You could check out his website to see if he's got anything around. In retrospect, it would have been nice if we'd taken advantage of the Epic rules with the adventure. Irae could have been 21st level, with the Epic Spellcasting feat. Then great revenance would easily be described as an epic spell she was researching. The trick with keeping the DC low on the spell would be to tie it to a specific artifact and a long ritual. Anyway, glad you're getting a lot of use out of the adventure. Originally posted by J. Grenemyer SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY PARTICIPATING IN CITY OF THE SPIDER QUEEN. * * * * * * * Hello Mr. Baker, First, thanks for taking the time to answer all of our questions! I was wondering if you or any of the other designer(s) that worked on ”City of the Spider Queen” ever took the time to fully stat out the Great Revenance spell that Irae T’sarran was researching towards the middle/end of the adventure? I am operating under the assumption that the spell would be at least 9th level or (more likely) an Epic Spell. Are you at liberty to share any specifics on the exact effects of this spell (XP Cost to cast, unique material components, options to create Keening Spirits and/or Silveraiths instead of or in addition to Revenants, etc..?) And if you are not at liberty, do you have any suggestions (beyond what is mentioned in CotSQ on page 6 at the D+68 marker) on how to spice up the Great Revenance spell even more? Lastly, I just wanted to tell you exceptionally useful CotSQ has been for me as a resource for new creatures, creature templates, magic items, encounter scenarios and (especially) pre-generated NPC and monster statistics. I’ve broken up the book (so to speak) and inserted portions of it into my campaign over the last year and a half with great success. It sure has saved me lots of time! Thanks again! :D
Razz 02-11-04, 01:53 PM	RICHARD BAKER Before the Monsters of Faerun update is completel finished to be released as an article, is there by any chance for you to talk to that department so that they can also convert the Forgotten Realms monsters from Silver Marches, Magic of Faerun, and City of the Spider Queen? There aren't many, so maybe they can squeeze them in somehow?
WotC_RichBaker 02-11-04, 02:24 PM	To answer in order... 1. What's the question with ECL and templates? Your follow-up question discusses spells and templates. 2. No gods making comebacks, not as far as I know. Originally posted by Ghostrider Mr. Baker, The FRCS changed the face of 3.0, clarified many rules as well as adding new ones. I'm excited for the 3.5 version to come out! 1. Will you again be clarifying some of the issues with ECL and Templates? Alter Self comes to mind. Since a vampire loses it's (ex) weaknesses from its template in a Alternate/wild shaped form does it mean it can walk in sunlight? BoED names feats as (Ex). Do you lose feats while polymorphed? 2. Any of the old gods making any big comebacks? 3. Selune granting the power to be controlled lycanthrope again? I loved that! Thanks! GR
WotC_RichBaker 02-11-04, 02:25 PM	Good idea, I'll pass it along. Originally posted by Razz RICHARD BAKER Before the Monsters of Faerun update is completel finished to be released as an article, is there by any chance for you to talk to that department so that they can also convert the Forgotten Realms monsters from Silver Marches, Magic of Faerun, and City of the Spider Queen? There aren't many, so maybe they can squeeze them in somehow?
Maskanodel 02-11-04, 08:59 PM	Mr. Baker, There's currently a debate ongoing on of the other boards about the Divine Champions Lay on Hands ability. The description for it says "the divine champion may heal 1 point of damage per divine champion level plus her Charisma bonus." As others have noted, this doesn't heal very many hit points in the end. Is this description correct or should it be multipied by the characters Divine Champion level as well??? This would at least make it worth something at higher levels. Thanks
BobROE 02-11-04, 11:01 PM	Originally posted by Maskanodel Mr. Baker, There's currently a debate ongoing on of the other boards about the Divine Champions Lay on Hands ability. The description for it says "the divine champion may heal 1 point of damage per divine champion level plus her Charisma bonus." As others have noted, this doesn't heal very many hit points in the end. Is this description correct or should it be multipied by the characters Divine Champion level as well??? This would at least make it worth something at higher levels. Thanks Check the FRCS errata, it was changed to be the same as the Paladin lay on hands I believe.
Akumaisloose 02-12-04, 09:14 PM	i have been dedicated to Sharess since the first time i started playing dungeons and dragons. the only problem that i have is that i don't know too much about her. i know she is the goddess of hedonism, sensual fulfillment, and other things but i don't know how she reacts to everyone, where she is located and how she became a diety. do you think any of you could possibly help me.
Kuje31 02-12-04, 09:50 PM	Originally posted by Akumaisloose i have been dedicated to Sharess since the first time i started playing dungeons and dragons. the only problem that i have is that i don't know too much about her. i know she is the goddess of hedonism, sensual fulfillment, and other things but i don't know how she reacts to everyone, where she is located and how she became a diety. do you think any of you could possibly help me. Do you have 2e's Powers & Pantheons? It explains most of this info. Namly how she became a deity, where her realm on the Great Wheel/Ring was located (the FRCS changed the planes for FR so you have to look there or in Faiths & Pantheons for her 3e planar home. Or wait for the Player's Guide that comes out in March).
Herr Doktor 02-12-04, 11:57 PM	Mister Baker, I was wondering how it might be possible for Xara Tantlor to have an imp familiar within the walls of Silverymoon? The Silver Marches sourcebook clearly states that devils are effected as by an antipathy spell if they even come close to the city walls.
Shemeska the Marauder 02-13-04, 12:15 AM	Originally posted by Herr Doktor Mister Baker, I was wondering how it might be possible for Xara Tantlor to have an imp familiar within the walls of Silverymoon? The Silver Marches sourcebook clearly states that devils are effected as by an antipathy spell if they even come close to the city walls. Well, imps aren't proper Baatezu. If the antipathy is against Baatezu and not just all lawful evil outsiders, an imp would slide through with no problem. *goes to check copy of Silver Marches book*
Herr Doktor 02-13-04, 12:20 AM	It says "devils" and imps are devils.
J. Grenemyer 02-13-04, 03:22 AM	Hello, Originally posted by Herr Doktor I was wondering how it might be possible for Xara Tantlor to have an imp familiar within the walls of Silverymoon? Hello, Perhaps Villynk’s status as a familiar grants it the ability to ignore the Wards of Silverymoon. Or perhaps her abode is ensorcelled to block the effects of the Antipathy effect of Silverymoon’s wards. Or perhaps Xara made use of a Permanency scroll to instill a similar defense in her familiar. Or perhaps Xara has found (or perhaps crafted/modified) a unique ward token of her own devising. Or perhaps poor Villynk is kept caged and miserable, having failed his save but still unable to leave the walls (for which it is probably greatfull to leave with its Master each time she sets out on an expedition). :D
Zanan 02-13-04, 09:50 AM	Hello Mr. Baker! With regard to CotSQ's Irae and some other (semi-) iconic figures of the Realms: There have been a lot of "special" PrC around for faiths all over Faerun and after reading Underdark I was a little surprised that none of the older PrC, e.g. Darkmask of Vhaeraun (LoD) or Arachne (F&P) were used for the leaders and matrons around (even though I have the feeling that the Arachne is a bit "underpowered"). While I agree that the main reasoning for this is that not everyone will have F&P or LoD, one could simply (as there is not much more than levels known about these people) give them stats like "Clr 10 / Arachne 10 (or Clr 20)" which isn't that much of an effort. Speaking of these special PrC, how about a web-enhancement who gives us a list off all the D&D's classes and PrC and their abbreviations? Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 02-13-04, 12:19 PM	Good question, and one we should have answered in the book. My guess would be that Xara's found or acquired a ward token that permits the imp to stay. I also like the notion that the ward bars baatezu, but not devils as a whole--it introduces the idea that the folks who raised the wards are fallible, which is something we don't see enough of in various Chosen and their friends. However, that's a pretty big solution to a problem that can be fixed with smaller and simpler solutions. Originally posted by Herr Doktor Mister Baker, I was wondering how it might be possible for Xara Tantlor to have an imp familiar within the walls of Silverymoon? The Silver Marches sourcebook clearly states that devils are effected as by an antipathy spell if they even come close to the city walls.
Athenon 02-13-04, 01:28 PM	I'd just like to direct the folks at Wizards over to one of the other threads. It's good stuff! http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=180582
Razz 02-14-04, 02:52 PM	Since we're only one more month away from PGtF, can you tell us the official street date release of this new book?
klown61455 02-15-04, 01:49 AM	hey can we get a hint.... how about the prereqs for the morninglord of lathander... please
Shardal 02-15-04, 05:45 AM	Hello Rich, I have a bit of a problem on my mind. I was thinking that Doppelganger would be great NPC or PC as a Telfammar shadowlord and shadow-walker, but UE states that shadow-walker template can be only added to any "humanoid", so my question is can it be added also to any monstrous humanoid as well. Since Doppelgangers are listed as one of Masks favourite races it would fit perfectly to it. Thanks in advance.
WotC_RichBaker 02-16-04, 12:31 PM	Strictly speaking, a humanoid is a humanoid, and monstrous humanoids aren't. This is tough, because there are lots of things that are "close" to humanoids, really--what's the difference between an ogre and a bugbear? In my campaign, I wouldn't let a strict interpretation of a rule get in the way of a cool idea. I would be very careful about allowing a PC doppelganger, because there's no end of trouble that could cause, but as an NPC opponent for the players...sure, why not? I've been wondering if we ought to create a monster feat somewhere called, for lack of a better term, "Human Enough." I'd limit it to giants, fey, monstrous humanoids, and probably native outsiders. Take the feat, and you can now call yourself a humanoid for purposes of qualifying for things. It would be an easier patch to implement than to go back and change the definitions of a number of prestige classes and templates, and it would set a cost for a creature to do something that's evidently difficult for things of its type to do. Just an idea. Originally posted by Shardal Hello Rich, I have a bit of a problem on my mind. I was thinking that Doppelganger would be great NPC or PC as a Telfammar shadowlord and shadow-walker, but UE states that shadow-walker template can be only added to any "humanoid", so my question is can it be added also to any monstrous humanoid as well. Since Doppelgangers are listed as one of Masks favourite races it would fit perfectly to it. Thanks in advance.
klown61455 02-16-04, 10:43 PM	i am now a 5th level cleric of lathander and would like to know if im heading in the right direction feat wise to qualify for the morninglord of lathander when the forgotten realms 3.5 comes to a store near me (i can hardly wait, the first realms book was probably the coolest gamin suplement i have ever owned). I would sure hate to miss out for no good reason. thanks a bunch.
WotC_RichBaker 02-17-04, 12:08 PM	Just 'cause I'm a nice guy... Alignment: Any good Skills: Craft (any) 4 ranks, Diplomacy 7 ranks, Knowledge (religion) 8 ranks, Perform (any) 2 ranks Feat: Improved Turning Spells: Cast 3rd-level divine spells, one of which must be daylight. Patron: Lathander. Originally posted by klown61455 i am now a 5th level cleric of lathander and would like to know if im heading in the right direction feat wise to qualify for the morninglord of lathander when the forgotten realms 3.5 comes to a store near me (i can hardly wait, the first realms book was probably the coolest gamin suplement i have ever owned). I would sure hate to miss out for no good reason. thanks a bunch.
klown61455 02-17-04, 01:54 PM	i really appreciate it, and don't worry nothing could stop me from buying the new book!!!:angel: :angel: :angel:
Mauther 02-17-04, 05:46 PM	I was actually wondering about the otherside of the Morninglord prestige class. Judgeing by its prerequisites, I presume its geared towards undead combat/turning. Can you give us some idea as to his abilities (obviously not a line by line break down just some generals). Also, what are we looking at as a roll out date. Amazon has it listed as March 29. And yeah, I've already ordered it so you got my money either way. You guys have done some great work so far.
Arcanist-King 02-17-04, 06:58 PM	Hi Rich, This thread was so interesting and informative that I finally decided to get unlazy and register for the boards. I sent some feedback to wizards on how impressed I was with this thread and your efforts which are deserving of praise. As for the Player's Guide, I'm curious about how the netherse arcanist epic prc is going to be handled. Will there be inventives, mentalists, and variators? Are arcs going to be address and how will these impact the sorcerer and wizard? Or will we be seeing something akin to the Elven High Mage with seed affinity? Thanks, Arcanist-King
The Simbul 02-18-04, 02:43 AM	Rich, Due to the fact that numerous Epic Spells are included in the sourcebook, as well as a presumeably Epic Spellcasting oriented PrC (Netherese Arcanist), and with the release of the Elven High Mage in Races of Faerun, the inclusion of the Epic Spellcasting feat in The Simbul's Epic Level Handbook character write-up, and in addition to a number of your comments and beneficial explanations on these boards, it is resoundingly obvious that Epic Spellcasting is the alternative/replacement of the older forms of the Art beyond the scope of 9th level magic. I am simply curious if the Epic section of the Players Guide to Faerun will include any supplemental Realms specific rules, restrictions, guidelines, explanations, or simply setting-specific "fluff" game lore, to build upon or be added to the currect Epic Spellcasting system (now Open Gaming Content and available for those who dont want to buy the ELH), aside from the rather obvious stipulation that the DM's must approve any Epic Spell before it can be added to a campaign. Specifically, I was curious about the following: 1) Does Epic Spellcasting require the fufillment of any additional requirements, either based upon statistics or regional/cultural/educational character background, for a realms character to take the feat? 2) The Epic Level Handbook describes Epic Spells as the direct manipluation of reality itself, although the ELH does not take into account campaign setting specific rules in regards to that assertion. Do Epic Spells draw upon a Weave, and are they suppressed or subverted by areas where a specific weave is damaged or non-existant (Dead Magic/Wild Magic zones, etc)? In addition, it worth noting that the effects of a Dead Magic area are by default treated and described as the same as an Antimagic Field, yet Epic Spells are not automatically supressed by Antimagic effects. Thus is there logic in the assertion that Epic Spells would not be automatically supressed/negated by a Dead Magic area? 3) Do Epic Spells require the express permission of the appropriate deity (Mystra, Shar, and to a much lesser degree Corellon Larethian) in order to be cast or sucessfully developed? Are limits/restrictions of the use of specific spells applied universally, or could Shar allow certain Epic spells to be cast though the shadow weave, while Mystra forbids them through hers? 4) Are their overarching limits with regard to the types of spell effects which can be wielded? Aside from the presumably ommited Karsus Avatar spell, there are a number of other ways Epic Spells could be abused in Faerun, specifically with regard to Ritual spells cast within many of Faerun's potent magocracies and magical organizations; such as the Halurrans, The Shades, The Red Wizards, etc. 5) Does the Netherese Arcanist prestige class have specific prerequisites regarding the characters origins (i.e. must have survived the fall of netheril, must be a Shade, must have been trained by another arcanist, etc.)?
WotC_RichBaker 02-18-04, 12:40 PM	You sneaky guys, you're trying to trick me into giving you the prestige class one little bit at a time... The short answer: It's a very cleric-y prestige class (full divine spellcasting progression, good Fort and Will saves), with some good extra turning and greater turning features and a few minor abilities (for example, when you cast a spell with the [Light] descriptor, the area is doubled). Originally posted by Mauther I was actually wondering about the otherside of the Morninglord prestige class. Judgeing by its prerequisites, I presume its geared towards undead combat/turning. Can you give us some idea as to his abilities (obviously not a line by line break down just some generals). Also, what are we looking at as a roll out date. Amazon has it listed as March 29. And yeah, I've already ordered it so you got my money either way. You guys have done some great work so far.
Razz 02-18-04, 12:43 PM	Well, they almost always seem to release their new products in the middle of the month they specified, and on a Friday, so I would assume the official street release date for PgtF would be either March 12th, or March 19th. And considering how they like to make us wait longer...it's most likely March 19th. :(
WotC_RichBaker 02-18-04, 12:44 PM	Glad to have you aboard, and thanks for the good words. It's nice to hear that my efforts are worthwhile. Here's the arcanist in a nutshell: All the epic seeds are divided into one of three fields (invention, mentalism, variation). You get a bonus to develop epic spells from your chosen field, and you have to pick one field that you can't use. Originally posted by Arcanist-King Hi Rich, This thread was so interesting and informative that I finally decided to get unlazy and register for the boards. I sent some feedback to wizards on how impressed I was with this thread and your efforts which are deserving of praise. As for the Player's Guide, I'm curious about how the netherse arcanist epic prc is going to be handled. Will there be inventives, mentalists, and variators? Are arcs going to be address and how will these impact the sorcerer and wizard? Or will we be seeing something akin to the Elven High Mage with seed affinity? Thanks, Arcanist-King
WotC_RichBaker 02-18-04, 12:58 PM	Gah, this one's a beating! OK... We had some text that addressed how epic magic worked with the Realms backstory, but on looking through my copy of the PGtoF, it looks like it was cut. To answer specific questions: 1. No. 2. Yes, epic spells still draw upon the Weave. (This is something I wanted to make sure we clarified, so I was a little disappointed to find that it had been axed for space.) I'm not sure what the right answer is for the interaction of dead magic and wild magic areas and epic spells. 3. No (but it seems reasonable that the gods you name *could* intervene directly to smack down folks researching epic spells if they didn't think to ask permission first). 4. See (3) above. Presumably the zulkirs haven't developed the Take Over the World spell yet because Mystra's quietly let a couple of 'em know that she's really not interested in seeing a Take Over the World spell developed. Even the previous neutral Mystra wouldn't have liked that much. 5. Yes. As I see it, Mystra won't (or can't?) simply disallow epic magic with an act of will because of the repercussions in the pantheon and the mortal world. However, she is a very powerful deity, and she might use other means to ensure that research into epic spells she finds especially dangerous somehow fails. Originally posted by The Simbul Rich, Due to the fact that numerous Epic Spells are included in the sourcebook, as well as a presumeably Epic Spellcasting oriented PrC (Netherese Arcanist), and with the release of the Elven High Mage in Races of Faerun, the inclusion of the Epic Spellcasting feat in The Simbul's Epic Level Handbook character write-up, and in addition to a number of your comments and beneficial explanations on these boards, it is resoundingly obvious that Epic Spellcasting is the alternative/replacement of the older forms of the Art beyond the scope of 9th level magic. I am simply curious if the Epic section of the Players Guide to Faerun will include any supplemental Realms specific rules, restrictions, guidelines, explanations, or simply setting-specific "fluff" game lore, to build upon or be added to the currect Epic Spellcasting system (now Open Gaming Content and available for those who dont want to buy the ELH), aside from the rather obvious stipulation that the DM's must approve any Epic Spell before it can be added to a campaign. Specifically, I was curious about the following: 1) Does Epic Spellcasting require the fufillment of any additional requirements, either based upon statistics or regional/cultural/educational character background, for a realms character to take the feat? 2) The Epic Level Handbook describes Epic Spells as the direct manipluation of reality itself, although the ELH does not take into account campaign setting specific rules in regards to that assertion. Do Epic Spells draw upon a Weave, and are they suppressed or subverted by areas where a specific weave is damaged or non-existant (Dead Magic/Wild Magic zones, etc)? In addition, it worth noting that the effects of a Dead Magic area are by default treated and described as the same as an Antimagic Field, yet Epic Spells are not automatically supressed by Antimagic effects. Thus is there logic in the assertion that Epic Spells would not be automatically supressed/negated by a Dead Magic area? 3) Do Epic Spells require the express permission of the appropriate deity (Mystra, Shar, and to a much lesser degree Corellon Larethian) in order to be cast or sucessfully developed? Are limits/restrictions of the use of specific spells applied universally, or could Shar allow certain Epic spells to be cast though the shadow weave, while Mystra forbids them through hers? 4) Are their overarching limits with regard to the types of spell effects which can be wielded? Aside from the presumably ommited Karsus Avatar spell, there are a number of other ways Epic Spells could be abused in Faerun, specifically with regard to Ritual spells cast within many of Faerun's potent magocracies and magical organizations; such as the Halurrans, The Shades, The Red Wizards, etc. 5) Does the Netherese Arcanist prestige class have specific prerequisites regarding the characters origins (i.e. must have survived the fall of netheril, must be a Shade, must have been trained by another arcanist, etc.)?
The Simbul 02-18-04, 02:23 PM	Thanks for the reply. :mage: Gah, this one's a beating! OK... We had some text that addressed how epic magic worked with the Realms backstory, but on looking through my copy of the PGtoF, it looks like it was cut. To answer specific questions: If by any chance you or your team could still locate or retrieve such texts, and make them a post-release web-enhancement or web-article, then I am sure the online community would be graciously pleased. 3. No (but it seems reasonable that the gods you name *could* intervene directly to smack down folks researching epic spells if they didn't think to ask permission first). 4. See (3) above. Presumably the zulkirs haven't developed the Take Over the World spell yet because Mystra's quietly let a couple of 'em know that she's really not interested in seeing a Take Over the World spell developed. Even the previous neutral Mystra wouldn't have liked that much. The only real problem one can surmise is that while Mystra may be opposed to allowing mortals to wield egregiously powerful and abuseable magic, Shar by all accounts may not have such compunctions. It creates a vast lopphole of possibility for a scenario where spellcasters wielding the Shadow Weave could directly strike at the gods or a significant portion of Toril, wielding specific Epic spells that the likes of Mystra have long since banned, but Shar is willing to allow through her own Shadow Weave. Since Mystra presumably has no means of interfering with Shar's Weave, her only option would be to use the magic of her own Weave or spellcasters loyal to her to counter it, which could result in an esaclating conflict which could easily turn all of Toril into the battlegrounds of an apocalyptic magical catastrophe.
J. Grenemyer 02-18-04, 07:15 PM	Hello, Originally posted by The Simbul ...which could result in an esaclating conflict which could easily turn all of Toril into the battlegrounds of an apocalyptic magical catastrophe. Sounds like a perfect Epic Adventure Hook to me. Way to think that one through! ;) :D
Wooly Rupert 02-19-04, 12:03 AM	'Allo again, Rich! I was just doing some research, and I wanted to confirm something. Are Skullport and the Promenade covered by the wards that Halaster has in place over Undermountain? I've not found any info to indicate that they are covered, but I want to make sure... Especially since it'll be a while on the new Waterdeep book. (Speaking of which, is there a time-frame on its release?)
gavagai 02-19-04, 12:21 AM	Hi Rich, I'm here to tell you that I just loved the neat ideas in the Underdark book. Of course, some are even better than the others! My favorite is the City of Welcome Darkness, LoobliShar (p. 159). Now (and this question goes out to all other posters of this thread, too, of course): Has any info on LoobliShar appeared in any other Sourcebook / Module (maybe even in other editions of the game)? Will there be more info on the place in the future, or is this (currently scheduled) for the rest of us to develop?
WotC_RichBaker 02-19-04, 12:21 PM	Off the top of my head, I don't know. Until we visit Waterdeep/Undermountain in a 3rd Edition product, you should presume that whatever was said about it in 2nd Edition still applies. (I'm not sure if this is something we would examine and revise or not, but I'm leaving myself wiggle room until I sit down and seriously think about it.) Originally posted by Wooly Rupert 'Allo again, Rich! I was just doing some research, and I wanted to confirm something. Are Skullport and the Promenade covered by the wards that Halaster has in place over Undermountain? I've not found any info to indicate that they are covered, but I want to make sure... Especially since it'll be a while on the new Waterdeep book. (Speaking of which, is there a time-frame on its release?)
WotC_RichBaker 02-19-04, 12:23 PM	Glad you liked it! I believe that LoobliShar is something new to "Underdark," and has not appeared anywhere else. Originally posted by gavagai Hi Rich, I'm here to tell you that I just loved the neat ideas in the Underdark book. Of course, some are even better than the others! My favorite is the City of Welcome Darkness, LoobliShar (p. 159). Now (and this question goes out to all other posters of this thread, too, of course): Has any info on LoobliShar appeared in any other Sourcebook / Module (maybe even in other editions of the game)? Will there be more info on the place in the future, or is this (currently scheduled) for the rest of us to develop?
Tempus665 02-19-04, 05:14 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Until we visit Waterdeep/Undermountain in a 3rd Edition product Thank the gods! So, Rich, does this mean Undermountain is being covered in the upcoming Waterdeep book?!
Cassius Harkanor 02-20-04, 06:03 AM	Dear Rich Are there any plans to include Larloch or Shuruppak in any upcoming products ? Both of these guys are nasty and it seems a shame to just let them sit there .
pjrg 02-20-04, 10:04 AM	hello, i think ive lost my RoF book and i am suppose to begin playin today please could you give me the prerequisites!!!!!!! i will really apreciate it!!!!!
WotC_RichBaker 02-20-04, 12:27 PM	I'd like to. I know some folks won't want to see us try to do both in the same book (I mean, look at the size of the City of Splendors and Undermountain boxed sets) but, when we're only doing 3-4 FR products a year, we can't count on getting multiple books on the same (or close to the same) topic. Originally posted by Tempus665 Thank the gods! So, Rich, does this mean Undermountain is being covered in the upcoming Waterdeep book?!
Dargoth 02-21-04, 08:04 PM	Hey Rich I didnt know you where on the D&D mini design team. So I have to ask which Minis your favourite?
Slyda 02-21-04, 10:59 PM	Couldnt find a good answer in the books so heres the question. A 10th level Psy-Warrior faced off against a 15th level mage. Mage cast power word stun. Psy-Warrior, allready heavily damaged, gets no saving throw and is stuned. This is a mind affecting spell like so many others. Seems to me a Psionic or a Psy-Warrior should be able to keep a mage out of his brain. Any thoughts on this or did I miss something. Slyda
Razz 02-22-04, 11:10 PM	2-3 more weeks and counting!! :D
Mr.Waesel 02-23-04, 07:10 AM	Originally posted by Slyda Couldnt find a good answer in the books so heres the question. A 10th level Psy-Warrior faced off against a 15th level mage. Mage cast power word stun. Psy-Warrior, allready heavily damaged, gets no saving throw and is stunned. This is a mind affecting spell like so many others. Seems to me a Psionic or a Psy-Warrior should be able to keep a mage out of his brain. Any thoughts on this or did I miss something. Slyda The rules say he can't. period. However, if you want to make it so he can, there's always rule 0.
WotC_RichBaker 02-23-04, 12:39 PM	I just pitched in and helped out for a couple of months. My job was to be the "advocate" for Lawful Good--build lots of LG warbands, really examine LG figures and determine which seemed to be too good or not good enough. I helped a bit with sets 2 and 3, and that's about it, really. I found the cleric of Lathander to be a darned useful mini for LG. Good cost, good spells. As far as looks, I think I like the black dragon best so far. Originally posted by Dargoth Hey Rich I didnt know you where on the D&D mini design team. So I have to ask which Minis your favourite?
WotC_RichBaker 02-23-04, 12:42 PM	Sorry, that's just the way the power word spells work. No save means no save. There are ways to avoid it (for example, a mind blank shuts down mind-affecting effects quite nicely), but the best defense is not being there. (As a side note: Many of our developers and designers really dig the power word spells, because they're truly "cooperative" spells. My fighter beating on the bad guy makes your wizard's encounter-ending spell more likely to work. Compare that to, say, dominate person, where the party is almost working at cross-purposes to beat the encounter. For my own part, I'm not so sure I like the power word model, but I see their point.) Originally posted by Slyda Couldnt find a good answer in the books so heres the question. A 10th level Psy-Warrior faced off against a 15th level mage. Mage cast power word stun. Psy-Warrior, allready heavily damaged, gets no saving throw and is stuned. This is a mind affecting spell like so many others. Seems to me a Psionic or a Psy-Warrior should be able to keep a mage out of his brain. Any thoughts on this or did I miss something. Slyda
Klyden 02-23-04, 03:34 PM	Dear Richard Baker, Hi. I have a question. Do you know or are you even allowed to tell us if Wizards of the Coast plans to update the following Forgotten Realms Prestige Classes to 3.5 Edition: Arachne Auspician Battlerager Breachgnome Doomguide Dreadmaster Dweomerkeeper Elemental Archon Elven High Mage Forest Master Goldeye Great Rift Skyguard Heartwarder Horned Harbinger Nightcloak Ocular Adept Orc Warlord Silverstar Spellsinger Stormlord Strifeleader Sword Dancer Techsmith Warrior Skald Warsling Sniper Waveservant Wearer of Purple Windwalker The reason I'm asking this is because the group of people I play Dungeons & Dragons with use some of these Prestige Classes (one guy is a Male Dwarf Fighter 10/Barbarian 2/Battlerager 2, one girl is a Female Human Cleric 8/Silverstar 6, and my girlfriend plays a Female Drow Cleric 7/Bard 1/Sword Dancer 6). So I'd appreciate any news you could give me on this...if your allowed of course. Thanks. Later. -Ian
Dargoth 02-23-04, 04:48 PM	Hey Rich Are you working on Libris Mortis: The Book of the Undead?
WotC_RichBaker 02-23-04, 05:16 PM	A couple of these are revisited in the upcoming Complete Divine, but we don't intend to go back and redo everything we did in 3.0. Most of these classes are fine as is, and really don't need a serious 3.5 overhaul. I think you're OK with the three prestige classes you mentioned. Originally posted by Klyden Dear Richard Baker, Hi. I have a question. Do you know or are you even allowed to tell us if Wizards of the Coast plans to update the following Forgotten Realms Prestige Classes to 3.5 Edition: Arachne Auspician Battlerager Breachgnome Doomguide Dreadmaster Dweomerkeeper Elemental Archon Elven High Mage Forest Master Goldeye Great Rift Skyguard Heartwarder Horned Harbinger Nightcloak Ocular Adept Orc Warlord Silverstar Spellsinger Stormlord Strifeleader Sword Dancer Techsmith Warrior Skald Warsling Sniper Waveservant Wearer of Purple Windwalker The reason I'm asking this is because the group of people I play Dungeons & Dragons with use some of these Prestige Classes (one guy is a Male Dwarf Fighter 10/Barbarian 2/Battlerager 2, one girl is a Female Human Cleric 8/Silverstar 6, and my girlfriend plays a Female Drow Cleric 7/Bard 1/Sword Dancer 6). So I'd appreciate any news you could give me on this...if your allowed of course. Thanks. Later. -Ian
WotC_RichBaker 02-23-04, 05:17 PM	Nope, didn't have anything to do with, really. Originally posted by Dargoth Hey Rich Are you working on Libris Mortis: The Book of the Undead?
Klyden 02-23-04, 09:57 PM	Thanks Rich. Another question for ya. Can you show us a content list for the Dungeons & Dragons: Complete Divine Accessory?
Zanan 02-26-04, 03:56 AM	Hello Mr. Baker! Given the mentioning of the Arachne in the posting above, I have a question about the 3E Faiths & Pantheons version. Given the upbringing and the -2 racial CON penalty to drow, I wonder why the Arachne PrC has a non-clerical Fort save. Most other PrC (e.g. the pretty powerful Auspicians, Dreadmasters, Nightcloaks, Stormlords etc.) have full clerical stats (AB & saves) plus all the special abilities, so why was there drop in the Arachne, since this is almost a double-penalty to them?
WotC_RichBaker 02-26-04, 12:37 PM	I'd prefer not to do that here. I didn't design the project, I didn't manage it, it's not FR, so I don't really feel like it's my cat to let out of the bag. Originally posted by Klyden Thanks Rich. Another question for ya. Can you show us a content list for the Dungeons & Dragons: Complete Divine Accessory?
WotC_RichBaker 02-26-04, 12:43 PM	It's hard to give an authoritative answer to that. Any prestige class is really a combination of advantages and disadvantages, most of which are really pretty arbitrary (although you hope that taken together they generally support the theme of the class). Basically, someone (deisgner, developer, editor) decided that the arachne was good enough with one good save, and would have been too good with two good saves. It's not terribly hard for a drow cleric to qualify for the class (the feats are the tough part), and the class features are pretty good--she gets a familiar, she gets a tough mount, and later on she gets to make new minions with her zin-carla ability. Sure, she'd *like* a good Fort save, but does she really need it? Originally posted by Zanan Hello Mr. Baker! Given the mentioning of the Arachne in the posting above, I have a question about the 3E Faiths & Pantheons version. Given the upbringing and the -2 racial CON penalty to drow, I wonder why the Arachne PrC has a non-clerical Fort save. Most other PrC (e.g. the pretty powerful Auspicians, Dreadmasters, Nightcloaks, Stormlords etc.) have full clerical stats (AB & saves) plus all the special abilities, so why was there drop in the Arachne, since this is almost a double-penalty to them?
Klyden 02-26-04, 01:05 PM	Thanks Rich for answering both of my questions. Could you tell us who's responsible for making the Dungeons & Dragons: Complete Divine Accessory? Could you ask them to post a spoiler about it on the D&D General Board?
honestiago 02-26-04, 07:41 PM	Rich, What are the updates to the Divine Champion in th PGtF? My RGR3/FTR4/CHM4 is about to take 5th Level in the class and I'm dying to know if the class will be expanded. Thanks!
Meraxes 02-26-04, 11:50 PM	Rich, I understand that RoF is meant to be 3.5 compliant, but I was curious about a couple of things. 1) In 3.0 many monsters (like the Doppelganger, for example) had formchanging abilities that were similar to alter self, but were changed to an ability called Change Shape in 3.5. Is there any intention to make a similar modification to the fey'ri formchanging ability? 2) Is the fey'ri formchanging ability sufficient to qualify for the warshaper prestige class of Complete Warrior? Thanks in advance!
WotC_RichBaker 02-27-04, 01:18 PM	Divine champion actually changed very little. There's some improvement and clarification in wording the abilities, but it's essentially unchanged. Originally posted by honestiago Rich, What are the updates to the Divine Champion in th PGtF? My RGR3/FTR4/CHM4 is about to take 5th Level in the class and I'm dying to know if the class will be expanded. Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 02-27-04, 01:26 PM	We haven't specifically addressed that yet, but that's a good question. I think fey'ri should have doppleganger-like change shape, rather than alter self. Change shape has the advantage of leaving the character's physical stats unchanged, so you don't have to redesign your character every time he takes a new appearance. The drawback is that you can't find super-strong, or super-dextrous, or super-con forms to change into to improve your stats. I think that fey'ri shapechanging is supposed to be more about disguise, and less about combat. That would seem to suggest that the fey'ri qualify for warshaper just fine. Originally posted by Meraxes Rich, I understand that RoF is meant to be 3.5 compliant, but I was curious about a couple of things. 1) In 3.0 many monsters (like the Doppelganger, for example) had formchanging abilities that were similar to alter self, but were changed to an ability called Change Shape in 3.5. Is there any intention to make a similar modification to the fey'ri formchanging ability? 2) Is the fey'ri formchanging ability sufficient to qualify for the warshaper prestige class of Complete Warrior? Thanks in advance!
Cunning Linguist 02-28-04, 03:22 PM	Could you clear up a problem for me? I preorderd Players Guide to Faerun in december I think, from Amazon.co.uk, and it says March 1. as relese date. Amazon.com says April 7. I find it strange that Players Guide would be relesed in Europe before the US. When would be the right date?
Mirtek 03-01-04, 05:47 AM	I just heard from a German fantasy shop that the PGtF is delayed and won't be avaible until 11th of May. Is this correct?
WotC_RichBaker 03-01-04, 12:50 PM	Sorry, I don't have much insight into specific shipping dates. I know that it's not uncommon for products going overseas to release at different times from US product, simply because of shipping times and other distribution hang-ups. I certainly know of no major delay, so I'd expect the book to be available in your FLGS within a week or two. Originally posted by Cunning Linguist Could you clear up a problem for me? I preorderd Players Guide to Faerun in december I think, from Amazon.co.uk, and it says March 1. as relese date. Amazon.com says April 7. I find it strange that Players Guide would be relesed in Europe before the US. When would be the right date?
Wooly Rupert 03-04-04, 01:53 AM	Man, no one's had any questions for a couple of days... Don't you people know Rich gets lonely without us bugging him? ;) I'll be nice, at least. Hi Rich! :D
smashthedean 03-04-04, 02:07 AM	i have a question concerning the forgotten realms cosmology. i hear there is going to be some information about this in the upcoming PGtF and i was wondering specifically if the githzerai have a place in the realms. would their monasteries just be relocated to a chaotic nuetral plane instead of limbo? i was wondering because i have a character who is a githzerai monk in a FR campaign and i don't really know how to come up with a complete backstory for him knowing how the FR cosmology is totally different than the great wheel cosmology in which all of the information about the githzerai is based in. thanks for any help you can give.
Reverse Gravity 03-04-04, 03:55 AM	Mr. Baker, I'm intrigued how Persistent Spell might have changed with the 3.5 version in PGtFR. Any insight you can share on this? With the 3.5 reduction in spell durations this seems like quite the metamgic feat now. Does it still increase spell durations to 24 hours?
WotC_RichBaker 03-04-04, 12:14 PM	The githzerai are native to Warrior's Rest. Originally posted by smashthedean i have a question concerning the forgotten realms cosmology. i hear there is going to be some information about this in the upcoming PGtF and i was wondering specifically if the githzerai have a place in the realms. would their monasteries just be relocated to a chaotic nuetral plane instead of limbo? i was wondering because i have a character who is a githzerai monk in a FR campaign and i don't really know how to come up with a complete backstory for him knowing how the FR cosmology is totally different than the great wheel cosmology in which all of the information about the githzerai is based in. thanks for any help you can give.
WotC_RichBaker 03-04-04, 12:17 PM	At one point we considered a "sliding scale" where the level adjustment would vary by the spell's normal duration. However, in the end we just went with +6 levels. So, it works the same as it always did, the cost is just two levels higher than before. Originally posted by Reverse Gravity Mr. Baker, I'm intrigued how Persistent Spell might have changed with the 3.5 version in PGtFR. Any insight you can share on this? With the 3.5 reduction in spell durations this seems like quite the metamgic feat now. Does it still increase spell durations to 24 hours?
Razz 03-04-04, 12:26 PM	Question, why is it that if one wanted to use the Core Cosmology for their FR Campaign that a list providing which plane resides on which Core Cosmology Plane wasn't given? I'm pretty sure not many would use the FR Cosmology as is considering the large fan-base there is for Planescape and that every campaign is connected to each other through the Core Cosmology.
J. Grenemyer 03-04-04, 01:44 PM	Hello Razz, Originally posted by Razz Question, why is it that if one wanted to use the Core Cosmology for their FR Campaign that a list providing which plane resides on which Core Cosmology Plane wasn't given? Planar matchups between the Torrilian Cosmology and its closest Great Wheel counterparts can be found on the Manual of the Planes FaQ, available as a free download on the Wizard's FaQ Page (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/er/20030221a). :D
Kuje31 03-04-04, 03:22 PM	Hello Mr Baker, Can you explain why in the FAQ, the Sage said, "The D&D game, however, requires that clerics of racial deities be the correct race (see page 31 in the Player’s Handbook), and the FORGOTTEN REALMS setting has no rule contravening that. So, you could have a human paladin of a dwarf deity or a human druid of an elf deity, but you could not have a human cleric of a dwarf or elf deity." Why are clerics so restricted then? All divine casters in FR get thier powers from the gods. What makes clerics so left out? It seems a silly and dumb rule that the nature gods of the Seldarine would allow a human druid and a human ranger but not a human nature cleric. Or that the halfling nature deities would allow the same but not allow human nature clerics, etc.
Dracnor_the_dwarf 03-05-04, 05:44 AM	sorry if this is a repost, Question really, Eleven casters do they require 8 hours sleep or their standard amount to recharge their mind.. bards, sorcers etc.. cheers Dracnor the Dwarf
Dracnor_the_dwarf 03-05-04, 05:44 AM	sorry double post... Also this might be the wrong place to ask this, but Tivertion in cormyr, where will we find out what happened there??? is it a suppliment or a book?? Cheers
Gez 03-05-04, 06:34 AM	Originally posted by Kuje31 Hello Mr Baker, Can you explain why in the FAQ, the Sage said, "The D&D game, however, requires that clerics of racial deities be the correct race (see page 31 in the Player's Handbook), and the FORGOTTEN REALMS setting has no rule contravening that. So, you could have a human paladin of a dwarf deity or a human druid of an elf deity, but you could not have a human cleric of a dwarf or elf deity." Why are clerics so restricted then? All divine casters in FR get thier powers from the gods. What makes clerics so left out? It seems a silly and dumb rule that the nature gods of the Seldarine would allow a human druid and a human ranger but not a human nature cleric. Or that the halfling nature deities would allow the same but not allow human nature clerics, etc. It's even sillier when you bring in reincarnation. How to get a cleric to lose all of his powers: kill him, then reincarnate him. By the way, that rule ("The D&D game, however, requires that clerics of racial deities be the correct race (see page 31 in the Player's Handbook") make no sense. Because in the D&D game, you don't need to have a god to be a cleric. So, you can be a cleric of Moradin, and even if your spells would not be granted by Moradin, they would be granted your faith. When you think about it, this premise even negates the need to obey the one-step rule.
Corran 03-05-04, 07:01 AM	Forsaken House The Last Mythal Book 1 by Richard Baker Forsaken House is the first title in a new trilogy chronicling the tempestuous return of an isolated society of elves to the mainland of the Forgotten Realms world. http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/frnovel/965620000 Hadn't seen that info here yet. ;-)
Cunning Linguist 03-05-04, 07:41 AM	The Last Mythal Book 1 yes, about this book, is it about Fey'ri or about the return of Myth Adofaer? (or both for that matter)
Dargoth 03-05-04, 08:00 AM	Originally posted by Cunning Linguist yes, about this book, is it about Fey'ri or about the return of Myth Adofaer? (or both for that matter) you know I really hope it doesnt involve the return of Myth Adofaer, the "Lost city returns to faerun" is endanger of becoming a Cliche. we've already had Shade and Deep Imaskar, a third returning city would be quite frankly to much
Cunning Linguist 03-05-04, 08:04 AM	I think it could even things out if the elves got some of there power back. Right now only super human magic has returned, and elves are still as weak as they have been the last few hundred years.
WotC_RichBaker 03-05-04, 12:54 PM	Short answer: No, I can't easily explain it. IMC, you'd have to propose a darn good explanation why your character worships the deity of another race--I wouldn't distinguish between clerics, druids, paladins, or whatever. I'm sure Skip had a good reason, though. Originally posted by Kuje31 Hello Mr Baker, Can you explain why in the FAQ, the Sage said, "The D&D game, however, requires that clerics of racial deities be the correct race (see page 31 in the Player’s Handbook), and the FORGOTTEN REALMS setting has no rule contravening that. So, you could have a human paladin of a dwarf deity or a human druid of an elf deity, but you could not have a human cleric of a dwarf or elf deity." Why are clerics so restricted then? All divine casters in FR get thier powers from the gods. What makes clerics so left out? It seems a silly and dumb rule that the nature gods of the Seldarine would allow a human druid and a human ranger but not a human nature cleric. Or that the halfling nature deities would allow the same but not allow human nature clerics, etc.
WotC_RichBaker 03-05-04, 12:55 PM	Yes, they need 8 hours' rest, even though they don't really sleep. Originally posted by Dracnor_the_dwarf sorry if this is a repost, Question really, Eleven casters do they require 8 hours sleep or their standard amount to recharge their mind.. bards, sorcers etc.. cheers Dracnor the Dwarf
WotC_RichBaker 03-05-04, 12:56 PM	The explanation for what happened in Tilverton can be found in Troy Denning's "Return of the Archwizards" novel trilogy, which came out a couple of years ago. Originally posted by Dracnor_the_dwarf sorry double post... Also this might be the wrong place to ask this, but Tivertion in cormyr, where will we find out what happened there??? is it a suppliment or a book?? Cheers
WotC_RichBaker 03-05-04, 01:03 PM	I wish they'd run that catalog copy by me, because it doesn't really describe what the story is about. In any event, "The Last Mythal" has nothing to do with Myth Adofhaer (I too feel that the returning-city motif has run as far as it needs to go). "Forsaken House" is about the daemonfey, the war they unleash on the elven people of the North, the search for a counter to their deadly sorcery, and the launching of a great crusade from Evermeet to stop them. Originally posted by Corran Forsaken House The Last Mythal Book 1 by Richard Baker Forsaken House is the first title in a new trilogy chronicling the tempestuous return of an isolated society of elves to the mainland of the Forgotten Realms world. http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/frnovel/965620000 Hadn't seen that info here yet. ;-)
AskaniSage 03-05-04, 04:26 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker "Forsaken House" is about the daemonfey, the war they unleash on the elven people of the North, the search for a counter to their deadly sorcery, and the launching of a great crusade from Evermeet to stop them. Wow that sounds VERY cool. The poor elves they "never" get a break. Everyone is always attacking them. I am hoping the 1st preview of the Player's Guide to Faerun is the complete prestige class for the Hathan. I am currently playing a Witch in my campaign. The changes you mentioned about the prestige class sound great. I never liked the original version of the Hathan cause it seemed so weak especially compared to the Durathan. Most of the Hathan spells were just plain "dumb" like Scatterspray (always disliked that spell). It was also a pain to have to take 3 levels in BOTH dvine & arcane. Also once a Hathan left Rashemen, they were just like any other spellcaster. Kinda made the prestige class useless for a traveling Hathan. Do the Hathan get some new decent spells? I am really looking forward to the new Hathan.
The Livewire 03-05-04, 06:59 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker "Forsaken House" is about the daemonfey, the war they unleash on the elven people of the North, the search for a counter to their deadly sorcery, and the launching of a great crusade from Evermeet to stop them. Oh yes.... Ironically I'm running a game that has a similar plot. Though I doubt yours involves a stargate, and a revamped Dragon Magazine classic. :D Something else to drool over. Pity it's paperback. Harbacks are more durable. Anyway enough fanboying.... 3.5 Fey'ri magic or cold iron DR?
Misyrr 03-06-04, 02:44 AM	Mister Baker, There has been a general outcry for (I refuse to use the term "fluff" as it seems to have derogatory connotations) what makes the Realms the campaign setting that we all love. The details! People on the boards crave good old fashioned Realmslore. New spells and magic items are occasionally fun, but I'm of mind that they should be done more like the older materials with vivid descriptions and histories involved... Have the designers taken note of these things? I know it's really up to those that've been labeled "bean-counters" but is there nothing that can be done? It just seems that the Realms are falling apart... If people want to use something from a Realms product they SHOULD have to dig through all the good Realmslore to find it, otherwise why put the logo on it at all? I'd like to know where the current designers stand in all of this. Do they prefer the current way product are being handled or would they like more detailed content with less Prestige Classes, spells, et cetera as well?
jsaving 03-06-04, 03:56 PM	If Wizards pared down the content of interest to average gamers, fewer FR products would be produced and fewer FR designers would be employed. Like it or not, much of the 'fluff' we know and love wouldn't exist but for the average gamers who endure it solely because it's accompanied by the 'crunchy' bits they enjoy. So by including more content of interest to average gamers, we all win -- don't we? I too would be interested to hear the designers' view on this...
Dargoth 03-07-04, 07:31 AM	Rich 1) In the PGTF team interview James W mentions that quite alot of extra info went into the planar section PGTF than was origionally intended. How big is the Cosmology section now? I believe you said 14 odd pages a couple of months ago, has this changed? 2) Any idea when or in what format we'll see the Monster that where cut from the book? I noticed with some interest that the art for the monster was included in PGTF gallery even though they'd been cut from the book 3) Travis mentioned hes working on another FR project, presumable the third trimester product you mentioned last month, any idea when that will be announced? (yes I readily admit Im greedy I havent even got the PGTF yet and Im already hitting you up for info for a product due out 8 odd months from now) :D 4) Lastly do you have any idea how I could put myself into a coma for 10-14 days? The wait for PGTF is killing me!
jsaving 03-07-04, 09:12 AM	Several of the new prestige classes can only be taken by worshippers of a specific deity (like the morninglord). Is this purely a 'flavor' issue or are there mechanical reasons why other clerics shouldn't be allowed to take them? Similarly, are there any balance problems with mixing and matching those prestige classes (for example with a cleric who levels up as a morninglord and then as a justicar)? Portfolios do sometimes change hands in the Realms so this question might come up in more than one campaign. And, I assume initiate feats similarly have deity requirements. Are there any balance problems with letting someone take more than one of those (for example being an initiate of Lathander and an initiate of nature), or are those restrictions purely for flavor? Thanks.
Razz 03-07-04, 10:25 AM	Oh the loooooong wait for Player's Guide to Faerun release inching by ever so slowly...just 4 more days! :D
WotC_RichBaker 03-08-04, 12:36 PM	Looks like 10/magic... although cold iron would have worked, too. Originally posted by The Livewire Oh yes.... Ironically I'm running a game that has a similar plot. Though I doubt yours involves a stargate, and a revamped Dragon Magazine classic. :D Something else to drool over. Pity it's paperback. Harbacks are more durable. Anyway enough fanboying.... 3.5 Fey'ri magic or cold iron DR?
WotC_RichBaker 03-08-04, 12:43 PM	First of all, don't use the Player's Guide to Faerun as a barometer for the whole line; it's deliberately uber-crunchy, because it had to address many "crunchy" artifacts of the change from 3.0 to 3.5. On the other hand, I think Underdark and Unapproachable East are good examples of products that offer a mix of crunch and fluff. We're not likely to get too much "fluffier" than those books. I like both books, because they each introduce lots of good Realmslore to go with the interesting mechanical options. The remaining books in 2004, and at least two of the books we're working on for 2005, are very much along those lines. Myself, I like the U-East and Underdark format. The percentage of crunch and fluff could vary somewhat, but otherwise it's a good format. Originally posted by Misyrr Mister Baker, There has been a general outcry for (I refuse to use the term "fluff" as it seems to have derogatory connotations) what makes the Realms the campaign setting that we all love. The details! People on the boards crave good old fashioned Realmslore. New spells and magic items are occasionally fun, but I'm of mind that they should be done more like the older materials with vivid descriptions and histories involved... Have the designers taken note of these things? I know it's really up to those that've been labeled "bean-counters" but is there nothing that can be done? It just seems that the Realms are falling apart... If people want to use something from a Realms product they SHOULD have to dig through all the good Realmslore to find it, otherwise why put the logo on it at all? I'd like to know where the current designers stand in all of this. Do they prefer the current way product are being handled or would they like more detailed content with less Prestige Classes, spells, et cetera as well?
WotC_RichBaker 03-08-04, 12:49 PM	1. Looks like 24 pages in the printed book (I've got a copy). 2. Yes, it will be an early 2005 product. We did manage to add some extra monster conversions to the FR monster conversion web feature that will be posting soon, so any critters that were going to be converted/redone in the PGtoF will have some "placeholder" info in that supplement. 3. Yeah, Travis is working on that early 2005 book. 4. I have some ideas, but I'm pretty sure our corporate attorneys don't want me offering pointers. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich 1) In the PGTF team interview James W mentions that quite alot of extra info went into the planar section PGTF than was origionally intended. How big is the Cosmology section now? I believe you said 14 odd pages a couple of months ago, has this changed? 2) Any idea when or in what format we'll see the Monster that where cut from the book? I noticed with some interest that the art for the monster was included in PGTF gallery even though they'd been cut from the book 3) Travis mentioned hes working on another FR project, presumable the third trimester product you mentioned last month, any idea when that will be announced? (yes I readily admit Im greedy I havent even got the PGTF yet and Im already hitting you up for info for a product due out 8 odd months from now) :D 4) Lastly do you have any idea how I could put myself into a coma for 10-14 days? The wait for PGTF is killing me!
WotC_RichBaker 03-08-04, 12:54 PM	I suppose the only mechanical reason is that you can only be a cleric of one deity at a time. To tell the truth, it never entered my head that a cleric might pick up a few levels in morninglord and then say, "OK, now I'm ready to ditch Lathander." Other than that, they're all cleric prestige classes, so it's not any more dangerous than someone picking up levels in warpriest, divine disciple, and consecrated harrier. Same thing for the Initiate feats. I think there is a mechanical shut-down on taking more than one; if you have a feat that you no longer qualify for, you can't use it. So, if you got to Strength 13 with a Strength +2 item, and then you lost your magic item, you couldn't use your Power Attack any more. Ditto with the initiate feats. Changing patron deities should make the old feat unavailable, IMO. Originally posted by jsaving Several of the new prestige classes can only be taken by worshippers of a specific deity (like the morninglord). Is this purely a 'flavor' issue or are there mechanical reasons why other clerics shouldn't be allowed to take them? Similarly, are there any balance problems with mixing and matching those prestige classes (for example with a cleric who levels up as a morninglord and then as a justicar)? Portfolios do sometimes change hands in the Realms so this question might come up in more than one campaign. And, I assume initiate feats similarly have deity requirements. Are there any balance problems with letting someone take more than one of those (for example being an initiate of Lathander and an initiate of nature), or are those restrictions purely for flavor? Thanks.
Dargoth 03-08-04, 05:33 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker 1. Looks like 24 pages in the printed book (I've got a copy). 2. Yes, it will be an early 2005 product. We did manage to add some extra monster conversions to the FR monster conversion web feature that will be posting soon, so any critters that were going to be converted/redone in the PGtoF will have some "placeholder" info in that supplement. 3. Yeah, Travis is working on that early 2005 book. 4. I have some ideas, but I'm pretty sure our corporate attorneys don't want me offering pointers. 1: Good news 2: Good and what could be horriable news, 2005? Does this mean there are only going to be 2 FR books this year? or are we still getting a regional supplement this year? New question 1: Is Travis book the "Lost civilization" source book you mentioned earlier this year?
The Livewire 03-08-04, 08:36 PM	With the comment that Psionics aren't part of the weave, and that psions carry their own weave *does the happy dance* I understand that psionics doesn't work in an AMS, will it work in a dead magic zone? At least as of 2E the DMZ were the result of an 'absence of weave' there. The Psion brings his own. :angel:
Elereth_Berantor 03-08-04, 10:17 PM	Can you give us a hint as to what area of Faerun the next regional suppliment might be in? (Lands of Intrigue, Lands of Intrigue, please please please)
jsaving 03-08-04, 10:21 PM	I ask because portfolios shift from time to time, both in the official FR history and in individual FR campaigns. This could produce a situation where more than one "specialty priest" would be appropriate for the same deity, for example an older and wiser Lathander embracing both justicars and morninglords, or an older and widowed Chauntea accepting initiates of nature and of her late husband Lathander, etc. (I list these two examples because they are two possible ways my own campaign may evolve, though there are surely other futures where this issue might come into play.) There will also surely be many Greyhawk players who use the crunchy bits from PGtF without requiring their clerics to worship a particular deity. For them as well, it will be important to know whether there's anything inherently unbalancing about taking two initiate feats or two specialty priest classes, since they'll probably go ahead and do it unless they have a specific admonition to the contrary. Originally posted by Richard Baker I suppose the only mechanical reason is that you can only be a cleric of one deity at a time. To tell the truth, it never entered my head that a cleric might pick up a few levels in morninglord and then say, "OK, now I'm ready to ditch Lathander." Other than that, they're all cleric prestige classes, so it's not any more dangerous than someone picking up levels in warpriest, divine disciple, and consecrated harrier. Same thing for the Initiate feats. I think there is a mechanical shut-down on taking more than one; if you have a feat that you no longer qualify for, you can't use it. So, if you got to Strength 13 with a Strength +2 item, and then you lost your magic item, you couldn't use your Power Attack any more. Ditto with the initiate feats. Changing patron deities should make the old feat unavailable, IMO.
J. Grenemyer 03-09-04, 03:17 AM	Hello Mr. Baker! Since you seem to have a good deal of experience working with rules for monsters, I hope you can lend some help in answering this FR related rules question: Are any of the various Ghost Abilities of a Doomsphere (as detailed in Monsters of Faerûn on page 88 of that book) classified as “negative energy effects,” such that a spell like Deathward would stop them? I ask only because a Cleric in the FR campaign I run was hit by the Chill Ray ability (from the Doomsphere in CotSQ) while her Deathward was active. I ruled the ray did effect her, since “negative energy” was not in the Chill Touch description, but have since reconsidered. My confusion stems from the fact that I can’t exactly tell whether or not a “ray of cold light” qualifies as a Negative Energy Effect, especially since the later term seems vague with regard to the creature abilities possessed by Undead. As always, thanks very much for answering all of our questions! I eagerly await whichever new FR book that will feature the creature entries that were cut from the PGtF. :D
Razz 03-09-04, 10:03 AM	Originally posted by Elereth_Berantor Can you give us a hint as to what area of Faerun the next regional suppliment might be in? (Lands of Intrigue, Lands of Intrigue, please please please) I hope its Lands of Intrigue, I want Tethyr, Amn, and freaking Calimshan already!
WotC_RichBaker 03-09-04, 01:39 PM	Yes, I would say that psionics ought to work in a dead magic zone. Antimagic fields must cut off spellcasting/psionic use in a different manner than dead magic zones. Originally posted by The Livewire With the comment that Psionics aren't part of the weave, and that psions carry their own weave *does the happy dance* I understand that psionics doesn't work in an AMS, will it work in a dead magic zone? At least as of 2E the DMZ were the result of an 'absence of weave' there. The Psion brings his own. :angel:
WotC_RichBaker 03-09-04, 01:44 PM	Sorry, I don't think the chill ray counts as negative energy. It's ability damage. However, the enervation ability is negative energy. Originally posted by J. Grenemyer Hello Mr. Baker! Since you seem to have a good deal of experience working with rules for monsters, I hope you can lend some help in answering this FR related rules question: Are any of the various Ghost Abilities of a Doomsphere (as detailed in Monsters of Faerûn on page 88 of that book) classified as “negative energy effects,” such that a spell like Deathward would stop them? I ask only because a Cleric in the FR campaign I run was hit by the Chill Ray ability (from the Doomsphere in CotSQ) while her Deathward was active. I ruled the ray did effect her, since “negative energy” was not in the Chill Touch description, but have since reconsidered. My confusion stems from the fact that I can’t exactly tell whether or not a “ray of cold light” qualifies as a Negative Energy Effect, especially since the later term seems vague with regard to the creature abilities possessed by Undead. As always, thanks very much for answering all of our questions! I eagerly await whichever new FR book that will feature the creature entries that were cut from the PGtF. :D
Tempus665 03-09-04, 02:00 PM	Mr. Baker, in the Faerûnian cosmology, is there a plane that can be substituted for the Outlands? Whether yes or no, would it be really difficult/strange to place the Outlands somewhere in the Faerûnian cosmology?
Razz 03-09-04, 02:14 PM	3 more days till it's release! :D
biomante 03-09-04, 03:11 PM	Does the attune gem feat has any modifications? The monsters that didn't make the cut will appear in another book or in a web enhancement? About how many NPCs got a make-over? Thanks
Zanan 03-10-04, 09:44 AM	Vendui! A question with regard to the 3RE's "Monk's Belt". It says in its description ... If the character is not a monk, she gains the AC and unarmed damage of a 5th-level monk. This AC bonus functions just like the monk’s AC bonus. ... and I wonder whether this refers to the full monk's "AC Bonus", which does include the Wisdom modifier as well? If the latter holds true, such a piece of equipment would come in very handy for rogues or arcane sepellcasters with a decent Wis score, wouldn't it?
Monsoon28 03-10-04, 11:22 AM	Hi my question is on the Spellcasting Prodigy feat. I've read on another site www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=11615 that the feat would only give a bonus spell and no longer grant an increase to DC. Is this true? Wouldn't this defeat the flavour of being a prodigy? As well, it would now be useless to every class except the Wizard. Thanks you.
Armedes 03-10-04, 11:29 AM	Originally posted by Monsoon28 Hi my question is on the Spellcasting Prodigy feat. I've read on another site www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=11615 that the feat would only give a bonus spell and no longer grant an increase to DC. Is this true? Wouldn't this defeat the flavour of being a prodigy? As well, it would now be useless to every class except the Wizard. Thanks you. Why would it be considered useless to every class except the wizard. your Spellcasting stat is goes up. So you still get bonus spell(s) from it.
Monsoon28 03-10-04, 11:51 AM	I was thinking of it as bonus starting spells, as in spells a wizard's spellbook would start with.
WotC_RichBaker 03-10-04, 01:02 PM	1. No. 2. Yes. We're planning on including them in an early 2005 product. It was the first product that was really appropriate for 'em. 3. None. We didn't revise NPCs in the Player's Guide. Clearly, many FRCS NPCs are now in need of some modest 3.5ing, but I don't want to fill new sourcebooks with that info. Might be a good web feature at some point. Originally posted by biomante Does the attune gem feat has any modifications? The monsters that didn't make the cut will appear in another book or in a web enhancement? About how many NPCs got a make-over? Thanks
WotC_RichBaker 03-10-04, 01:06 PM	My snap answer is that you only get the AC bonus on the chart, not the Wisdom add. But you should ask on the D&D core boards. Originally posted by Zanan Vendui! A question with regard to the 3RE's "Monk's Belt". It says in its description ... If the character is not a monk, she gains the AC and unarmed damage of a 5th-level monk. This AC bonus functions just like the monk’s AC bonus. ... and I wonder whether this refers to the full monk's "AC Bonus", which does include the Wisdom modifier as well? If the latter holds true, such a piece of equipment would come in very handy for rogues or arcane sepellcasters with a decent Wis score, wouldn't it?
WotC_RichBaker 03-10-04, 01:13 PM	Sigh. You can measure how broken a feat was by the number of people who take offense when you change it... OK, I know I've said this before on this thread, so this is the last time: Spellcasting Prodigy: For the purposes of determining bonus spells, treat the ability score that controls your spellcasting as 2 points higher than its actual value. That's the 3.5 version, that's all it does. What it means is that a low-level character will probably *not* gain any immediate benefit, since he's already getting a bonus 1st-level spell for having an Int of 12 or better... unless he actually has a spellcasting score of 18 or 19, in which case this feat will wind up giving him *2* bonus 1st-level spells, instead of 1. I kind of like the notion that to be a real prodigy (or at least, to get real benefit from this feat) you need to have a very high spellcasting ability score. Even if you don't have Int or Cha 18 to start with, you'll find times when you like having this feat, most likely around 9th or 11th level, when you might pick up a bonus 5th or 6th level spell you otherwise wouldn't have gotten. At higher levels, this feat has a good chance of giving you two bonus spells--one at your highest level of spellcasting, and another down in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level areas. Look at Table 1-1 in the PHB. Originally posted by Monsoon28 Hi my question is on the Spellcasting Prodigy feat. I've read on another site www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=11615 that the feat would only give a bonus spell and no longer grant an increase to DC. Is this true? Wouldn't this defeat the flavour of being a prodigy? As well, it would now be useless to every class except the Wizard. Thanks you.
Razz 03-10-04, 01:56 PM	2 DAYS!! :D
Monsoon28 03-10-04, 01:57 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Sigh. You can measure how broken a feat was by the number of people who take offense when you change it... I'm sorry I did not mean to sound like I was taking offence, as stated previously I was confused with the bonus spell. Thinking that this was an extra spell in the spellbook which would have benefited bard's back in 3.0 as well. (I've only used it with one character, ever. ) Just my initial read on it was that the feat had become totally pointless, I stand corrected. :turkey:
Gez 03-10-04, 02:18 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Sigh. You can measure how broken a feat was by the number of people who take offense when you change it... OK, I know I've said this before on this thread, so this is the last time: Spellcasting Prodigy: For the purposes of determining bonus spells, treat the ability score that controls your spellcasting as 2 points higher than its actual value. That's the 3.5 version, that's all it does. All? Just to be a pest and burry you under yet another SCP question, why doesn't it also the highest level of spells you can cast? As in, a 15-level wizard with Int 16 gets 7th and 8th spell slots, but can only cast spells of levels 0 to 6, and no higher. In 3.0 SCP was useful for monster spellcaster NPCs. Like the bullywug cleric. With their racial -4 Wisdom (maximum starting Wis: 12, according to that chart in the DMG), it was hard to have an effective mid-to-high level bullywug cleric. With SCP, he could cast spells worthy of his cleric level. Another possible use of SCP as a way of getting access to higher level spells is for a Mystic Theurge, as it is kinda hard to get two stats up to 19+ (magic items nonwithstanding).
canibus 03-10-04, 03:40 PM	Already posted this on a thread of it's own and I thought it was worth posting in here also for a more official answer.. On page 161 of the book "Underdark" in the section about Menzoberanzan, it states those characters in the important character list: -Gromph (Currently Missing) -Jarlaxle (Leader of Bregan Daerthe) -Dyrr (Real power behind House Dyrr) I know what happened to Gromph and Dyrr, but last time I checked Jarlaxle should not be in Menzo considering Kimmuriel is now the Bregan Daerthe Leader eversince "The Crystal Shard". So I'd like to have some clarifications on this statement in "Underdark". If I missed Jarlaxle's comeback to the underdark I'd like it if someone could point me to when it happened. Thanks.
Dargoth 03-10-04, 06:10 PM	Originally posted by Razz 2 DAYS!! :D Where? Everyone seems to be saying in wont be out till the 19th
Dargoth 03-10-04, 10:06 PM	Hey Rich Got a suggstion for the Waterdeep expansion A while ago you said that you'd be putting the mini adventures back into future FR regional source books ala Silver Marches, which brings me to my suggestion how about converting the 5 Mere of Dead men modules included in Dungeon Magazine 69-73 to 3.5 and either putting them in the source book or turning the modules into a web ehancement for the source book? well just a sugestion
Misyrr 03-11-04, 01:39 AM	Originally posted by Dargoth well just a sugestion I'll second that suggestion, it's a great (but tough) series of adventures and would be easy to convert.
AskaniSage 03-12-04, 12:23 AM	Since it seems like the PGTF is gonna be delayed maybe another week, I had a few questions about the new updated Hathan. 1) Are they still only gonna get D4 for hps? 2) Do they still get the separate spell list? Do they get any news that that are NOT on any other spell lists? 3) How come you have to be a higher level caster now then 3.0? I like that you can either have divine OR arcane. Before you could get the class at 7th but now it would take at least 8th lvl character to get it. Is it because they have more abilities? 4) What are some of the new abilities do they get beside the Cause Fear thing & Cohort? The Witches are my favorite so I can't wait to get this book. Too bad it got delayed..... :(
Cernunnos 03-12-04, 12:46 AM	Since nobody else has asked: What web enhancements will we be see for PGtF? I saw one mention already of a monster conversion chart. Will you be throwing up any more stuff that was cut? And while I'm on the subject... we know web enhancements are a great way to snag stuff that was cut from the final product. Just how much was cut out of PGtF? And does the management ever come down and say "you can't publish xxx in a web enhancement" for any reason? Always been curious as to just how much all-but-finished stuff never comes our way ;) And for all of you that are asking: Serpent Kingdoms (unless something has changed) will be the next regional book (release date should still be around July). And there is a Waterdeep book in the works (slated for Fall 2005), and a "Ruined Empires" (NOT Old Empires) book that is still in the nascent stages. How is work progressing on Serpent Kingdoms? Any other tidbits you can tease us with? Are the sarrukh still in it? And any more FR products in the pipeline/being considered?
Pystian 03-12-04, 03:38 AM	Thanks again for being so cool and answering our questions despite our occasional apparent ingratitude. Your time and efforts are appreciated, I guarantee it. When will we know for sure that the section on Saurials has been cut (I appologize if I sound a little pessimistic)? Any chance that info could be made available as a web enhancement?
Monsoon28 03-12-04, 04:44 AM	Heya! Question on Serpent Kingdoms, will this include any realms changing events from Smedman's Vemon's Taste? If you're allowed to talk about it that is ;)
Razz 03-12-04, 10:09 AM	Originally posted by Dargoth Where? Everyone seems to be saying in wont be out till the 19th Yeah, I just noticed that today. Someone said that some stores were releasing it on the 12th. :( Damn it, I wish WotC would make sure their products were released at the BEGINNING of the month and not the END. Do they have any idea that my days get longer and longer as the release date nears? I think they need to stop announcing new products until the month it actually comes out.
WotC_RichBaker 03-12-04, 12:19 PM	Sorry, I'm not going to give you any more info on the hathrans. The book'll be out any darn day, you'll be able to see for yourself. Originally posted by AskaniSage Since it seems like the PGTF is gonna be delayed maybe another week, I had a few questions about the new updated Hathan. 1) Are they still only gonna get D4 for hps? 2) Do they still get the separate spell list? Do they get any news that that are NOT on any other spell lists? 3) How come you have to be a higher level caster now then 3.0? I like that you can either have divine OR arcane. Before you could get the class at 7th but now it would take at least 8th lvl character to get it. Is it because they have more abilities? 4) What are some of the new abilities do they get beside the Cause Fear thing & Cohort? The Witches are my favorite so I can't wait to get this book. Too bad it got delayed..... :(
Mirtek 03-12-04, 12:23 PM	The PgtF is out and avaible in Germany since today :bounce:
WotC_RichBaker 03-12-04, 12:30 PM	The only web enhancement I know of is the monster conversion appendix. Other stuff that was cut out of the Player's Guide included a race chapter, the monster chapter, a couple of prestige classes, and some Vile Darkness-like content (FR-specific fiend lords and elder evils). The race chapter probably won't come to light, because on examining it again, we realized that it was really pretty redundant with the FRCS and Races of Faerun. The monster chapter will be included in its entirety in an early 2005 product. At least one of the prestige classes (the Master Transmogrifist) found its way into a 3rd trimester core D&D product, which I can't quite talk about yet. The fiend lords (including Bazim-Gorag) will make it into a mid-2005 FR product. Serpent Kingdoms is pretty much done with editing. I know the sarrukh are still in it, but I couldn't tell you much otherwise (I haven't seen the developed, drastically cut down to fit, edited manuscript yet). Originally posted by Cernunnos Since nobody else has asked: What web enhancements will we be see for PGtF? I saw one mention already of a monster conversion chart. Will you be throwing up any more stuff that was cut? And while I'm on the subject... we know web enhancements are a great way to snag stuff that was cut from the final product. Just how much was cut out of PGtF? And does the management ever come down and say "you can't publish xxx in a web enhancement" for any reason? Always been curious as to just how much all-but-finished stuff never comes our way ;) And for all of you that are asking: Serpent Kingdoms (unless something has changed) will be the next regional book (release date should still be around July). And there is a Waterdeep book in the works (slated for Fall 2005), and a "Ruined Empires" (NOT Old Empires) book that is still in the nascent stages. How is work progressing on Serpent Kingdoms? Any other tidbits you can tease us with? Are the sarrukh still in it? And any more FR products in the pipeline/being considered?
Wooly Rupert 03-12-04, 12:37 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker At least one of the prestige classes (the Master Transmogrifist) found its way into a 3rd trimester core D&D product, which I can't quite talk about yet. Hmm, it sounds like something along the lines of Complete Warrior, but for arcane spellslingers!
Mirtek 03-12-04, 12:40 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker (FR-specific fiend lords and elder evils). Wow, that's really sad to hear. :( This has absolutely to make it's way into an web enhancement or into an article on the WotC homepage.
Bocklin 03-12-04, 02:11 PM	Originally posted by Mirtek The PgtF is out and avaible in Germany since today Hi Mirtek! Where exactly do you live? Where did you get it? I am in Berlin and if you know of a place there that sells the book, I'd be happy to hear about it!! I had placed an order on Amazon.de but they still announce it for "April" and did not send it yet... :-( My nerves are cracking!! Thanks for any tip you could give! Schöne Grüße, Stéphane
Mirtek 03-12-04, 03:00 PM	Originally posted by Bocklin Where exactly do you live? Where did you get it? I am in Berlin and if you know of a place there that sells the book, I'd be happy to hear about it!! I had placed an order on Amazon.de but they still announce it for "April" and did not send it yet... :-( Don't know how widely it's avaible, but at least Dragonworld (shop in Hamburg) has it on stock and did sell it today. Look at the boards at dnd-gate.de, there are at least two people there who already have their PGtF (one of them from Dragonworld) I did preorder at Dragonworld and got the confirmation that my PgtF has left their store this morning (so I am expecting it tomorrow)
AskaniSage 03-12-04, 03:02 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Sorry, I'm not going to give you any more info on the hathrans. The book'll be out any darn day, you'll be able to see for yourself. Sorry I asked so many questions. My sincerest apologies. I am just so excited to get ahold of the book since I knew a year ago that it was coming out. Anything with the Witches involved I can't wait to get ahold of. I do wanna thank you Rich for all the sneak peeks you give us. I really do appreciate it & I know you don't always get the thanks you deserve.
Gez 03-12-04, 04:25 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker At least one of the prestige classes (the Master Transmogrifist) found its way into a 3rd trimester core D&D product, which I can't quite talk about yet. Fear my elite intel-fu skills! (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=2589464#post2589464) :D http://www.wizards.com/global/images/mtgcom_daily_af1_picMain_en.jpg Originally posted by mdonais There are 2 sketches pinned up behind me. One is of the cool new Eberron race, warforged. The other is a prestige class from Complete Arcane called master transmogrifist (which I was the lead developer for). That said, the sneaky-peek/teasing factor is quite low. The sk etches are so small on that photo they're nearly meaningless. And I guess the Master Transfmogrifist one is the one partially hidden by Mike's pesky shoulder. ;)
Garen Thal 03-12-04, 05:18 PM	Originally posted by Gez That said, the sneaky-peek/teasing factor is quite low. The sk etches are so small on that photo they're nearly meaningless. And I guess the Master Transfmogrifist one is the one partially hidden by Mike's pesky shoulder. ;) [/B] Indeed. It's a shame we can't find the portait (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/pgtf_gallery/78851.jpg) for the master transmogrifist anywhere, like in the art gallery (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ag/20040306a) for the book (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/fracc/886470000) from which it was cut.
Razz 03-12-04, 06:15 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker At least one of the prestige classes (the Master Transmogrifist) found its way into a 3rd trimester core D&D product, which I can't quite talk about yet. The Complete Arcane, we know already Rich. :D
Misyrr 03-12-04, 11:21 PM	Mister Baker, I'm currently playing an evil cleric of Bane in a campaign one of my regular players had decided to run. One of the domains I decided on was the hatred domain. I'm guessing the the domains will be updated in the Player's Guide to Faerûn. Seeing as how that won't be out here until the 19th (apparently?) and the campaign begins Sunday, I'd be most appreciative if you could tell me what the 4th level domain spell choice for the hatred domain is.
Purple Dragon Knight 03-13-04, 05:13 AM	Originally posted by Mirtek Wow, that's really sad to hear. :( This has absolutely to make it's way into an web enhancement or into an article on the WotC homepage. On the contrary! the fiend lords have been CUT DOWN!!! this is a glorious day for the forces of good!!
Xyr 03-13-04, 06:34 AM	hi Rich, short question to the Twin Sword Style Feat from FRCS/PGtF, will this feat support the elven thinblade and elven lightblade from Complete Warrior? I self said no, but my player will have a answer from a offical designer.
Pystian 03-13-04, 09:10 PM	So since the Serpent Kingdom´s final contents have already been decided, you could theoretically tell us already whether or not the Saurials article made the cut? I´d really appreciate it if you did. And thanks for all the bones you´ve been throwing us.
Razz 03-14-04, 09:45 AM	Mr. Richard Baker: I found a few errors in the latest web enhancement for updated 3.5 monsters in Forgotten Realms: -Damage reduction for Tomb Tappers are not listed -Damage reduction for Demon, Yochlol is not listed -Damage reduction for Drider Vampire should be listed as 10/magic and silver, not 10/magic (as per the Vampire template) Could someone fix these by any chance? Or do you know what was intended as DR for the first two? :D
Israfel666 03-14-04, 01:01 PM	Just dropping in to express my gratitude to Mr. Baker for the time he spends here, as a representative of all the thousands that lurk this thread. Thanks for all the tips, peeks and info you keep providing, oh Lord Rich! :bows:
WotC_RichBaker 03-15-04, 02:09 PM	Song of discord (it's a bard spell in the PH, but it works well for the Hatred domain). Originally posted by Misyrr Mister Baker, I'm currently playing an evil cleric of Bane in a campaign one of my regular players had decided to run. One of the domains I decided on was the hatred domain. I'm guessing the the domains will be updated in the Player's Guide to Faerûn. Seeing as how that won't be out here until the 19th (apparently?) and the campaign begins Sunday, I'd be most appreciative if you could tell me what the 4th level domain spell choice for the hatred domain is.
WotC_RichBaker 03-15-04, 02:21 PM	Good question. A very strict reading of the feat would indicate "no," but I think you could be a little generous and say yes. Someone's paying feats to use those exotic weapons, so I don't think they're "too good." And they seem to fit the Twin Sword thematics. Originally posted by Xyr hi Rich, short question to the Twin Sword Style Feat from FRCS/PGtF, will this feat support the elven thinblade and elven lightblade from Complete Warrior? I self said no, but my player will have a answer from a offical designer.
WotC_RichBaker 03-15-04, 02:22 PM	I'll pass along the comments to the web folks. Originally posted by Razz Mr. Richard Baker: I found a few errors in the latest web enhancement for updated 3.5 monsters in Forgotten Realms: -Damage reduction for Tomb Tappers are not listed -Damage reduction for Demon, Yochlol is not listed -Damage reduction for Drider Vampire should be listed as 10/magic and silver, not 10/magic (as per the Vampire template) Could someone fix these by any chance? Or do you know what was intended as DR for the first two? :D
Kuje31 03-15-04, 02:25 PM	If we are posting possible errors from the updated monster list, how about this one? :) It says typical wizard spells, but none are listed...... In 3.0 they had arcane spells as well...... Banelar: Magical beast; +7/+23; 15 ft./15 ft.; Concentration +15, Diplomacy +13, Intimidate +13, Spot +13, Swim +16; Use Magic Device +13; Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Spell Focus (enchantment); CR 7; LA —. Add darkvision 60 ft. and low-light vision to special qualities. Typical Cleric Spells (5/4/4/3): 0— cure minor wounds, detect magic, guidance, resistance, virtue; 1st— command, cure light wounds, divine favor, entropic shield;2nd— augury, fog cloud, resist energy, silence; 3rd— dispel magic, invisibility purge, searing light. Typical Wizard Spells():
J. Grenemyer 03-15-04, 03:30 PM	Hello, Just wanted to give a great big THANK YOU to Mr. Baker and Mr. Wyatt for their combined work on the v.3.5 Forgotten Realms Monster Update. That web enhancement just made my job a whole heck of a lot easier. Thanks again guys! :D
Zanan 03-15-04, 06:14 PM	Dear Mr. Baker! I am hardly someone who sides with the Orcus-faithful on these boards, but the question will be raised sooner rather than later and I want to know as well ... The Players' Guide lists Orcus among the Archfiends of the Abyss and yet says that there are no deities in the Abyss, just abyssal lords warring with each other. Now, there has been much debate about Orcus' return to the Realms, his divine status and all. He was listed among the Monster Deities in F&P as a Lesser Deity, gets Domains and all, has a cleric in Unapproachable East and receives domains and the ability to grant divine spells at the end of the Players' Guide as well. Yet, this is contrary to the statement saying that there are no deities in the Abyss (including Orcus, Grazz't etc.), that only deities can grant spells in the Realms and divine spellcasters need a spell-granting patron deity anyway. Will we get a special ruling for powerful fiends (etc.) for the Realms in a future book or the like to solve this? Thanks in advance.
cwslyclgh 03-15-04, 08:22 PM	Hey Rich, I just downloaded the PG web enhancement, and I must say I like the 3.5 updates of all of the monsters. There are still a couple problems (most notably ruby golems and curst still have regeneration, which creatures with out CON score can't have). but over all it is a great update resource. Thanks :)
DreadStar 03-16-04, 09:47 AM	Rich As others have pointed out there are more then a few errors in the PGtF WE. Was is just a rough draft or was the WE based on the finished version of PGtF? Is there any chance we will give a fixed version of the WE or a FR monster update in another book?
WotC_RichBaker 03-16-04, 12:58 PM	OK, so here's the deal. We've got a four-step process for producing RPG material: design, development, editing, typesetting. Everything we do competes for those resources. Sometimes those of us working "upstream" have to just have faith that folks working "downstream" will do the best job they can with the time they've got. But not all projects are assigned time on an equal footing. So, something can be designed, but then given minimal (or even no) development time, and then light (or even minimal) editing time (although there's always at least some editing). The FR monster conversion appendix came up against the problem that development resources were "squeezed" when the Player's Guide to Faerun came around. So the PGtoF received a lighter development pass than I would have liked. That meant that something like a web enhancement tied to the book was simply dropped off the developers' priority list. Once we determined that the monster conversion appendix wasn't going to fit in the book anyway, the developers naturally prioritized their work elsewhere. Ditto the editors (although the appendix did receive some editing through the auspices of our web team). To summarize: We didn't have the resources to get it 100% right, but we didn't want this valuable material to go unpublished. So we got it as right as we could in the time we had. And that's something we do with every book or article we publish. Some books get more time and thus get more right, others less. But nothing we do is perfect, because we're human, and we're working in a business climate that does not allow us to lavish painstaking care on everything we do. We do the best job we can with the resources we're given, and most of the time, that result is really pretty good. Originally posted by DreadStar Rich As others have pointed out there are more then a few errors in the PGtF WE. Was is just a rough draft or was the WE based on the finished version of PGtF? Is there any chance we will give a fixed version of the WE or a FR monster update in another book?
Misyrr 03-16-04, 01:12 PM	Mister Baker, You answered another question for me involving the 4th-level domain spell for the Hatred domain; Song of Dischord. That spell is a 5th-level bard only spell (13th level bard caster) and it is in the slot for a 4th-level cleric domain spell. Is this an error?
WotC_RichBaker 03-16-04, 01:38 PM	Nope, it's right. Originally posted by Misyrr Mister Baker, You answered another question for me involving the 4th-level domain spell for the Hatred domain; Song of Dischord. That spell is a 5th-level bard only spell (13th level bard caster) and it is in the slot for a 4th-level cleric domain spell. Is this an error?
Meepo the Iconic Kobold 03-16-04, 02:08 PM	Mr. Baker: I have a question for you regarding the LA of a shade. What exactly is it? In the original FRCS, it was +2, then errated to +5. When Races of Faerun came out, it was +4. Now the WE for the Player's Guide to Faerun says that the FRCS shade is +5. So, should a player creating a shade go by the LA in the Races of Faerun or from the WE?
WotC_RichBaker 03-16-04, 03:53 PM	Darn, I hate when this happens. I think it's supposed to be +4. Originally posted by Meepo the Iconic Kobold Mr. Baker: I have a question for you regarding the LA of a shade. What exactly is it? In the original FRCS, it was +2, then errated to +5. When Races of Faerun came out, it was +4. Now the WE for the Player's Guide to Faerun says that the FRCS shade is +5. So, should a player creating a shade go by the LA in the Races of Faerun or from the WE?
Purple Dragon Knight 03-17-04, 06:47 AM	Hi Rich, I went to my gaming store today, and saw PGtoF behind the counter. I had reserved a copy a long time ago, so when I asked why these were still "behind bars" the gent told me that they had a strict release date for Friday the 19th. Don't want to drag this into a long discussion on distribution processes, but could you help me understand why, in a nutshell, we have to wait more for this awesome book (he let me peek in, yesss!) when our European friends are already busy updating their campaign with the stuff? Any comment would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time and interest Rich! :)
Purple Dragon Knight 03-17-04, 07:13 AM	Here's another one (hoping not to push it too much, I will keep it short): I just reviewed the 3.5 FR Monsters' update on the FR website. Nice work, especially on the Phaerimm! :D Basically, I was wondering what was the advantage for the Phaerimm to take a sorcerer level over regular Hit Dice? Is it just for the familiar, and if so, do I understand correctly that only one sorcerer level is sufficient to reap the familiar benefit? Thank you kindly!
Mr.Waesel 03-17-04, 07:19 AM	AFAIK, the phaerimm only casts as a sorcerer. Thats would mean that taking a level sorcerer just for the familiar leaves you with the familiar of a level 1 sorcerer.
Mirtek 03-17-04, 08:05 AM	Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight Basically, I was wondering what was the advantage for the Phaerimm to take a sorcerer level over regular Hit Dice? Is it just for the familiar, and if so, do I understand correctly that only one sorcerer level is sufficient to reap the familiar benefit? The question is whether a "core rule phaerimm" can chose to take a regular hit dice at all (not sure about non-core savage species monster class rules) As far as I understand this they can only take normal class levels, while racial HD are automatically added upon reaching a certain age. Whether the phaerimm gains 10,000 XP or just waits and do nothing, the racial HD will come all the same, but the phaerimm with the 10,000 XP can add sorcerer levels while waiting for his racial HD to grow naturaly
jsaving 03-17-04, 10:36 AM	Here's a question about the specialty priest classes in PGtF. If a cleric decides to become a specialty priest of his deity, is he considered to be "more dedicated" or "more devout" than a similar person who sticks with cleric? If so, is this because deities hold their specialty priests in higher esteem or is it because only the most dedicated worshippers choose to enter the specialty priest classes (or both)?
Cunning Linguist 03-17-04, 11:48 AM	There is some rabeling on the boards about Serpent Kingdom being the last FR product of 2004. It comes from this (http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=12177) relese schedual. Is it true? Im not asking about what kind of product there is in store after SK, only asking if there is anything more to hope for in 2004.
WotC_RichBaker 03-17-04, 12:56 PM	To be honest, I know very little about what happens to our books after they leave the magic workshop. We've got sales and marketing departments that work with our various distribution channels, and I just kinda trust that they've got good reasons for doing the things they do. They don't tell me how many Hit Dice a particular monster ought to have, so I try not to tell them how they ought to do their jobs, either. That said... as I understand it, insisting on a single release date helps to reduce friction between competing distribution networks. The big bookstore chains don't like it when you guys can go buy our books in your FLGS days or weeks before they're ready to put 'em on display, and your FLGS doesn't like it when the big bookstore chain does the same thing to them. Release date are about not making any of our first-step customers (the distributors) mad at us because they think we're not giving everybody a fair shake. (I suppose the international distribution is even harder to coordinate, and doesn't involve quite as much head-to-head competition. But I'm just guessing about that.) Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight Hi Rich, I went to my gaming store today, and saw PGtoF behind the counter. I had reserved a copy a long time ago, so when I asked why these were still "behind bars" the gent told me that they had a strict release date for Friday the 19th. Don't want to drag this into a long discussion on distribution processes, but could you help me understand why, in a nutshell, we have to wait more for this awesome book (he let me peek in, yesss!) when our European friends are already busy updating their campaign with the stuff? Any comment would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time and interest Rich! :)
WotC_RichBaker 03-17-04, 01:00 PM	I don't know if we've really succeeded in conveying this yet, but here's the philosophical angle I would take... specialty priests represent a narrow focus on a very specific part of a deity's portfolio or role, while clerics of that deity tend to be better at seeing the "big picture." Neither is really more dedicated or devout than the other; it's simply a choice of whether you view justice as the best/most important part of Tyr's portfolio, and therefore want to be a justicar, or instead think that law, mercy, good, war, and other aspects are equally as important. Originally posted by jsaving Here's a question about the specialty priest classes in PGtF. If a cleric decides to become a specialty priest of his deity, is he considered to be "more dedicated" or "more devout" than a similar person who sticks with cleric? If so, is this because deities hold their specialty priests in higher esteem or is it because only the most dedicated worshippers choose to enter the specialty priest classes (or both)?
WotC_RichBaker 03-17-04, 01:01 PM	Yes, we have a FR product that will come out in fall 2004. Originally posted by Cunning Linguist There is some rabeling on the boards about Serpent Kingdom being the last FR product of 2004. It comes from this (http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=12177) relese schedual. Is it true? Im not asking about what kind of product there is in store after SK, only asking if there is anything more to hope for in 2004.
Sancus 03-17-04, 01:34 PM	Hi, Rich. Could I ask why you decided to just leave Persistent Spell as a flat +6 slot level? The original sliding scale you posted made a lot of sense(and was consistent with the 3.5 pricing guidelines for magic items). The flat +6 assignment seems to me like making the feat nearly useless for the sake of a couple of 1 round/caster level spells.
Israfel666 03-17-04, 02:11 PM	Hello Mr.Baker, I just downloaded and looked at the great Monster Update. The phaerimm are particularly good, and are now seriously BBEG material. I gasped when I saw the Sharn - it's LA +5. With 4 Aberration HD, that makes it ECL 9. For that, you get: - casts as Sor7 + Clr5 - 3.0 haste - immune to mind-affecting effects, polymorph, and Ao knows what else - multiple attacks, with bonus feats for free - attack through Hex portals - +8 or +10 to ALL attributes - evasion - regeneration 2/lawful, spell, or outsider - DR 10/cold iron Isn't it a bit too cheap? Not that I mean to play/have any of my friends play a sharn, but still I think that sound more like LA +10 or somethnig.
WotC_RichBaker 03-17-04, 07:46 PM	That's the way the developers wanted to go. It's certainly simpler. Since Extend Spell is a prerequisite, presumably you'll just extend the 1 hour/level spells and come pretty close to getting them all day without recourse to Persistent Spell. Spells with shorter durations start looking awful good when they're running all day long (divine favor springs to mind). Originally posted by Sancus Hi, Rich. Could I ask why you decided to just leave Persistent Spell as a flat +6 slot level? The original sliding scale you posted made a lot of sense(and was consistent with the 3.5 pricing guidelines for magic items). The flat +6 assignment seems to me like making the feat nearly useless for the sake of a couple of 1 round/caster level spells.
WotC_RichBaker 03-17-04, 07:52 PM	Keep in mind, aberration Hit Dice are really pretty crummy. But yes, I agree, LA +5 looks pretty untenable. Maybe +7 or +8 would be better. (This points out a problem with the level adjustment system; I would regard any creature with a LA of +4 or higher as essentially unplayable, because of the lack of class levels, Hit Dice, attack bonus, base save bonuses, etc. However, there's no doubt that a high-LA character with a smart build can be exceedingly effective in a narrow capacity. And LA means less and less, the higher level you're playing at. You'll cheerfully give up those class levels if it knocks you from 20 to 16 HD, but it's a harder choice if it takes you from 8 to 4 HD. It's just impossible to really balance something with a high LA across the board.) Originally posted by Israfel666 Hello Mr.Baker, I just downloaded and looked at the great Monster Update. The phaerimm are particularly good, and are now seriously BBEG material. I gasped when I saw the Sharn - it's LA +5. With 4 Aberration HD, that makes it ECL 9. For that, you get: - casts as Sor7 + Clr5 - 3.0 haste - immune to mind-affecting effects, polymorph, and Ao knows what else - multiple attacks, with bonus feats for free - attack through Hex portals - +8 or +10 to ALL attributes - evasion - regeneration 2/lawful, spell, or outsider - DR 10/cold iron Isn't it a bit too cheap? Not that I mean to play/have any of my friends play a sharn, but still I think that sound more like LA +10 or somethnig.
Mutablegenus 03-17-04, 08:23 PM	Hello Mr Baker, I was wondering what you could tell us about the waterdeep book that's going to come out within 2 years... Will it include information about Undermountain and Skullport? Also will it list all the Lords of Waterdeep, or will it "skimp out" like city of splendors did and only the more major ones and leave it to the DM to make new ones? Thank you Mutablegenus
Wooly Rupert 03-18-04, 12:25 AM	Originally posted by Mutablegenus Hello Mr Baker, I was wondering what you could tell us about the waterdeep book that's going to come out within 2 years... Will it include information about Undermountain and Skullport? Also will it list all the Lords of Waterdeep, or will it "skimp out" like city of splendors did and only the more major ones and leave it to the DM to make new ones? Thank you Mutablegenus There's always been a few Lords left unlisted. It lets the DM drop in his own, and it also keeps the players from knowing too much. And the City of Splendors boxed set actually increased the Lord's roster. FR1 Waterdeep and the North specified that there were 16 Lords, CoS upped it to 20 -- though the average Waterdhavian citizen thinks there's still only 16.
Bocklin 03-18-04, 03:09 AM	Dear Richard, Looking at the new PGtF version of the "Divine Champion" (DC), a question came to my mind. It says that the "lay on hands" type ability of the DC functions like the paladin one (except that the potential recipients are only people sharing the DC's deity). My question is then as follow: Which levels shall we use to calculate the available numbers of HP to heal? DC levels only or character level? As it makes a big difference (and as the first solution is quite crappy), I'd be happy to hear your reply on that question. Thanks a lot, Bocklin
Bocklin 03-18-04, 05:37 AM	Dear Richard, I noticed a couple of typos and minor things in the PGtF but I certainly do not want to bother you with these. I nevertheless have an issue which I think is important enough to bring to your attention. It seems that some Halfling-regions have been dropped altogether from the summarizing table. They appear in the full text describing the halfling-regions (e.g. "Halflings in Amn") and they are also listed in the pre-requisites for the regional feats themselves but not in the summarizing table. Quite annoying to have to read through all regional feats to see which one your "Amnian Halfling" or your "Northern Halfling" can take... Furthermore, it leaves you wondering what would be the additional equipement these Halflings would get and also which potential additional languages... I do not know if this happens for other races as well. Do you think it would be possible to have a web release of the full length table? Thanks for the precious time you dedicate to replying to our posts! Best Wishes, Bocklin
Bocklin 03-18-04, 06:06 AM	Dear Rich, Hum... The questions come all to my mind in disorder, therefore you end up with three posts, next time I'll try to make it condensed in one post. I promise. Here is my third question: The Arcane Devotee still has Knowledge (Religion) 8 ranks as pre-requisites, which makes it impossible for a Sorcerer to enter the class before level 14 and forces him to spend 16 points (!) of his poor skill points on a skill which is not that great for him. Still, the flavor text of the PrC states that Sorcerers get into this PrC quite often and the text explaining how "Divine Reach" functions clearly makes room for sorcerers. Was it really intended to remain at 8 ranks?? Bocklin
WotC_RichBaker 03-18-04, 12:27 PM	Sorry, I can't say much. Whatever we do is likely to be a 192-page hardbound, though, so don't expect another giant boxed set. Originally posted by Mutablegenus Hello Mr Baker, I was wondering what you could tell us about the waterdeep book that's going to come out within 2 years... Will it include information about Undermountain and Skullport? Also will it list all the Lords of Waterdeep, or will it "skimp out" like city of splendors did and only the more major ones and leave it to the DM to make new ones? Thank you Mutablegenus
WotC_RichBaker 03-18-04, 12:33 PM	It's based on your class level, not your character level. So yes, the divine champion likely only has a couple of points of lay on hands per day. Divine champion is really pretty easy to get into--it doesn't need to be a complete paladin replacement. Originally posted by Bocklin Dear Richard, Looking at the new PGtF version of the "Divine Champion" (DC), a question came to my mind. It says that the "lay on hands" type ability of the DC functions like the paladin one (except that the potential recipients are only people sharing the DC's deity). My question is then as follow: Which levels shall we use to calculate the available numbers of HP to heal? DC levels only or character level? As it makes a big difference (and as the first solution is quite crappy), I'd be happy to hear your reply on that question. Thanks a lot, Bocklin
WotC_RichBaker 03-18-04, 12:38 PM	Consider the text descriptions for Amn, Calimshan, and northern halflings to be evolutionary remnants; we had these as regions for halflings, but decided to cut the regions because they weren't different enough from the Western Heartlands region for halflings (and because the book was running long, to be honest). Our bad. We should've caught the extraneous text bits and cut them, too. Originally posted by Bocklin Dear Richard, I noticed a couple of typos and minor things in the PGtF but I certainly do not want to bother you with these. I nevertheless have an issue which I think is important enough to bring to your attention. It seems that some Halfling-regions have been dropped altogether from the summarizing table. They appear in the full text describing the halfling-regions (e.g. "Halflings in Amn") and they are also listed in the pre-requisites for the regional feats themselves but not in the summarizing table. Quite annoying to have to read through all regional feats to see which one your "Amnian Halfling" or your "Northern Halfling" can take... Furthermore, it leaves you wondering what would be the additional equipement these Halflings would get and also which potential additional languages... I do not know if this happens for other races as well. Do you think it would be possible to have a web release of the full length table? Thanks for the precious time you dedicate to replying to our posts! Best Wishes, Bocklin
WotC_RichBaker 03-18-04, 12:44 PM	Yeah, that is a lot of Knowledge (religion). It probably should have been 4 ranks, maybe 5 considering the spellcasting requirement. You can get those ranks a lot quicker if you're willing to take a level of cleric at some point. A Clr 1/Sor 8 should qualify pretty easily. You're nerfing some of your arcane spell progression, but a level of cleric offers some nifty benefits (especially if you pick up Still Spell and use it a lot). Originally posted by Bocklin Dear Rich, Hum... The questions come all to my mind in disorder, therefore you end up with three posts, next time I'll try to make it condensed in one post. I promise. Here is my third question: The Arcane Devotee still has Knowledge (Religion) 8 ranks as pre-requisites, which makes it impossible for a Sorcerer to enter the class before level 14 and forces him to spend 16 points (!) of his poor skill points on a skill which is not that great for him. Still, the flavor text of the PrC states that Sorcerers get into this PrC quite often and the text explaining how "Divine Reach" functions clearly makes room for sorcerers. Was it really intended to remain at 8 ranks?? Bocklin
Israfel666 03-18-04, 03:08 PM	Or you could just pick the Education or Cosmopolitan feat at 1st level. The downside is that they are both heavily background-related, so if you really want to play that human Arcane Devotee of Ubtao from the Chultan jungle (who, obviously, does not fit in the description for either feat) you'd better ask your DM for an ounce of flexibility.
Dargoth 03-18-04, 06:25 PM	Rich Question about the Zhentarim Skymage One of the option for Zhentarim Skymages mount is Dragon but the level says varies. What system should you use to determine what type of Dragon and of what age a Sky Mage can take at a given level? I considered using the Dragon Cohort feat along the Table on 139 of the Draconomicon but it doesnt really fit. Sugestions?
Bocklin 03-19-04, 06:38 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Consider the text descriptions for Amn, Calimshan, and northern halflings to be evolutionary remnants; we had these as regions for halflings, but decided to cut the regions because they weren't different enough from the Western Heartlands region for halflings (and because the book was running long, to be honest). Our bad. We should've caught the extraneous text bits and cut them, too. Thanks a lot for your replies. That is very appreciated! I wouldn't want to give the impression that I am not actually enjoying the PGtF. I must say that I really really like the new region system and the new regional feats system and the new PrC are excellent! The book is really great. Thanks a lot for your work and for yet another excellent FR book! Bocklin
Serinde 03-19-04, 10:52 PM	Rich-- We've got a bit of discussion about Blacklight in our group right now. Having just acquired PGtF, I see that it still exists on the spell lists, but has no new entry, so therefore we should logically use it as printed in FRCS. However, I note that all the other darkness spells changed from total (50%) concealment to 20% concealment in the shift from 3.0 to 3.5, and someone had posted earlier this month they heard Blacklight was going the same way. Was that change intended, and just got left out by accident or lack of space? Or is it deliberately different from the other darkness spells in this way? Thanks much.
ender 03-19-04, 11:12 PM	Mr. Baker, I'm wondering if there are any plans in the works for a neutrally-oriented equivalent in the BOED and BOVD line. Maybe we could call it the Book of Boring Neutrality :) In all seriousness, though, those two books are some of the best campaign supplements I have ever seen, with plenty of stuff to make good guys absolutely righteous and bad guys dispicably evil. It seems a shame to leave those with a passionate commitment to balance out of the equation, to say nothing of those who are simply agnostic. I, for one, would love to hear about extraplanar paragons of neutrality such as the Rilmani or the Inevitables (especially their origins, motivations, activities, and just more of them as the other two books added new celestials and fiends), details about the mighty neutral powers (similar to Primus of modron fame), powerful guardians of balance on the prime planes (a la the Grey Order article that Andy Collins wrote for Dragon 299), and of course all the wonderfully crunchy spells, feats and prestige classes. Do you think that the WotC developers would consider such a project? Thanks for taking the time to read and answer our questions!
Bocklin 03-20-04, 03:50 AM	Originally posted by ender Mr. Baker, I'm wondering if there are any plans in the works for a neutrally-oriented equivalent in the BOED and BOVD line. Maybe we could call it the Book of Boring Neutrality :) :) As you know, Ender, the two existing books were named after two famous artifacts in the DM's Guide. Now, in the Underdark book, they actually introduced a similar tome but for neutrality. It is called the "Book of Perfect Balance" (although "Boring Neutrality" would be fun). Is it a hint that the idea might be in the air at WoTC?? Bocklin
ender 03-20-04, 04:21 AM	Yes, of course, Bocklin. Just a little fun with stereotypes. :)
Purple Dragon Knight 03-20-04, 08:46 AM	Hi Rich, Sorry to ask a question about Races of Faerûn (I should have asked those several months ago, it's not "the" mainstream subject right now). While coaching a player into rolling a new Battlerager PC (RoF p.179), I noticed an odd bonus feat combo under the "Special" column. As soon as I saw Improved Unarmed Strike there, I gave a pause, especially considering the Power Attack + Cleave feat requirements and the Great Cleave bonus feat. Improved Unarmed Strike seemed like a waste, so I came to a choice: 1. Remove Improved Unarmed Strike and give Improved Bull Rush or Improved Overrun instead (both "Power Attack" feats) 2. Remove Reckless Offensive and give Improved Grapple instead (the latter has Improved Unarmed Strike as a prereq). I went with choice number two because Improved Grapple improves upon the Close-Quarter Fighting feat given to the Battlerager at level 2. Improved Grapple also becomes useful if you stay true to the class description which states that Battleragers "prefer to wear spiked armor." Giving Improved Grapple makes a lot of sense IMHO because you then get a very useful feat combo in case you end up being grappled by a monster, either through Improved Grab or other means. Please let me know what you think in a game designer's point of view. Also, please let us know if an errata (official or not) has been done on Races of Faerûn. Thanks a lot for your time and devotion to these boards! Again, amazing work on PGtoF!! (another player is now rolling an Aasimar Eye of Horus-Re with the Celestial Bloodline, Light to Daylight and Eyes of Light feats... that is SUCH-AN-AMAZING-COOL-YET-KILLER-COMBO, especially considering that they are about to embark on CotSQ... :) That undead-killing monstrosity of a PC might come in handy down there, regardless of some other critters that are sometimes fond of the darkness spell... :rolleyes: )
Mutablegenus 03-20-04, 09:27 AM	Hello Mr. Baker, I was wondering as well if there was going to be a book of perfect balance? But also i just bought PGTF and i noticed there was a great deal of information about encorperated other source books like epic, psionc, and the good and evil books. And i was wondering if you would include chapters like this every couple books? Also , was there a reason that (no offence) you guys gimped the spell matrix spells (in the new PGTF)? Also i made a thread about a raised-relief globe of Toril (with capital citys and major citys and body of water labels etc.), people would really like to see this happen, and most people would pay 30-50$ for it. Is there any way you could go and talk to Wizards to possibely have then make it? With much respect ~Mutablegenus
Arkenian 03-20-04, 04:08 PM	Hey Rich, In the FRCS the Arcane Devotee Divine Shroud(sp) ability could be invoked as a free action. I notice that in the PGtF this is entirely dropped. Was this intentional?
Razz 03-20-04, 05:06 PM	Mr. Baker: Have the web enhancement team fixed the problem with their being no damage reduction listed for the yochlol demon and tomb tapper? Or you could pass that information here on this thread to make things easier :D
Arkenian 03-20-04, 05:09 PM	Rich, 1.) Errata! The spell Undead's Eternal Foe, Initiate of Lathander 9, refers to the now-defunct spell Negative Energy Protection as an effect it emulates (with modification) 2.) Is the incantatrix Metamagic Effect ability meant to be able to apply Persistent Spell to on-going spells?
Purple Dragon Knight 03-20-04, 11:26 PM	Hi Rich, There seems to be a small conflict between some regional and racial feats. For example, Daylight Adaptation was a racial feat under RoF, whose rules are still all useable with the new PGtoF. However it is now a Regional feat that can only be taken at 1st level. My question is: if Daylight Adaptation is a racial feat for you, can you take it anytime? (even after 1st level) One could rule that if a Regional feat is also a Racial feat for you, they are fair game at any level; otherwise you can only take them at 1st level... What do you think?
Sammael_the_Chosen 03-21-04, 01:55 AM	^If the answer to the above question turns out to be that Daylight Adaptation must only be taken at 1st level, I'd like to hear the reasoning behind the change, since I only let my drow and duergar PCs take that feat after a fair amount of above-ground campaign time, and it makes no sense when applied to the drow of Cormanthor (for whom the feat was made up anyhow).
thanatos52002 03-21-04, 06:23 PM	Hi heres my questions. On page 191 of the PGTF are the changes in the lesser planetouched the only thing you need to do to make any planetouched into a race with a LA of 0. It talks about the racial traits detailed elsewhere in the book but I can't find any is this a typo or were there more stats listed that got cut? Thanks
Mutablegenus 03-21-04, 09:21 PM	Yes you do have to take Daylight Adaption as a first level character,it doesn't make sense but oh well
Xyr 03-22-04, 06:35 AM	Hi Rich, today a serious question about the Updatet Spells: Summon Undead I - V from PGtF i think the spells can make trouble by many groups, the spell description said the spell functions like the summon monster spells, but i see problems with the undead summon list. for example: a 5th level wizards cast summon monster III he can summon from the list a hell hound (CR3) or a small elemental (CR1) or a celestial black bear (CR2) all monsters taken from the Monster Manual without problems. a 5th level wizards cast summon undead III can summon from the list a Ghoul (CR3) or a Large Zombie (mh.. its monday i think i summon a Gray Render Zombie with 20 HDs and CR6) or a Huge Skeleton (the zombie is to bad, its better i take the Huge Young Adult Red Dragon Skeleton with only 19HD but with 6 attacks and CR8) you see the problem, if players use the standard MM monsters the spell is from the currents description to powerfull, he need a little update with Monster HD max = caster level or a CR max per spell or similar limit.
Misyrr 03-22-04, 08:55 AM	Mister Baker, One of the prerequisites for Touch of Hate (lets you create Beasts of Bane [formerly Xvim]) is Vile Spell, from the Book of Vile Darkness. I'd assume it was a feat, but there is no feat called that in the book. There is a Violate Spell feat, which only attaches to a single spell (LAME) and causes half of its damage to be Vile damage. Seeing as how that's a Metamagic Feat that boosts the spell level +1 should it really only be applicable to a single spell? Is the Violate Spell feat the real prerequisite for Touch of Hate?
BobROE 03-22-04, 11:54 AM	In the PGtF, the Morninglord of Lathander doesn't have it's skill points per level listed. I assume it's 2 + Int
BobROE 03-22-04, 11:54 AM	In the PGtF, the Morninglord of Lathander doesn't have it's skill points per level listed. I assume it's 2 + Int, but confirmation would be nice.
Reverse Gravity 03-22-04, 01:54 PM	Originally posted by Mutablegenus Yes you do have to take Daylight Adaption as a first level character,it doesn't make sense but oh well Agreed, this was one of the regional feats that made little to no sense. I also was disappointed to see Cosmopolitan changed.
Bocklin 03-22-04, 02:13 PM	Dear Rich, I have a question about Star Elves and the Otherworldly Feat. 1) From Un.East I understand that the Star Elves have the extraplanar subtype but are no outsiders. Does that make them "Humanoid (elf, extraplanar)"? Then, what does happen if they take the otherworldly Feat? Do they become "Outsider (native, elf, extraplanar)"? The "native" and "extraplanar" subtypes seem to contradict each other... Or do they become "Outsider (native, elf)", thus losing the extraplanar subtype and becoming immune to Banish spells and the like? Thanks for your lights! 2) In any case, are they sensitive to elf-bane weapons or the ranger's class trait "favorite ennemy" if the ranger chooses Elves as one chosen ennemy? Thanks in advance! Bocklin
WotC_RichBaker 03-22-04, 02:24 PM	Hah! An easy one. It's all about the Hit Dice. The parentheticals after the other monsters just note their HD so you can save yourself a trip to the Monster Manual when you're considering your flying mount choices. Dragons, of course, have a whole range of HD. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Question about the Zhentarim Skymage One of the option for Zhentarim Skymages mount is Dragon but the level says varies. What system should you use to determine what type of Dragon and of what age a Sky Mage can take at a given level? I considered using the Dragon Cohort feat along the Table on 139 of the Draconomicon but it doesnt really fit. Sugestions?
WotC_RichBaker 03-22-04, 02:25 PM	Thanks a lot for the kind words. I'm glad you're enjoying the book! Originally posted by Bocklin Thanks a lot for your replies. That is very appreciated! I wouldn't want to give the impression that I am not actually enjoying the PGtF. I must say that I really really like the new region system and the new regional feats system and the new PrC are excellent! The book is really great. Thanks a lot for your work and for yet another excellent FR book! Bocklin
WotC_RichBaker 03-22-04, 02:28 PM	No change to blacklight. The more I think about it, the more I think that the spell probably should have changed at least a little bit (it's almost as good as improved invisibility, really), but we've got no official errata or intended rewrites for it as of this time. Originally posted by Serinde Rich-- We've got a bit of discussion about Blacklight in our group right now. Having just acquired PGtF, I see that it still exists on the spell lists, but has no new entry, so therefore we should logically use it as printed in FRCS. However, I note that all the other darkness spells changed from total (50%) concealment to 20% concealment in the shift from 3.0 to 3.5, and someone had posted earlier this month they heard Blacklight was going the same way. Was that change intended, and just got left out by accident or lack of space? Or is it deliberately different from the other darkness spells in this way? Thanks much.
WotC_RichBaker 03-22-04, 02:29 PM	I don't know of any such plans, to be honest. It seems like it would be a much tougher topic to tackle than evil or good. On the other hand, rilmani paragons and slaad lords are pretty interesting.... Originally posted by ender Mr. Baker, I'm wondering if there are any plans in the works for a neutrally-oriented equivalent in the BOED and BOVD line. Maybe we could call it the Book of Boring Neutrality :) In all seriousness, though, those two books are some of the best campaign supplements I have ever seen, with plenty of stuff to make good guys absolutely righteous and bad guys dispicably evil. It seems a shame to leave those with a passionate commitment to balance out of the equation, to say nothing of those who are simply agnostic. I, for one, would love to hear about extraplanar paragons of neutrality such as the Rilmani or the Inevitables (especially their origins, motivations, activities, and just more of them as the other two books added new celestials and fiends), details about the mighty neutral powers (similar to Primus of modron fame), powerful guardians of balance on the prime planes (a la the Grey Order article that Andy Collins wrote for Dragon 299), and of course all the wonderfully crunchy spells, feats and prestige classes. Do you think that the WotC developers would consider such a project? Thanks for taking the time to read and answer our questions!
WotC_RichBaker 03-22-04, 02:35 PM	Your ideas both have merit, and make sense, but they're not strictly necessary to make the class make sense. The Improved Unarmed Strike seems to be a bit of a throw-in, something that's flavorful but not really important to the class. The battlerager probably doesn't need to be all that much better, in my opinion, but I don't think you'd break the class with either of your ideas. Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight Hi Rich, Sorry to ask a question about Races of Faerûn (I should have asked those several months ago, it's not "the" mainstream subject right now). While coaching a player into rolling a new Battlerager PC (RoF p.179), I noticed an odd bonus feat combo under the "Special" column. As soon as I saw Improved Unarmed Strike there, I gave a pause, especially considering the Power Attack + Cleave feat requirements and the Great Cleave bonus feat. Improved Unarmed Strike seemed like a waste, so I came to a choice: 1. Remove Improved Unarmed Strike and give Improved Bull Rush or Improved Overrun instead (both "Power Attack" feats) 2. Remove Reckless Offensive and give Improved Grapple instead (the latter has Improved Unarmed Strike as a prereq). I went with choice number two because Improved Grapple improves upon the Close-Quarter Fighting feat given to the Battlerager at level 2. Improved Grapple also becomes useful if you stay true to the class description which states that Battleragers "prefer to wear spiked armor." Giving Improved Grapple makes a lot of sense IMHO because you then get a very useful feat combo in case you end up being grappled by a monster, either through Improved Grab or other means. Please let me know what you think in a game designer's point of view. Also, please let us know if an errata (official or not) has been done on Races of Faerûn. Thanks a lot for your time and devotion to these boards! Again, amazing work on PGtoF!! (another player is now rolling an Aasimar Eye of Horus-Re with the Celestial Bloodline, Light to Daylight and Eyes of Light feats... that is SUCH-AN-AMAZING-COOL-YET-KILLER-COMBO, especially considering that they are about to embark on CotSQ... :) That undead-killing monstrosity of a PC might come in handy down there, regardless of some other critters that are sometimes fond of the darkness spell... :rolleyes: )
WotC_RichBaker 03-22-04, 02:40 PM	RE: Book of Perfect Balance. Not that I know of. RE: Including epic, vile, etc., content. We intend to do a little more of this sort of thing anyway. It's a reversal of our earlier thinking on referencing other sourcebooks in a particular product, but we want to reward the fans who've made the biggest investment in our product line. We'll try to keep such references limited to things that really benefit from them. RE: Spell matrix. The developers nerfed 'em. I don't know their specific reasoning, but I would guess they thought it was too good. (It was pretty good, really.) RE: The globe. Sorry, WotC isn't in the globe-making business. If a company that had that capability approached us about a license, I'd be all for it, though. Originally posted by Mutablegenus Hello Mr. Baker, I was wondering as well if there was going to be a book of perfect balance? But also i just bought PGTF and i noticed there was a great deal of information about encorperated other source books like epic, psionc, and the good and evil books. And i was wondering if you would include chapters like this every couple books? Also , was there a reason that (no offence) you guys gimped the spell matrix spells (in the new PGTF)? Also i made a thread about a raised-relief globe of Toril (with capital citys and major citys and body of water labels etc.), people would really like to see this happen, and most people would pay 30-50$ for it. Is there any way you could go and talk to Wizards to possibely have then make it? With much respect ~Mutablegenus
WotC_RichBaker 03-22-04, 02:45 PM	That's a good one. I've forwarded this to our errata trackers. I think that the developers missed the implications that the 3.5 change to skeletons and zombies would have for summon undead. Originally posted by Xyr Hi Rich, today a serious question about the Updatet Spells: Summon Undead I - V from PGtF i think the spells can make trouble by many groups, the spell description said the spell functions like the summon monster spells, but i see problems with the undead summon list. for example: a 5th level wizards cast summon monster III he can summon from the list a hell hound (CR3) or a small elemental (CR1) or a celestial black bear (CR2) all monsters taken from the Monster Manual without problems. a 5th level wizards cast summon undead III can summon from the list a Ghoul (CR3) or a Large Zombie (mh.. its monday i think i summon a Gray Render Zombie with 20 HDs and CR6) or a Huge Skeleton (the zombie is to bad, its better i take the Huge Young Adult Red Dragon Skeleton with only 19HD but with 6 attacks and CR8) you see the problem, if players use the standard MM monsters the spell is from the currents description to powerfull, he need a little update with Monster HD max = caster level or a CR max per spell or similar limit.
jsaving 03-22-04, 06:10 PM	Great book. A few questions: 1) The divine champion's "smite infidel" ability says it works on creatures that have "a different patron deity." Later it implies the ability only works on creatures who worship "opposing alignments or deities." And the sidebar on the previous page implies the ability, and others like it, only work on creatures who worship one particular "opposing alignment or deity." Which is correct? 2) The divine disciple's "transcendance" ability lists some but not all of the benefits provided by the "otherworldly" feat. Is transcendance intended to be inferior to that feat? 3) If an arcane caster takes the "arcane schooling" feat, does he use spell-trigger items at caster level +1 or at his normal caster level? ("Magical training" explicitly says its benefits don't stack with arcane levels, but arcane schooling doesn't.) 4) An arcane caster who takes the "militia" feat can enter the eldritch knight prestige class without ever leveling up in a non-spellcasting class. Was this understood when designing the feat, and if so, did the PGtF team find it acceptable? 5) The Harper agent prestige class is described in advertising for PGtF as a replacement for the various Harper prestige classes that have appeared to date. Does the Harper agent replace the Harper mage/priest classes in Magic of Faerun, or do those classes continue to exist alongside the Harper agent? 6) The Eye of Horus-Re seems more powerful in virtually every respect than the Morninglord of Lathander. Was this intended, and if so, why? 7) The Eye of Horus-Re entry requirements could be met by characters who aren't clerics provided those character previously gained the sun domain through a different prestige class. If such a character becomes a 2nd level Eye of Horus-Re, does he gain the casting abilities of a 1st level cleric? 8) The Initiate of Nature feat doesn't mention Chauntea or Shiallia. Was this an oversight, or do those deities not allow characters to become Initiates? 9) The Harper paragon class offers a ten-sided hit die and provides full spell progression to either divine or arcane characters who meet its prerequisites. Was the class intended to provide only divine spellcasting advancement? If not, would it be a good idea to make this change?
Arkenian 03-22-04, 06:17 PM	Rich -- On Incantatrix, the Instant Metamagic ability had an important errata on the 3.0 version stating that you could not instant-meta a spell above your highest available spell slot. The text in the PGtF appears to be a cut'n'paste of the original text . . . without the errata. Was this intentional?
Dargoth 03-22-04, 07:03 PM	Rich I was wondering if you'd be willing to conslidate some of the stuff thats come out about unannounced FR products The List The Lost Empire/Lost Civilization source book The Waterdeep/Skullport source book The Book that the Arch Fiends material cut from PGTF will be going into. The Book Thomas Reid said he worked on that will come out later this year The Book Travis Stout says hes now working on Thanks!
jsaving 03-22-04, 08:54 PM	The "initiate of nature" feat lets clerics rebuke/command animals and plants, but just about any cleric who takes this feat will already have the plant domain, which lets her rebuke/command plants. Do these abilities stack, or do they overlap, or is there some other way of handling them? Also, the initiate of nature feat doesn't say whether the person uses her caster level, her character level, or her cleric/druid level when rebuking/commanding. The comparable feat in Masters of the Wild uses caster level -- is the same true here?
Fedifensor 03-22-04, 09:42 PM	After a search through the message boards, I found that Karsus' Avatar was cut from the Player's Guide. 1) Was the spell fully written before it was cut? 2) If so, is there any chance of seeing this writeup, even as an unofficial version? I have a bad guy who may be casting it in my campaign (though not for another RL year at our current pace), and I'd like to know things such as how long it takes to cast, what his chances of success are, what are the best and worst-case scenarios, etc. Fortunately, the players won't be attacking the guy directly (they're not Epic level), but instead trying to defeat his minions and get to where they can disrupt the spell.
Razz 03-22-04, 09:57 PM	Mr. Baker: Have the web enhancement team fixed the problem with their being no damage reduction listed for the yochlol demon and tomb tapper? Or you could pass that information here on this thread to make things easier :D
HVulpes 03-22-04, 10:05 PM	Hello. Question: How powerful can a priest be before he's too powerful for his god? Like if the god is a demigod and the priest is an epic character. I know that he can't be more powerful than the god, but is that for Cleric level or can he be multi-classed and epic? Would 20th level be the maxium level of a demigod's priest? Thanks.
BobROE 03-22-04, 10:08 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Consider the text descriptions for Amn, Calimshan, and northern halflings to be evolutionary remnants; we had these as regions for halflings, but decided to cut the regions because they weren't different enough from the Western Heartlands region for halflings (and because the book was running long, to be honest). Our bad. We should've caught the extraneous text bits and cut them, too. Is there a list of regions that were cut and what other region they were considered "close" too. Because they're still in the Feat Listings, and there discriptions are still in the text, so if my player wanted to play something from one of them I could tell them which chart to use. (Other ones that aren't on the list: A couple of planetouched, one half-elf, the halfling ones, one elf region, one dwarf one).
Dargoth 03-23-04, 05:32 AM	Rich Regarding the Last mythal As your using the Wood Elves of the High Forest are any of Troy Dennings characters from ROTAW trilogy going to appear in your series?
Moonfall 03-23-04, 06:26 AM	Dear Rich, I seem to remember you saying quite some time ago that races who had significantly changed from 3.0 to 3.5 (such as wood elves and IIRC duergar) would have a section in PGTF explaining these changes. I was quite looking forward to this, as wood elves are my favourite race and my dm is a bit disgruntled about their new ability modifiers (+2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con -2 Int) as he feels that the Str bonus is unbalancing and is considering making them a LA +1 race. Unfortunately, upon buying the book, I have found that the aforementioned info isn't included, and was cut, from what I've heard. So I was wondering if you could possibly post whatever info on wood elves there is that was cut from PGTF. Thanks for your time, Moonfall
Bocklin 03-23-04, 09:33 AM	I think that these two are covered in the Monster Manual 3.5, even with full details about their capacities, ECL and all you need to make characters of these races (i.e. not just the stats for a War1). It seems that the developpers' logic was to cut everything from the book that had already appeared somewhere else (like the Red Wizard or the Archmage which were already in the DM's Guide 3.5)... Bocklin Originally posted by Moonfall Dear Rich, I seem to remember you saying quite some time ago that races who had significantly changed from 3.0 to 3.5 (such as wood elves and IIRC duergar) would have a section in PGTF explaining these changes. I was quite looking forward to this, as wood elves are my favourite race and my dm is a bit disgruntled about their new ability modifiers (+2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con -2 Int) as he feels that the Str bonus is unbalancing and is considering making them a LA +1 race. Unfortunately, upon buying the book, I have found that the aforementioned info isn't included, and was cut, from what I've heard. So I was wondering if you could possibly post whatever info on wood elves there is that was cut from PGTF. Thanks for your time, Moonfall
WotC_RichBaker 03-23-04, 02:30 PM	Guys, you have to give me room to breathe! Please keep the questions to just a couple at a time, okay? And, if you can, try our customer service guys for fairly straightforward questions. I don't mind the occasional "rulesy" question, but to be honest, there are other forums available for that. I patrol this thread to give you guys answers on "big-picture" questions, and the occasional rules clarification. I've forwarded this to our developers/editors for inclusion in the list of things to examine for the Player's Guide. Originally posted by jsaving Great book. A few questions: 1) The divine champion's "smite infidel" ability says it works on creatures that have "a different patron deity." Later it implies the ability only works on creatures who worship "opposing alignments or deities." And the sidebar on the previous page implies the ability, and others like it, only work on creatures who worship one particular "opposing alignment or deity." Which is correct? 2) The divine disciple's "transcendance" ability lists some but not all of the benefits provided by the "otherworldly" feat. Is transcendance intended to be inferior to that feat? 3) If an arcane caster takes the "arcane schooling" feat, does he use spell-trigger items at caster level +1 or at his normal caster level? ("Magical training" explicitly says its benefits don't stack with arcane levels, but arcane schooling doesn't.) 4) An arcane caster who takes the "militia" feat can enter the eldritch knight prestige class without ever leveling up in a non-spellcasting class. Was this understood when designing the feat, and if so, did the PGtF team find it acceptable? 5) The Harper agent prestige class is described in advertising for PGtF as a replacement for the various Harper prestige classes that have appeared to date. Does the Harper agent replace the Harper mage/priest classes in Magic of Faerun, or do those classes continue to exist alongside the Harper agent? 6) The Eye of Horus-Re seems more powerful in virtually every respect than the Morninglord of Lathander. Was this intended, and if so, why? 7) The Eye of Horus-Re entry requirements could be met by characters who aren't clerics provided those character previously gained the sun domain through a different prestige class. If such a character becomes a 2nd level Eye of Horus-Re, does he gain the casting abilities of a 1st level cleric? 8) The Initiate of Nature feat doesn't mention Chauntea or Shiallia. Was this an oversight, or do those deities not allow characters to become Initiates? 9) The Harper paragon class offers a ten-sided hit die and provides full spell progression to either divine or arcane characters who meet its prerequisites. Was the class intended to provide only divine spellcasting advancement? If not, would it be a good idea to make this change?
WotC_RichBaker 03-23-04, 02:34 PM	You'll see a few familiar faces. Morgwais, Imesfor, Duirsar, maybe a couple of others. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Regarding the Last mythal As your using the Wood Elves of the High Forest are any of Troy Dennings characters from ROTAW trilogy going to appear in your series?
Misyrr 03-23-04, 03:00 PM	Just in case you missed my question the first time...Mister Baker, One of the prerequisites for Touch of Hate (lets you create Beasts of Bane [formerly Xvim]) is Vile Spell, from the Book of Vile Darkness. I'd assume it was a feat, but there is no feat called that in the book. There is a Violate Spell feat, which only attaches to a single spell (LAME) and causes half of its damage to be Vile damage. Seeing as how that's a Metamagic Feat that boosts the spell level +1 should it really only be applicable to a single spell? Is the Violate Spell feat the real prerequisite for Touch of Hate?
ender 03-23-04, 04:13 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Guys, you have to give me room to breathe! Please keep the questions to just a couple at a time, okay? No question this time, Mr. Baker. I just wanted to say how pleased I am with the cosmology section of the PGtF. I know that it has been a notoriously controversial topic for several years, this cosmology shift, and to be honest the little information in the FRCS made in (in my opinion) unplayable. So I love what you guys have done with it. The first thing I did after I read the book was to begin writing an after-death adventure in the Fugue Plane :). Now there's a whole new multiverse for my planescape veretans to explore. Please keep detailing the cosmology in future products. Great Work!
Kuje31 03-23-04, 05:11 PM	Hi Rich, Can't believe I have to ask this, but Fey'ri. Elven tieflings or not?
Misyrr 03-23-04, 09:10 PM	Mister Baker, A PC in my group wants to be a monk with the Vow of Poverty and wants to head for the Martyred Champion of Ilmater prestige class. It gains unarmed strike... Would you rule that this increases his monk unarmed strike to the next ranking? Also, it says +1 caster level or a bonus feat but gives no list of possible bonus feats. Does that mean any feat goes? Thanks Rich!
ZebRaderJedi 03-23-04, 09:21 PM	Rich, just wanted to say thanks for putting up with all of our (nearly 30 pages now!) questions. All the best, keep up to good work. Zeb
Tempus665 03-24-04, 01:38 AM	Dear Rich, The Spellsinger prestige class (Races of Faerûn) has the spellsong ability. He can trade in spells for lower level enchantment spells. The DC for these enchantments, according to the book, equals the caster's Cha modifier + the enchantment´s level + 2. I think this is a mistake, since this would make the highest possible DC around 10 - 12. Can you tell me what it should be?
Mutablegenus 03-24-04, 01:48 AM	i don't even own the book but 100% of the time those calcualations are the level of the PrC+ the PrC's key ability score modifier+ effect level, but thats weird i've never heard of a +2 in there, i can guarntee it's supposed to be :c aster's Cha modifier + the enchantment´s level + 2+PrC level...
WotC_RichBaker 03-24-04, 12:29 PM	Use the Monster Manual 3.5 for the wood elves (the new stat mods). Nothing else has changed about 'em. That said... in my opinion, they were too good at LA +0 in 3.0, and they're a smidgen better now. I don't like it that an elf takes up the same "party space" as a half-orc. So, in my campaign, I've told my players: "No more wood elves, guys." Make their ability mods just like the moon elf (or standard elf), and see if your power gamers keep making up wood elf fighters. (You might ask why they're that good when a game designer like me won't let 'em in his game. Sorry to say, I think we've just missed getting them right in 3.0 and 3.5. Sometimes we overlook things, or don't see all the future ramifications. We sure loved the way the haste spell worked in 3.0, until we saw that every single spellcaster took it and double-cast at all opportunities. We caught that one for 3.5. The wood elf, we just haven't caught yet. He's tricky, and hides well.) Originally posted by Moonfall Dear Rich, I seem to remember you saying quite some time ago that races who had significantly changed from 3.0 to 3.5 (such as wood elves and IIRC duergar) would have a section in PGTF explaining these changes. I was quite looking forward to this, as wood elves are my favourite race and my dm is a bit disgruntled about their new ability modifiers (+2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con -2 Int) as he feels that the Str bonus is unbalancing and is considering making them a LA +1 race. Unfortunately, upon buying the book, I have found that the aforementioned info isn't included, and was cut, from what I've heard. So I was wondering if you could possibly post whatever info on wood elves there is that was cut from PGTF. Thanks for your time, Moonfall
WotC_RichBaker 03-24-04, 12:31 PM	That's supposed to be 10 + Cha mod + spell level +2... or, to be more efficient, 12 + spell level + Cha mod. Spellsingers are really good at enchantments. Originally posted by Tempus665 Dear Rich, The Spellsinger prestige class (Races of Faerûn) has the spellsong ability. He can trade in spells for lower level enchantment spells. The DC for these enchantments, according to the book, equals the caster's Cha modifier + the enchantment´s level + 2. I think this is a mistake, since this would make the highest possible DC around 10 - 12. Can you tell me what it should be?
WotC_RichBaker 03-24-04, 12:41 PM	RE: Vile spell... Yes, I think Violate Spell should be the prereq for Touch of Hate in Player's Guide to Faerun. Also, on checking around the office, here's an unofficial errata/revision for Book of Vile Darkness: Drop the "special" lines off Corrupt Spell and Violate Spell. They should work like any other metamagic feat, you can slap 'em on any appropriate spell you know.
WotC_RichBaker 03-24-04, 12:43 PM	Yes. They're planetouched, but they've got that "elven blood" ability, plus their racial abilities (as laid out in Races of Faerun) seem to include most of the things that elves would get. Originally posted by Kuje31 Hi Rich, Can't believe I have to ask this, but Fey'ri. Elven tieflings or not?
WotC_RichBaker 03-24-04, 12:54 PM	OK, I'll try to get a couple of these... 1. The divine champion. I agree, this ability is not worded well. Going back to the FRCS language on this guy, I'd consider it to be, You can smite anyone who has a different patron deity than you (or no patron at all). 2. Yes, it's fine the way it is. 3. Arcane Schooling offers no caster level bumps. Play it exactly as it's written. 4. Militia is good, but it's not unreasonable. Jumping on to the eldritch knight track isn't obviously broken for an arcane spellcaster. In the long run, you'll trade your Will save for Fort save, and you'll get full BAB progression, at the cost of a level of spellcasting. 5. The Harper Agent catches 'em all now. It's a very flexible class that way. Originally posted by jsaving Great book. A few questions: 1) The divine champion's "smite infidel" ability says it works on creatures that have "a different patron deity." Later it implies the ability only works on creatures who worship "opposing alignments or deities." And the sidebar on the previous page implies the ability, and others like it, only work on creatures who worship one particular "opposing alignment or deity." Which is correct? 2) The divine disciple's "transcendance" ability lists some but not all of the benefits provided by the "otherworldly" feat. Is transcendance intended to be inferior to that feat? 3) If an arcane caster takes the "arcane schooling" feat, does he use spell-trigger items at caster level +1 or at his normal caster level? ("Magical training" explicitly says its benefits don't stack with arcane levels, but arcane schooling doesn't.) 4) An arcane caster who takes the "militia" feat can enter the eldritch knight prestige class without ever leveling up in a non-spellcasting class. Was this understood when designing the feat, and if so, did the PGtF team find it acceptable? 5) The Harper agent prestige class is described in advertising for PGtF as a replacement for the various Harper prestige classes that have appeared to date. Does the Harper agent replace the Harper mage/priest classes in Magic of Faerun, or do those classes continue to exist alongside the Harper agent? 6) The Eye of Horus-Re seems more powerful in virtually every respect than the Morninglord of Lathander. Was this intended, and if so, why? 7) The Eye of Horus-Re entry requirements could be met by characters who aren't clerics provided those character previously gained the sun domain through a different prestige class. If such a character becomes a 2nd level Eye of Horus-Re, does he gain the casting abilities of a 1st level cleric? 8) The Initiate of Nature feat doesn't mention Chauntea or Shiallia. Was this an oversight, or do those deities not allow characters to become Initiates? 9) The Harper paragon class offers a ten-sided hit die and provides full spell progression to either divine or arcane characters who meet its prerequisites. Was the class intended to provide only divine spellcasting advancement? If not, would it be a good idea to make this change?
Alac Luin 03-24-04, 01:09 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker (The wood elf, we just haven't caught yet. He's tricky, and hides well.) Dem darn sneakin' Elfies
DreadStar 03-24-04, 01:14 PM	Rich The skill points for MorningLords is missing Originally posted by BobROE In the PGtF, the Morninglord of Lathander doesn't have it's skill points per level listed.
WotC_RichBaker 03-24-04, 02:44 PM	Should be 2 + Int mod per level. Originally posted by DreadStar Rich The skill points for MorningLords is missing
Kuje31 03-24-04, 04:15 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Yes. They're planetouched, but they've got that "elven blood" ability, plus their racial abilities (as laid out in Races of Faerun) seem to include most of the things that elves would get. Rich, I don't mean to pester you about this, but there is a poster who says you didn't understand my question, but how this is the case I am not sure since you said yes, fey'ri are elven tieflings. So with that in mind, is it true that Fey'ri are a variant elven tiefling or did you misunderstand what I was asking? If the answer is yes, then there are demihuman tieflings, like the Tannaurk, Wisping, and the dwarven one. The last two are in Fiend Folio, or is it still that there are ONLY human descended tieflings, which is the standard tiefling?
Cunning Linguist 03-24-04, 04:52 PM	Im the poster who disagres with Kuju31, and my evidence is Races of Faerun, who says only Humans can be teiflings, and that other planetouched races, like the elves with Fay'ri and Orcs with Tannaurk are there own races, and not teiflings. However, Kuju31 has it from Lords of Darkness and Monsters of Faerun that a teifling is any humanoid with some old fiendish blood in them. So the core question is: Is teifling the same as any humanoid with some fiendish blood, or does teifling only apply to humans with findish blood?
Kuje31 03-24-04, 06:36 PM	Originally posted by Cunning Linguist Im the poster who disagres with Kuju31, and my evidence is Races of Faerun, who says only Humans can be teiflings, and that other planetouched races, like the elves with Fay'ri and Orcs with Tannaurk are there own races, and not teiflings. However, Kuju31 has it from Lords of Darkness and Monsters of Faerun that a teifling is any humanoid with some old fiendish blood in them. So the core question is: Is teifling the same as any humanoid with some fiendish blood, or does teifling only apply to humans with findish blood? I never said that about Monsters of Faerun or Lords of Darkness, what I said was that it lists fey'ri and tanarukk's as variant tieflings. And there is really nothing in Races that disagrees with this, since those two races are descendents of elves and orcs that have mated with half-lower planar creatures. Which is the same thing that humans have done to make the human descended tieflings.
Cernunnos 03-24-04, 06:40 PM	This is mostly a question of semantics... kind of how a square is a rectangle but a rectangle isn't necessarily a square. In theory, a tiefling is a planetouched creature with fiendish blood, but we've read that "tiefling" is the term usually used for human-fiend crossbreeds. The fey'ri and tanarruk (and baphataurs) are a particular kind of fiendishly planetouched creature that has bred true and is now its own race. I'd imagine that, in theory, if you had a community of tieflings that bred together long enough to get common physical traits and magical abilities, while they would still technically be "tieflings," they would better represented as a seperate race. Not to mention, tieflings are usually the result of a more-or-less random pairing of human and fiend... the tanarukk and fey'ri were the result of actual breeding programs, with multiple inclusions of fiendish blood over multiple generations.
Kuje31 03-24-04, 06:53 PM	Originally posted by Cernunnos This is mostly a question of semantics... kind of how a square is a rectangle but a rectangle isn't necessarily a square. In theory, a tiefling is a planetouched creature with fiendish blood, but we've read that "tiefling" is the term usually used for human-fiend crossbreeds. The fey'ri and tanarruk (and baphataurs) are a particular kind of fiendishly planetouched creature that has bred true and is now its own race. I'd imagine that, in theory, if you had a community of tieflings that bred together long enough to get common physical traits and magical abilities, while they would still technically be "tieflings," they would better represented as a seperate race. Not to mention, tieflings are usually the result of a more-or-less random pairing of human and fiend... the tanarukk and fey'ri were the result of actual breeding programs, with multiple inclusions of fiendish blood over multiple generations. Well the human tieflings are thier own race as well, just like half-elves are thier own race. I really don't see how, when there are three books that basically back each other up, that people don't believe fey'ri are just basically elven tieflings. The offspring between a human and fiend would be a half-fiend. The offspring between a elf and a fiend would be a half-fiend. We know that half-fiends rule over the Fey'ri, since the sourcebooks say as much. A tiefling is then the offspring between that half-fiend and a human. A fey'ri, or elven tiefling, is then the offspring of that half-fiend and a elf. How are these two races different? Except one comes from a human and is called a tiefling and the other comes from an elf and is called a Fey'ri or an elven tiefling. Or a tannakk an orc tiefling or wispling an halfling tiefling, etc. But let's drop it and wait for Rich to hopefully clarify this or take it back to the thread me and Cunning already highjacked. :)
Sancus 03-24-04, 07:10 PM	Hi, Rich. I hope I'm not being bothersome with too much of a "rulesy" question, and if so, feel free to just ignore this post :) That said, I have a number of issues with the new incantatrix. Now, granted, you have to give up a school of magic for it so some power up was expected, however, a number of the capabilities of Incantatrix seem to me to be relatively useless for their intended use(judged by the example of use given in the book) but massively useful for things that you seemed to have tried to reduce in this book. I also have to say that I do like the flavor of the new incantatrix much more than the old one. This one is really a metamagic expert, not some kind of strange anti-outsider/metamagic hybrid. Namely: Cooperative Metamagic: So I can ready an action to metamagic an ally's spell. Okay, but this is relatively pointless in combat as using that standard action to cast a spell myself is probably better 90% of the time. HOWEVER, if I use this ability out of combat, I can use Extend Spell and Persistent Spell on my friend the cleric's buffs, giving him the ability to become a Persistent Buff Cleric without even taking the feat! The spellcraft DCs are high, true, but it seems that this ability was intended to be used in combat to metamagic your ally's spells, but in fact, it's far more useful out of combat. Do you think this is balanced? Metamagic Effect: Again, this seems to have been intended for use on Walls of Fire and the like, but with this ability I can Persist and Extend my own buffs with a spellcraft DC in place of a spell level adjustment. 3+ int mod uses per day: This means a LOT of uses for any wizard that takes the PrC for any of the above abilities.
WotC_RichBaker 03-24-04, 07:34 PM	OK, I think you lost me. What's the question here, really? (If the question is: "Are there tieflings other than fey'ri with elf characteristics?" I think the answer is no. If the question is: "Are fey'ri an elven subrace?" the answer is no.) Originally posted by Kuje31 Rich, I don't mean to pester you about this, but there is a poster who says you didn't understand my question, but how this is the case I am not sure since you said yes, fey'ri are elven tieflings. So with that in mind, is it true that Fey'ri are a variant elven tiefling or did you misunderstand what I was asking? If the answer is yes, then there are demihuman tieflings, like the Tannaurk, Wisping, and the dwarven one. The last two are in Fiend Folio, or is it still that there are ONLY human descended tieflings, which is the standard tiefling?
WotC_RichBaker 03-24-04, 07:43 PM	OK, I think I see. Each planetouched race is really its own thing. It doesn't really matter what the humanoid genealogy is--you're a planetouched, and it doesn't matter if you have dwarf, or elf, or human, or orc, or whatever in your family tree. However, there are a couple of exceptions to that rule. Fey'ri are clearly descended from elves and demons. Durzagons are clearly descended from duergar and devils. The existence of the fey'ri and durzagons doesn't imply that *every* humanoid race creates a planetouched derivative with unique characteristics--it simply means that some distinct racial types with tiefling-like derivations are possible. Some elf-demon heritages will result in "standard" tieflings, others (sun elves and succubi, I suppose, removed by a generation or two) will result in fey'ri. It's really a question of "flavor" text surrounding the race. The racial qualities and rules are spelled out pretty precisely for all these guys. Originally posted by Cunning Linguist Im the poster who disagres with Kuju31, and my evidence is Races of Faerun, who says only Humans can be teiflings, and that other planetouched races, like the elves with Fay'ri and Orcs with Tannaurk are there own races, and not teiflings. However, Kuju31 has it from Lords of Darkness and Monsters of Faerun that a teifling is any humanoid with some old fiendish blood in them. So the core question is: Is teifling the same as any humanoid with some fiendish blood, or does teifling only apply to humans with findish blood?
Kuje31 03-24-04, 07:49 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker OK, I think you lost me. What's the question here, really? (If the question is: "Are there tieflings other than fey'ri with elf characteristics?" I think the answer is no. If the question is: "Are fey'ri an elven subrace?" the answer is no.) Nah, my question was what I asked you earlier, which was, "Are fey'ri, elven tieflings? Or do only human descended tieflings exist and that there are no demihuman or orc tieflings, such as the Fey'ri, the Tannarkk, the two listed in Fiend Folio, etc....." Since both Lord's of Darkness and Monster's of Faerun and in a round about way Races of Faerun, lists Fey'ri and Tanarkk's as variant tieflings, coming from orc and elven stock. Since Cunning didn't believe you when you earlier posted, "Yes. They are planetouched with elven blood....." He says that there is only one type of tiefling and that is the tiefling that is descended from humans, which is also the standard +1 ECL tiefling.
Cernunnos 03-24-04, 09:04 PM	I think the answer was "in a way, yes." Tieflings are like mutts... but when you breed enough mutts the same way, you get a breed. Therefor you can have an elf-demon crossbreed that is a tiefling, but not necessarily a fey'ri. Like my square and rectangle analogy. While a fey'ri has both elven and infernal blood, not all planetouched with demonic/elven backgrounds are fey'ri. Some are regular tieflings. And like breeds of dogs you can have two wildly different (and with wildly different stats) creatures. On another note, Rich, can you tell us what the next book after Serpent Kingdoms is gonna be? You'll have to give us a preliminary Table of Contents glance at Serpent Kingdoms once you get your claws on a copy ;) I'm curious to know what lands/regions are going to be detailed. Or even if you can't tell us the full details as to the nature of the next FR book, maybe you can drop us some hints and have us guess. Heh, maybe even turn it into a contest "guess the next FR book." We know how you guys are about the development cycle though, so we'll take all the "not set in stone" provisions to heart. Maybe even an update on what MIGHT lie ahead in some future releases. And as always, thanks for keeping those answers coming!
Kuje31 03-24-04, 09:18 PM	Originally posted by Cernunnos I think the answer was "in a way, yes." Tieflings are like mutts... but when you breed enough mutts the same way, you get a breed. Therefor you can have an elf-demon crossbreed that is a tiefling, but not necessarily a fey'ri. Like my square and rectangle analogy. While a fey'ri has both elven and infernal blood, not all planetouched with demonic/elven backgrounds are fey'ri. Some are regular tieflings. And like breeds of dogs you can have two wildly different (and with wildly different stats) creatures. That's all well and good but Cunning doesn't believe Fey'ri are elven descendents that are tieflings and that only human descendents can be tieflings. However, I hope he checks back in with the other thread him and I highjacked because the web enhancement for the Player's Guide proves that Fey'ri are elven descendents that are tieflings and that there are also orc descendents that are tieflings. :)
monk-ki 03-25-04, 12:12 AM	Guys, this is not the place to debate anything, this is the thread on which we ask Richard Baker questions pertaining to the rules of the books, and Richard Baker answers them. I come to this thread to learn from him, as the title implies. Please take all arguments and disagreements elsewhere, this is not the place. For all of us, Mr. Baker, thank you for your time and patience.
Selvarin 03-25-04, 02:07 AM	Originally posted by Mutablegenus Yes you do have to take Daylight Adaption as a first level character,it doesn't make sense but oh well Yep, very disappointing. But Rule-Zero fixes that. (In my campaign, only Cormanthor drow will be able to take it at 1st level. All others can take it at 3rd level.)
Dargoth 03-25-04, 04:10 AM	Originally posted by Dargoth Rich I was wondering if you'd be willing to conslidate some of the stuff thats come out about unannounced FR products The List The Lost Empire/Lost Civilization source book The Waterdeep/Skullport source book The Book that the Arch Fiends material cut from PGTF will be going into. The Book Thomas Reid said he worked on that will come out later this year The Book Travis Stout says hes now working on Thanks! you missed one Rich
Dargoth 03-25-04, 04:25 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Hah! An easy one. It's all about the Hit Dice. The parentheticals after the other monsters just note their HD so you can save yourself a trip to the Monster Manual when you're considering your flying mount choices. Dragons, of course, have a whole range of HD. What would happan if the Zhentrim Sky Mage took the Dragon Cohort feat in Draconomicon? Would the feat stack with the Flying Mount class ability the Skymage gets?
Bocklin 03-25-04, 04:27 AM	Dear Rich, I know this question is not an easy one (or at least does not seem to be). But I really need an answer, because a player is nagging me endlessly with it. :-) I would really appreciate your lights on the following question: Originally posted by Bocklin Dear Rich, I have a question about Star Elves and the Otherworldly Feat. 1) From "Unapproachable East" I understand that the Star Elves have the extraplanar subtype but are no outsiders. Does that make them "Humanoid (elf, extraplanar)"? Then, what does happen if they take the otherworldly Feat from PGtF? Do they become "Outsider (native, elf, extraplanar)"? The "native" and "extraplanar" subtypes seem to contradict each other... Or do they become "Outsider (native, elf)", thus losing the extraplanar subtype and becoming immune to Banish spells and the like? Thanks for your lights! 2) In both cases, are they sensitive to elf-bane weapons? And what about the ranger's class trait "favorite ennemy" if the ranger chooses Elves as one chosen ennemy? Thanks in advance! Bocklin
Tempus665 03-25-04, 05:25 AM	Star Elves are elves. So yes, they are sensitive to elfbane weapons, and rangers with elves as their favored enemy can hit them real hard.
Bocklin 03-25-04, 05:44 AM	Originally posted by Tempus665 Star Elves are elves. So yes, they are sensitive to elfbane weapons, and rangers with elves as their favored enemy can hit them real hard. Sure, this is in their "normal" form (i.e. straight from the Unapproachable East book). BUT If they take the "Otherworldly" Feat from PGtF it states that they become "native outsiders". Does this entails that they loose the elf subtype and thus become immune to elfbane weapons? Or are they "Outsider (native, elf)" and are still sensitive to the elfbane effect? And what does happen then to their Extraplanar quality (that Star Elves have naturally)? Is it overridden by the "native" subtype? Which would make them immune to "Banishment" spells. Bocklin PS: The first part of my question (re: elfbane weapons) is also valid for Sun Elves from Evermeet taking the same "Otherworldly" Feat. Does becoming "native outsiders" suppress their "elf" type.
Aulnil 03-25-04, 09:58 AM	Location: Mr. Baker, I've just finished your installation to the War of the Spider Queen series, and it was by far the best yet. I am running my own Forgotten Realms campaign but attempt to use as much published material as possible. As my campaign is deeply rooted in the Moonsea and Dales region much of these books, along with the City of the Spider Queen adventure, tie directly into my campaign. I've asked the general FR message board, as well as the Ask RA Salvatore message board, in which he referred me to the FR message board, is there a specific timeline of events for atleast the novel and possibly the adventure supplement as well, pertaining to start dates and major event dates? Any info. would be gratefully appreciated. Thanx, Aulnil
TrueExodite 03-25-04, 10:03 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker This points out a problem with the level adjustment system; ... Sorry for resurrecting the Sharn issue but I have a question somewhat relating to that. While not directly a FR issue, are there any plans to change the CR != ECL, or at least 1 HD != 1 CR, notion in the future? The reason I ask is that creature advancement is FUBAR. Take the Sharn for example, while I agree that Aberration HD is pretty much crap you get 4 HD for one increase in CR. So, at CR 10 we have a Sharn that casts as a 10th level Cleric and 10th level Sorcerer. Add 10 levels of MTh and we have a CR 20 creature with 22 HD that casts as a 20th level Cleric and 20th level Sorcerer, can cast 3 spells/round and have a multitude of special abilities. This is not the same CR 20 as a Cleric 20 or Sorcerer 20 for example. While I acknowledge that CR is at best an estimation I've found that none of the advanced monsters in the MM adheres to the provided guidelines and that what most often break the system is advancement by HD, as all monsters get 2-4 HD for each CR. This is especially bad with monsters that get additional abilities, such as spellcasting or natural armor increases, based on their HD. So, to end my blathering, have this issue been taken in consideration for future products? Thanks in advance.
Mr.Waesel 03-25-04, 10:03 AM	Mr. Baker, Now that all books are going to pay at the very least a passing nod to the specialized systems (Epic, Exalted, Vile), would it be possible to include ECL's higher than 20 in monster stat blocks?
Karsus 03-25-04, 12:35 PM	Questions for Mr. Baker. Two things caught my eye in looking at the PGtF and its references for Unapproachable East. 1. Draw Upon the Land is a Regional Feat for the Rasheman region. Its prerequisite is Ethran...also a Regional Feat. What are its new requirements, or is it intended to be in the list in the sidebar on p. 33 of the PGtF alongside the Berserker Lodge Feats and Rashemi Elemental Summoning? 2. Runescarred Berserker: Survivor is listed as a prerequisite for this Rashemi-only PrC, but Survivor is no longer a regional feat for the Rasheman region. Should Survivor be included in that region's feats, or is there a new requirement for the PrC?
WotC_RichBaker 03-25-04, 01:38 PM	Sorry, guys, can't say quite yet -- but I understand our third trimester catalog will be out any day now, and as soon as it hits, I can talk about it. Originally posted by Cernunnos On another note, Rich, can you tell us what the next book after Serpent Kingdoms is gonna be? You'll have to give us a preliminary Table of Contents glance at Serpent Kingdoms once you get your claws on a copy ;) I'm curious to know what lands/regions are going to be detailed. Or even if you can't tell us the full details as to the nature of the next FR book, maybe you can drop us some hints and have us guess. Heh, maybe even turn it into a contest "guess the next FR book." We know how you guys are about the development cycle though, so we'll take all the "not set in stone" provisions to heart. Maybe even an update on what MIGHT lie ahead in some future releases. And as always, thanks for keeping those answers coming!
WotC_RichBaker 03-25-04, 01:41 PM	An otherworldly star elf should be Outsider (elf, extraplanar). The real intent of the otherworldly feat is to get you off the hook for charm person, hold person, etc. Originally posted by Bocklin Dear Rich, I know this question is not an easy one (or at least does not seem to be). But I really need an answer, because a player is nagging me endlessly with it. :-) I would really appreciate your lights on the following question:
WotC_RichBaker 03-25-04, 01:42 PM	Thanks, glad you liked the book! There is a timeline of the first 3 novels of the War of the Spider Queen in the Player's Guide to Faerun. Originally posted by Aulnil Location: Mr. Baker, I've just finished your installation to the War of the Spider Queen series, and it was by far the best yet. I am running my own Forgotten Realms campaign but attempt to use as much published material as possible. As my campaign is deeply rooted in the Moonsea and Dales region much of these books, along with the City of the Spider Queen adventure, tie directly into my campaign. I've asked the general FR message board, as well as the Ask RA Salvatore message board, in which he referred me to the FR message board, is there a specific timeline of events for atleast the novel and possibly the adventure supplement as well, pertaining to start dates and major event dates? Any info. would be gratefully appreciated. Thanx, Aulnil
WotC_RichBaker 03-25-04, 01:47 PM	We've known for quite a while that a CR based solely on character level is different from a monster CR. Sure, a 20th-level bard is "CR 20" monster, but would you rather fight him or a pit fiend? Unfortunately, we don't have a clean fix for this right now. We're just kind of trusting that DMs out there understand that NPCs are "soft" for their CR. RE: Monsters with innate spellcasting, they probably should follow a 1-for-1 CR boost if their spellcasting increases with their HD. It's at least as good as an "associated class level" as defined in that Monster Manual table. Originally posted by TrueExodite Sorry for resurrecting the Sharn issue but I have a question somewhat relating to that. While not directly a FR issue, are there any plans to change the CR != ECL, or at least 1 HD != 1 CR, notion in the future? The reason I ask is that creature advancement is FUBAR. Take the Sharn for example, while I agree that Aberration HD is pretty much crap you get 4 HD for one increase in CR. So, at CR 10 we have a Sharn that casts as a 10th level Cleric and 10th level Sorcerer. Add 10 levels of MTh and we have a CR 20 creature with 22 HD that casts as a 20th level Cleric and 20th level Sorcerer, can cast 3 spells/round and have a multitude of special abilities. This is not the same CR 20 as a Cleric 20 or Sorcerer 20 for example. While I acknowledge that CR is at best an estimation I've found that none of the advanced monsters in the MM adheres to the provided guidelines and that what most often break the system is advancement by HD, as all monsters get 2-4 HD for each CR. This is especially bad with monsters that get additional abilities, such as spellcasting or natural armor increases, based on their HD. So, to end my blathering, have this issue been taken in consideration for future products? Thanks in advance.
TrueExodite 03-25-04, 08:15 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker We've known for quite a while that a CR based solely on character level is different from a monster CR. Thanks for the reply, it actually feels better just knowing that the designers keep this in mind. Not that it sounds very logical mind, it just does. :)
Hardhead 03-25-04, 10:17 PM	QUESTION: According to PGtF, Psionic powers don't use the Weave. Does that mean that they function in Dead Magic zones (like Shadow Weave spells?) - Z a c h
Unda Harvum 03-26-04, 03:10 AM	Dear Mr. Baker - I'm just wondering: now that you have given Initiates of Lathander the ability to spontaneously cast Inflict Light Wounds and Mass Inflict Light Wounds - whatever will you think of next? ;)
Zanan 03-26-04, 04:05 AM	Vendui! After reading Underdark's items descriptions list, I was wondering why drowcraft items have the disintegrate spell listed among the item creation stats. Though it is not specifically mentioned in the description, the "fall-apart-when-exposed-to-sunlight" bit was to my knowledge not because of the drow wizards' intent to make the items unusable for surfacers, but because of the adamantite's (that old adamantine-alloy) inability to stand sunlight after it had been exposed to faerzress (to which it is still closely linked). As it is now, you do need a high level spellcaster for the creation of +1 items because of those two 6th level spells. I don't mind this (one could simply put a +1 on the enhancement (just as it is now) without naming a spell that covers the effect though), but the disintegrate spell doesn't look right for an item that simply dissolves in sunlight because of its nature, don't you think?
WotC_RichBaker 03-26-04, 12:09 PM	They sure do. (But antimagic field still turns 'em off.) Originally posted by Hardhead QUESTION: According to PGtF, Psionic powers don't use the Weave. Does that mean that they function in Dead Magic zones (like Shadow Weave spells?) - Z a c h
WotC_RichBaker 03-26-04, 12:13 PM	I couldn't tell you specifically why disintegrate is there. I don't remember specifically noticing it or adding it when I developed the book, so maybe it's something that Bruce or Gwen had in place originally, or maybe it's something that was added in editing. I'm inclined to agree with you philosophically, but it's not clearly broken or mistaken. Maybe disintegrate stands in well as a spell that has a particularly suitable connection with faerzress? Rule 0 it in your game if it bugs you. Originally posted by Zanan Vendui! After reading Underdark's items descriptions list, I was wondering why drowcraft items have the disintegrate spell listed among the item creation stats. Though it is not specifically mentioned in the description, the "fall-apart-when-exposed-to-sunlight" bit was to my knowledge not because of the drow wizards' intent to make the items unusable for surfacers, but because of the adamantite's (that old adamantine-alloy) inability to stand sunlight after it had been exposed to faerzress (to which it is still closely linked). As it is now, you do need a high level spellcaster for the creation of +1 items because of those two 6th level spells. I don't mind this (one could simply put a +1 on the enhancement (just as it is now) without naming a spell that covers the effect though), but the disintegrate spell doesn't look right for an item that simply dissolves in sunlight because of its nature, don't you think?
The Livewire 03-26-04, 06:53 PM	OK, seems to be a popular topic... Do Fey'ri sleep or reverie? and I assume they need normal sleeping time constraints. Can they take the magic in the blood feat? :angel: Enervation/Suggestion/Detect Thoughts/DimDoor 3/day might be a bit painful.
Dargoth 03-27-04, 01:22 AM	Rich Got a question for you regarding the Regions and feats section of PGTF What Region would you assign a Shield Dwarf from either the Dwarven town of Glen (in Mistledale) or the Mines of Tethyamar ?(either a refugee or a decedant of someone who lived there)
Tempus665 03-27-04, 03:18 AM	Originally posted by The Livewire Do Fey'ri sleep or reverie? and I assume they need normal sleeping time constraints. They´re outsiders, they don´t need to sleep or reverie. But they can if they so wish :)
Kuje31 03-27-04, 03:47 AM	Originally posted by Tempus665 They´re outsiders, they don´t need to sleep or reverie. But they can if they so wish :) Not sure I agree with this..... Genesi and normal human descended tieflings are also native outsiders but they have to sleep..... Not sure if Fey'ri sleep or reverie though. I'd go with sleep since half-elves can't reverie either.
Tempus665 03-27-04, 04:24 AM	Originally posted by Kuje31 Not sure I agree with this..... Genesi and normal human descended tieflings are also native outsiders but they have to sleep. I stand corrected; you´re probably right. :)
Bocklin 03-27-04, 04:31 AM	Originally posted by Tempus665 They´re outsiders, they don´t need to sleep or reverie. But they can if they so wish :) Actually Feyris are of the "Outsider (native)" type. See "Races of Faerun" page 120. Native outsiders are required to sleep and eat (Monsters Manual page 312). Since they have the Elven Blood trait I'd go for reverie. Bocklin
Gez 03-27-04, 06:50 AM	Is this Amazon image of the Serpent Kingdom cover a mock-up or definitive? (It looks definitive, but I've been fooled once with OA's.) http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0786932775.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Bocklin 03-27-04, 06:52 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker An otherworldly star elf should be Outsider (elf, extraplanar). The real intent of the otherworldly feat is to get you off the hook for charm person, hold person, etc. Thanks a lot for your reply! I guess it's a yes, but, just to be sure: It would still be possible to raise/resurrect them? Wouldn't it? Bocklin
Kuje31 03-27-04, 01:20 PM	Originally posted by Bocklin Actually Feyris are of the "Outsider (native)" type. See "Races of Faerun" page 120. Native outsiders are required to sleep and eat (Monsters Manual page 312). Since they have the Elven Blood trait I'd go for reverie. Bocklin However, half-elves have the elven blood trait and they don't reverie, they sleep. :) Only pure elves really are the only ones who can enter reverie.
Mr.Waesel 03-27-04, 04:02 PM	Mr. Baker, You seemed to have missed my last question: Now that all books are going to pay at the very least a passing nod to the specialized systems (Epic, Exalted, Vile), would it be possible to include ECL's higher than 20 in monster stat blocks?
ender 03-27-04, 05:33 PM	Originally posted by Bocklin Thanks a lot for your reply! I guess it's a yes, but, just to be sure: It would still be possible to raise/resurrect them? Wouldn't it? All native outsiders can be raised or ressurected normally. See the glossary section of MM or the Planetouched entry in the FRCS.
Bocklin 03-28-04, 04:21 AM	Dear not-reading-the-full-thread Ender, :D I ask the question because, as Rich pointed out, if the Star Elves pick up the Otherworldly Feat they become "Outsider (elves, extraplanar)". Anyway, Star Elves never have been "native", without the Feat they are "Humanoid (elves, extraplanar)"... As Humanoids they can be raised/resurrected, but I want to be sure that that Feat (making them Outsiders) does not imply other things I missed. Bocklin
Zanan 03-28-04, 04:33 AM	Vendui! After converting the yochlol (Monsters of Faerûn) to 3RE I noticed that neither in the old nor in the new version there has been any spell-like / supernatural explanation given to the shape-change ability of these tanar'ri. Usually, alternate form or change / polymorph self are listed, but they go hand in hand with the average ability scores of the monster chosen. Now, yochlol in AD&D kept their ability scores (e.g. STR 18/51, ability as 6th level fighters etc.) in drow form, so can we assume that this is a consistency with the old rules and that yochlol do indeed keep their ability scores when appearing in drow / elven / human form (apart from natural AC, as has been listed in their stats)?
Selvarin 03-28-04, 04:41 AM	Gee Zan, kinda sounds like it don't it? :P
ender 03-28-04, 06:29 PM	Originally posted by Bocklin Dear not-reading-the-full-thread Ender, :D I ask the question because, as Rich pointed out, if the Star Elves pick up the Otherworldly Feat they become "Outsider (elves, extraplanar)". Anyway, Star Elves never have been "native", without the Feat they are "Humanoid (elves, extraplanar)"... As Humanoids they can be raised/resurrected, but I want to be sure that that Feat (making them Outsiders) does not imply other things I missed. Bocklin If I missed something, my bad. But if we are sure that Otherworldly star elves are Outsider (elves, extraplanar), then what is the confusion? Doesn't it go without saying that extraplanar outsiders cannot be raised? As long as they are NOT natives, then they can't be raised (short of wish, etc). I have read the threads, and I am confused as to the source of the confusion. :)
Klyden 03-28-04, 08:07 PM	Dear Richard Baker, Hi. Is it at all possible that we will see a Forgotten Realms: Expanded Faiths and Pantheons Book containing 3.5 revised stats for the following deities: Akadi Auril Azuth Bane Beshaba Chauntea Cyric Deneir Eilistraee Eldath Finder Wyvernspur Garagos Gargauth Gond Grumbar Gwaron Windstrom Helm Hoar Ilmater Ishtishia Jergal Kelemvor Kossuth Lathander Lliira Lolth Loviatar Lurue Malar Mask Mielikki Milil Mystra Nobanion Oghma Red Knight Savras Selûne Shar Sharess Shiallia Siamorphe Shaundakul Silvanus Sune Talona Talos Tempus Torm Tymora Tyr Ubtao Umberlee Uthgar Valkur Velsharoon Waukeen
Selvarin 03-28-04, 08:30 PM	Revised deific stats?.... :bigeyes: Considering today's pricing, gamers want books they can get more use out of. I bet if we had a poll we'd find that deity stats, while nice to look at for relative comparisons, are at the bottom of the list when it comes to useful/needed/wanted material. Originally posted by Klyden Dear Richard Baker, Hi. Is it at all possible that we will see a Forgotten Realms: Expanded Faiths and Pantheons Book containing 3.5 revised stats for the following deities: <snip>
Fieldketchun 03-28-04, 08:37 PM	Mr. Baker: The PGtF is another great book. My questions is the spells from the Silver Marches web enhancement do not appear on the lists for the respective casters. What is the status of the spells, in/out/optional. The spells are; Alicorn Lance Evocation [Force] Level: Clr 2, Drd 2 (Lurue) Alustriel’s Banner Illusion (Figment) Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1 Favor of Yathaghera Transmutation Level: Clr 3, Drd 3 (Lurue) thanks
Klyden 03-28-04, 10:08 PM	Originally posted by Selvarin Revised deific stats?.... :bigeyes: Considering today's pricing, gamers want books they can get more use out of. I bet if we had a poll we'd find that deity stats, while nice to look at for relative comparisons, are at the bottom of the list when it comes to useful/needed/wanted material. I'm sorry but I have to not agree. I thought Faiths and Pantheons had so much potential but it ended up giving me an extreme headeache at all it didn't get to cover. I remember Faiths & Avatars & Demihuman Deities. Now THOSE where much better than Faiths and Pantheons. I'd bet your poll would show interesting results indeed. Many people wanted two fairly large books detailing the Gods of the Forgotten Realms (first book) and the Gods of the Demihumans (second book). What did we get instead? We got two books that barely detail any of the Demihuman deities Not to mention they don't even cover any of the monster deities. Heck, the only bloody monster deity covered currently to my knowledge is Katulmak. I think Wizards of the Coast could do much better than that but they didn't. Instead they gave us two nice but eventually obsolete books that barely detail anything. However, this is just my opinion. I could be wrong on all this and not even know it. So feel free to challenge my statements in full. Please don't flame me though. Flaming bad...;)
Heron_Marked_Blade 03-28-04, 11:22 PM	Hi Rich, This post (a few pages back) is of particular interest to me, as I'm converting a 3.0 Incantatrix character I play to the updated 3.5 Incantatrix class. Any feedback would be appreciated. Originally posted by Sancus That said, I have a number of issues with the new incantatrix. Now, granted, you have to give up a school of magic for it so some power up was expected, however, a number of the capabilities of Incantatrix seem to me to be relatively useless for their intended use(judged by the example of use given in the book) but massively useful for things that you seemed to have tried to reduce in this book. I also have to say that I do like the flavor of the new incantatrix much more than the old one. This one is really a metamagic expert, not some kind of strange anti-outsider/metamagic hybrid. Namely: Cooperative Metamagic: So I can ready an action to metamagic an ally's spell. Okay, but this is relatively pointless in combat as using that standard action to cast a spell myself is probably better 90% of the time. HOWEVER, if I use this ability out of combat, I can use Extend Spell and Persistent Spell on my friend the cleric's buffs, giving him the ability to become a Persistent Buff Cleric without even taking the feat! The spellcraft DCs are high, true, but it seems that this ability was intended to be used in combat to metamagic your ally's spells, but in fact, it's far more useful out of combat. Do you think this is balanced? Metamagic Effect: Again, this seems to have been intended for use on Walls of Fire and the like, but with this ability I can Persist and Extend my own buffs with a spellcraft DC in place of a spell level adjustment. 3+ int mod uses per day: This means a LOT of uses for any wizard that takes the PrC for any of the above abilities.
Cernunnos 03-28-04, 11:35 PM	Klyden, check out Dragon magazine... there is a semi-regular column entitled "Faiths of Faerun" which is usually written by the Realms biggies which covers the faiths of those gods more in depth. The 3 "deity" books in 2nd edition were released at a time when TSR was pumping out too many books to really drive sales (a mistake that WotC is trying not to repeat). Unfortunately, I doubt most of the Faiths of Faerun columns will be collected in any one book anytime soon, but Dragon is a fairly good investment, since almost every issue has at least some Forgotten Realms material. And if you don't want to pay for a subscription, just get the ones you want/need from your local gaming shop, or convince your library to carry it.
Dargoth 03-29-04, 01:30 AM	AHEM Can we take the arguements and debates else where? This thread is ment to be used for putting questions to Rich
Selvarin 03-29-04, 05:57 AM	F&A, DD, and P&P were a good investment precisely because they contained reams of details relating to church history, heirarchy, spells, etc...That, IMO, was more valuable in the long run. I doubt we'll see the likes of that 3-volume set in 3.5 format, ever. It would be cost-prohibitive. And while I like F&P the space used for deity stats could've been used for other things. But as Dargoth said, this is getting off-topic so that's as far as it goes here.
dragonheart 03-29-04, 05:45 PM	In the last couple of years we've seen the Zhentarim effectively take ove the Moonsea, the arrival of the Shades with Telamont seemingly 8-10+ levels above everyone with the possible exception of Larloch, the return of the Phaerimm, the red wizards converting to an evil "Magical Microsoft" and the drow outnumbering all otehr elves together and starting to reappear on the surface (and I would assume that we will see Lolth back as well to take even more advantage of this) all in all its starting to look like the evil folks have finally managed to tilt the balance their way. Any chance of upcoming materials bringing in some correspondingly strong good forces to level the playing field again? I realize that the PCs are supposed to fill that roll but its seeming less and less likely as the evils multiply and as the BBEG all seem to be making the traditional counters (El, the Simbul, etc) seem like second rates barely able to cut off one head of the hydra before two more grow back to replace it. It would be nice to see some good guys showing up for a change - especially since so many folks seem to like to play evil characters.
Cernunnos 03-29-04, 08:45 PM	I think the designers will keep the Realms like this for awhile... as you mentioned, the adventurers are supposed to fill this void. Not to mention, too many people were complaining that the Realms were too "safe," and that too many of the evil organizations had been beaten back (after the fall of Zhentil Keep, the Zhents almost appeared as if they were going to break up into 3 or 4 seperate organizations). Also, don't forget the Harpers and the Moonstars (who are quietly growing more and more powerful). It will be interesting to see how the end of the War of the Spider Queen will play out... 2 major cities destroyed, many others in civil war, I wouldn't exactly say that the drow were doing great. Even when Lolth comes back, I'm sure she might be one more equal footing with the rest of the drow pantheon (funny, but you'd think the clergy of Eliastree would be going nuts right now getting new converts). I also think that they aren't going to do much with Shade... I think there is an uneasy peace there that they don't want to disrupt.
Shieldhaven 03-29-04, 11:19 PM	Errata-type question. So, Initiate of Ilmater. Benefit:...You can bestow a maximum number of temporary hit points equal to the target's Hit Dice (infinity symbol) 3 in this manner. These temporary hit points last up to one hour per caster level you possess.... My question is: What on earth is supposed to go in place of the infinity symbol? It makes all the difference in terms of the feat's power balance. Help?
Purple Dragon Knight 03-30-04, 01:49 AM	Hi Rich, There seems to be a small conflict between some regional and racial feats. For example, Daylight Adaptation was a racial feat under RoF, whose rules are still all useable with the new PGtoF. However it is now a Regional feat that can only be taken at 1st level. My question is: if Daylight Adaptation is a racial feat for you, can you take it anytime? (even after 1st level) Do you think that one could rule that if a Regional feat is also a Racial feat for you, they are fair game at any level; otherwise you can only take them at 1st level? Certain Regional Feats are prereqs to certain PrCs, such as Daylight Adaptation with the Vhaeraun PrC...
Bocklin 03-30-04, 02:48 AM	Originally posted by Kuje31 However, half-elves have the elven blood trait and they don't reverie, they sleep. :) Only pure elves really are the only ones who can enter reverie. Very true... :eek: You've got my "Weltanchau" totally upside-down now!! ;) Gasp... Bocklin, crawling into his corner to meditate
Katowice 03-30-04, 01:37 PM	Mr. Baker: I was looking over the Exalted prestige classes in the Players Guide to Faerun. I would like to use those classes, but I don't have the Book of Exalted Deeds and as a result I don't have the feats that are called out as prerequisites (I do have the Book of Vile Darkness, though). Can you recommend some Core Rulebook or Faerun feats that I could swap with the Exalted feats so I could include those classes in my campaign?
WotC_RichBaker 03-30-04, 01:44 PM	Ack! I think you found a couple of exceptions in our "Grand Unified Theory" of regions already. For the Mistledale guys, I'd probably use the Turmish region, and substitute Chondathan for Turmic. For the Tethyamar refugees, I'd be inclined to use the Galena Mountains region. However, if it were important in my campaign, I suppose I'd design specific regions for them. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Got a question for you regarding the Regions and feats section of PGTF What Region would you assign a Shield Dwarf from either the Dwarven town of Glen (in Mistledale) or the Mines of Tethyamar ?(either a refugee or a decedant of someone who lived there)
WotC_RichBaker 03-30-04, 01:45 PM	Yes, you can raise 'em. Originally posted by Bocklin Thanks a lot for your reply! I guess it's a yes, but, just to be sure: It would still be possible to raise/resurrect them? Wouldn't it? Bocklin
WotC_RichBaker 03-30-04, 01:46 PM	I'll mention the idea to the developers. Originally posted by Mr.Waesel Mr. Baker, You seemed to have missed my last question: Now that all books are going to pay at the very least a passing nod to the specialized systems (Epic, Exalted, Vile), would it be possible to include ECL's higher than 20 in monster stat blocks?
WotC_RichBaker 03-30-04, 01:49 PM	To be honest, not anytime soon. The deity stats just haven't seen the use we thought they might, so we're not anxious to do more of them. Now, a book that had more aspects, that might be worth examining. Originally posted by Klyden Dear Richard Baker, Hi. Is it at all possible that we will see a Forgotten Realms: Expanded Faiths and Pantheons Book containing 3.5 revised stats for the following deities: Akadi ... Waukeen
WotC_RichBaker 03-30-04, 02:00 PM	We've discussed the incantatrix pretty carefully in-house, and we're reasonably sure that it isn't broken. I think there are some good debates on this one taking place over in the Character Optimization boards in the D&D message area. We may yet be proved wrong, but for now we're sticking to our guns. Originally posted by Heron_Marked_Blade Hi Rich, This post (a few pages back) is of particular interest to me, as I'm converting a 3.0 Incantatrix character I play to the updated 3.5 Incantatrix class. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Meepo the Iconic Kobold 03-30-04, 04:53 PM	Mr. Baker: I realize that spell power was taken away from most classes, but what is the reasoning behind also taking away the metamagic feat from 5th level of Shadow Adept?
The Livewire 03-30-04, 06:08 PM	Afternoon Mr. Baker: I don't know if you missed my latest Fey'ri question or haven't gotten to it, if it's the later I appologize for the repitition. Is Magic in the Blood available to Fey'ri. If so isn't Enervation or Dimensional Door increased to 3/day a little too much? I'll add in does it affect other racial spell like abilities like Fiendish bloodline that are bought later? Oh, and I forgot, thank you for taking the time to answer all these questions. :angel:
Ninja-to 03-30-04, 06:11 PM	This question has come up many times and is still not clear. I heard Skip said something to the effect that Sunder is a melee attack and *not* a standard action. The problem with most people not understanding Sunder is the table in the PHB stating that Sunder is a standard action, while Trip, Disarm can replace a melee attack. So the final question then is: Is Sunder a Standard action? If it is, then the text description in the PHB needs clarifying, or entered into a FAQ. If Sunder replaces any melee attack, then it can be done as an Attack of Opportunity and we need to know that the TABLE is wrong, and entered into an errata. Thanks.
J. Grenemyer 03-30-04, 07:25 PM	Hello Ninja-to, Just so you know: This thread is meant to deal with Realms-specific questions, and not general rules questions. You might want to post your question in the regular PHB forums. Also, the Official FaQ update indicates Sunder is a melee attack. Have a nice day! :D
WotC_RichBaker 03-30-04, 07:35 PM	The short answer is No, Magic in the Blood is not available to fey'ri. The Player's Guide doesn't offer any fey'ri regions. The longer answer is Gosh, the fey'ri really ought to have a region entry. Since tanarukks appear on the Orc and Half-Orc table, fey'ri probably ought to appear on the Elf table. Call the region "Delimbiyr Vale" or "Hellgate Keep," I suppose. So the fey'ri easily fall under the "Creating Your Own Regions" caveat for the region tables. Magic in the Blood would be strong for the fey'ri, but I think it would be OK. There's not very much difference between doing something once per day and doing it three times per day. Originally posted by The Livewire Afternoon Mr. Baker: I don't know if you missed my latest Fey'ri question or haven't gotten to it, if it's the later I appologize for the repitition. Is Magic in the Blood available to Fey'ri. If so isn't Enervation or Dimensional Door increased to 3/day a little too much? I'll add in does it affect other racial spell like abilities like Fiendish bloodline that are bought later? Oh, and I forgot, thank you for taking the time to answer all these questions. :angel:
Dargoth 03-30-04, 08:37 PM	Hey Rich what PGTF region would a dwarf from Glen in Mistledale have? Given the presence of the Dragon hatchery in Glen I was thinking of making some of the Dragon Feats in the Draconomicon Regional feats for dwarves from Glen Coments?
Ninja-to 03-30-04, 09:31 PM	Originally posted by J. Grenemyer Hello Ninja-to, Just so you know: This thread is meant to deal with Realms-specific questions, and not general rules questions. You might want to post your question in the regular PHB forums. Also, the Official FaQ update indicates Sunder is a melee attack. Have a nice day! :D Oops. Sorry and thanks :) By the way which FAQ are you referring to?
Selvarin 03-30-04, 11:05 PM	Originally posted by Dargoth Hey Rich what PGTF region would a dwarf from Glen in Mistledale have? Given the presence of the Dragon hatchery in Glen I was thinking of making some of the Dragon Feats in the Draconomicon Regional feats for dwarves from Glen Coments? What about the dwarves of the Far Hills, for that matter? They seemed to have slipped between the tectonic plates. ;) My my, what a kettle of oysters this revised system has opened up. Perhaps the Sword Coast dwarf listing would suffice in your situation.
Dargoth 03-30-04, 11:29 PM	Originally posted by Selvarin What about the dwarves of the Far Hills, for that matter? They seemed to have slipped between the tectonic plates. ;) My my, what a kettle of oysters this revised system has opened up. Perhaps the Sword Coast dwarf listing would suffice in your situation. Im considering letting Dwarves from Glen Choose the following feats from Draconomicon without having to meet the Prereqs (the new prereq is must be a Dwarf from Glen) Dragon Hunter Dragoncrafter Dragonfoe Dragon Friend
DreadStar 03-31-04, 04:46 AM	Rich I know space in PGtF is tight but, why could you not have at least 1 Initiate feat for each core race? Is there any chance we will see Initiate feats for non-human gods in a WE or Complete Divine or some other Race Book?
Katowice 03-31-04, 09:23 AM	Beyond that, I thought it was general policy to reprint in a sourcebook any feats that might be cited from another sourcebook. Originally posted by Katowice Mr. Baker: I was looking over the Exalted prestige classes in the Players Guide to Faerun. I would like to use those classes, but I don't have the Book of Exalted Deeds and as a result I don't have the feats that are called out as prerequisites (I do have the Book of Vile Darkness, though). Can you recommend some Core Rulebook or Faerun feats that I could swap with the Exalted feats so I could include those classes in my campaign?
Gorefeast 03-31-04, 12:20 PM	Mr. Baker, Thanks for taking the time to answer all our questions. Regarding the revised incantatrix, can the snatch spell ability be used to steal a spell-like ability in effect? My main question is the summon ability of demons and devils. Say a glabrezu summons another glabrezu with its summon tanar'ri ability. Can the incantatrix attempt to steal the newly-summoned glabrezu? This came up in our last game session and we were unclear. Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 03-31-04, 01:06 PM	What we really wanted to do with the Initiate feats is take some of the spells that were iconic to particular faiths in the 2nd Ed. sourcebooks (Faiths and Avatars, etc.) and get them off the general cleric list and back into a restricted spot where only clerics of the appropriate deity could access them. Naturally, we concentrated on deities that had particularly noteworthy spells of that sort. Doesn't mean we couldn't do more later, in the right sourcebook. Originally posted by DreadStar Rich I know space in PGtF is tight but, why could you not have at least 1 Initiate feat for each core race? Is there any chance we will see Initiate feats for non-human gods in a WE or Complete Divine or some other Race Book?
WotC_RichBaker 03-31-04, 01:16 PM	I double-checked with our developers, and yes, you can do that. Here's the reasoning: Spell-like abilities are basically identical to spells once they've been cast. For example, if you cast "spell immunity" and picked lightning bolt, you'd be immune to lightning bolts cast by sorcerers or lightning bolts invoked as spell-like abilities by any critter that had it. So, the term "spellcaster" in the description of the Snatch Spell ability doesn't really specify "somebody who cast a spell" as much as it means "the creator of the effect." Originally posted by Gorefeast Mr. Baker, Thanks for taking the time to answer all our questions. Regarding the revised incantatrix, can the snatch spell ability be used to steal a spell-like ability in effect? My main question is the summon ability of demons and devils. Say a glabrezu summons another glabrezu with its summon tanar'ri ability. Can the incantatrix attempt to steal the newly-summoned glabrezu? This came up in our last game session and we were unclear. Thanks!
Gorefeast 03-31-04, 02:56 PM	Thanks! Wow, that is pretty powerful, considering creatures summoned in this manner remain for 1 hour.
AskaniSage 03-31-04, 05:19 PM	I FINALLY got my copy of PGTF & I noticed two mistakes that stood out. 1) Under the Initiate of Selune, it lists Hathran & patron diety Selune as prerequistes. How can that be? To be a Hathran you have to have a patron diety of Mystra, Chauntea or Mielikki so a Hathran CAN'T be an Initiate of Selune. Was the Hathran supposed to be listed under Initiate of Mystra instead??? 2) It says under the new Hathran that a Hathran wears her mask when she travels OUTSIDE Rashemen??!! Isn't it supposed to say that they wear their masks ONLY while in Rashemen? Since former Hathrans can trade in their Hathran levels for Durathan levels, will the Durathan requirements be changed due to the changes of the Hathran class. If the Durathan class stays the same, it would be VERY difficult for a former Hathran to change into a Durathan. They would have to have the following: 1) 4th lvl spells in 1 spellcasting class 2) 2nd lvl spells in another spellcasting class 3) Ethran feat as 1st lvl regional feat 4) a Metamagic feat 5) Improved Counterspell feat 6) Iron Will feat 7) Leadership feat 8) Knowledge (Rashemen local) 4 ranks A Hathran changing into a Durathan would practically have to be Epic level to meet all these requirements especially if they were a sorcerer/cleric which is what most Hathrans are according to PGTF! Will the Durathan be changed??? Thanks for any help you can give Rich! BTW I really enjoy the PGTF especially the awesome new IMPROVED Hathran! It was well worth the wait! :D
Dargoth 03-31-04, 09:20 PM	Originally posted by Dargoth Hey Rich what PGTF region would a dwarf from Glen in Mistledale have? Given the presence of the Dragon hatchery in Glen I was thinking of making some of the Dragon Feats in the Draconomicon Regional feats for dwarves from Glen Coments? *pokes Rich with a stick*
WotC_RichBaker 04-01-04, 12:53 PM	RE: Initiate of Selune, yes, those seem to be mutually exclusive. For now treat the "hathran" entry in Initiate of Selune as a goof. And I think you're right about the mask, too. No current plans to change the durthan, but we probably ought to update it to account for the new hathran soon, I suppose. Originally posted by AskaniSage I FINALLY got my copy of PGTF & I noticed two mistakes that stood out. 1) Under the Initiate of Selune, it lists Hathran & patron diety Selune as prerequistes. How can that be? To be a Hathran you have to have a patron diety of Mystra, Chauntea or Mielikki so a Hathran CAN'T be an Initiate of Selune. Was the Hathran supposed to be listed under Initiate of Mystra instead??? 2) It says under the new Hathran that a Hathran wears her mask when she travels OUTSIDE Rashemen??!! Isn't it supposed to say that they wear their masks ONLY while in Rashemen? Since former Hathrans can trade in their Hathran levels for Durathan levels, will the Durathan requirements be changed due to the changes of the Hathran class. If the Durathan class stays the same, it would be VERY difficult for a former Hathran to change into a Durathan. They would have to have the following: 1) 4th lvl spells in 1 spellcasting class 2) 2nd lvl spells in another spellcasting class 3) Ethran feat as 1st lvl regional feat 4) a Metamagic feat 5) Improved Counterspell feat 6) Iron Will feat 7) Leadership feat 8) Knowledge (Rashemen local) 4 ranks A Hathran changing into a Durathan would practically have to be Epic level to meet all these requirements especially if they were a sorcerer/cleric which is what most Hathrans are according to PGTF! Will the Durathan be changed??? Thanks for any help you can give Rich! BTW I really enjoy the PGTF especially the awesome new IMPROVED Hathran! It was well worth the wait! :D
AskaniSage 04-01-04, 04:35 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker No current plans to change the durthan, but we probably ought to update it to account for the new hathran soon, I suppose. Throw it up as an update on the official site that way you don't have to worry about squeezing it into another book cause it really wouldn't fit in any of the upcoming releases anyway. Thanks for the reply :D
Shieldhaven 04-01-04, 07:04 PM	Originally posted by Shieldhaven Errata-type question. So, Initiate of Ilmater. Benefit:...You can bestow a maximum number of temporary hit points equal to the target's Hit Dice (infinity symbol) 3 in this manner. These temporary hit points last up to one hour per caster level you possess.... My question is: What on earth is supposed to go in place of the infinity symbol? It makes all the difference in terms of the feat's power balance. Help? Shieldhaven too pokes Rich with a ten-foot pole, after polymorphing himself into something with a really stinking lot of reach. Shieldhaven
Cernunnos 04-01-04, 11:26 PM	Rich, just wanted to ask about the Initiate feats: since a cleric has to choose a patron anyways, isn't it assumed they are only going to get certain spells? Why not say that such and such a spell is only available to clerics of xxx and xxx, rather than penalize a player by forcing them to take a feat to gain the ability to cast 2 or 3 new spells? At the very least shouldn't the Initiate feat grant a small bonus or something? Granted, one can always rule 0 it, I just wanted to hear some of the rationale.
jasamcarl 04-01-04, 11:34 PM	Originally posted by Cernunnos Rich, just wanted to ask about the Initiate feats: since a cleric has to choose a patron anyways, isn't it assumed they are only going to get certain spells? Why not say that such and such a spell is only available to clerics of xxx and xxx, rather than penalize a player by forcing them to take a feat to gain the ability to cast 2 or 3 new spells? At the very least shouldn't the Initiate feat grant a small bonus or something? Granted, one can always rule 0 it, I just wanted to hear some of the rationale. It does grant a small bonus. Haven't been keeping up, huh? ;)
Purple Dragon Knight 04-02-04, 01:38 AM	Originally posted by Cernunnos Rich, just wanted to ask about the Initiate feats: since a cleric has to choose a patron anyways, isn't it assumed they are only going to get certain spells? Why not say that such and such a spell is only available to clerics of xxx and xxx, rather than penalize a player by forcing them to take a feat to gain the ability to cast 2 or 3 new spells? At the very least shouldn't the Initiate feat grant a small bonus or something? Granted, one can always rule 0 it, I just wanted to hear some of the rationale. I'm no Rich Baker but I can answer your question in the sense that each Initiate feat gives a new "Granted Power" to the cleric who chooses it... like Initiate of Bane and its ability to have a fear aura of some kind... the spell access is above and beyond this new power. I personally like the Initiate feats. Note that they have only been developed for the "big gods" so far, but that WotC can develop one such feat for each and every god out there if they so choose. There's certainly enough spells from all the FR faiths in previous editions, especially in sources such as the F&A trilogy and "Prayers from the Faithful". With a bit of imagination, you can also develop these extra feats yourself, using the existing ones as templates. It's a fun process, one that will make your players really happy, as they feel that you "care" about their individual characters. Of course, some people don't like "homemade" stuff, so there's different styles out there. If some players feel discriminated because you input new stuff for a specific player, ask them their input, etc.
Dragonfey 04-02-04, 07:17 AM	Rich Now that we know that The Shining South is the last 2004 FR product, (by Thomas Reid) can you expand on what we will find in it? Thanks
WotC_RichBaker 04-02-04, 12:46 PM	The real purpose of the Initiate feats is to give us a mechanism by which we can open up some "design space" around cleric spells. In Magic of Faerun, we made some of the iconic god-specific spells from the previous edition available to all clerics. We weren't really happy with the way that worked; it diluted the "specialness" of those spells. Unlike a wizard or sorcerer spell, when a new product introduces a new cleric spell on the general cleric list is instantly available to all players running clerics everywhere. Because you have to pay a feat to get access to the Initiate spells, we can then make those spells exclusive--meaning they don't belong on anybody else's list--and superior, meaning that they can be better than a comparable spell choice available to someone without the feat. That does exactly what we'd want to see with spells specific to Bane's faith, or Mystra's faith, or whatever. (We could probably have done something similar with some real fiddly work on super-specific domains; that would have worked too.) The only thing I don't like about the Initiate feats is that it's darned hard to be a cleric of Bane and feel like you're developing your character correctly if you *don't* take the feat. Sort of like the specialty priest problem--it's hard to duck the impression that you're not "really" a cleric of Lathander until you're a morninglord. One of the things I'd like to eventually refine with the "specialty priest conversion prestige classes" is that they represent dedication to specific portfolios or domain combinations within a deity's faith. So, morninglords might be the Lathanderites who make a big deal over the Sun and Good domains, but there are other clerics of Lathander, representing different orders or sects within the faith, that think the domains of Protection, Renewal, or Strength are more what Lathander's about. In this sort of scheme, your cleric of Lathander would feel like he was just as much a Lathanderite as a morninglord even if he never took levels in the prestige class. Anyway, there's the reasoning. Hope that helps. Originally posted by Cernunnos Rich, just wanted to ask about the Initiate feats: since a cleric has to choose a patron anyways, isn't it assumed they are only going to get certain spells? Why not say that such and such a spell is only available to clerics of xxx and xxx, rather than penalize a player by forcing them to take a feat to gain the ability to cast 2 or 3 new spells? At the very least shouldn't the Initiate feat grant a small bonus or something? Granted, one can always rule 0 it, I just wanted to hear some of the rationale.
WotC_RichBaker 04-02-04, 12:54 PM	RE: The Initiate of Ilmater. Yes, it's supposed to be a times sign. Your 10th-level buddy could be walking around with up to 30 temporary hit points. (I think that's pretty good, myself, but I chatted with James Wyatt, who wrote that section, and he's sure that's what he wanted. We don't see many Ilmataran clerics in play, maybe this feat'll change that.) Originally posted by Shieldhaven Shieldhaven too pokes Rich with a ten-foot pole, after polymorphing himself into something with a really stinking lot of reach. Shieldhaven
Selvarin 04-02-04, 02:56 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker The only thing I don't like about the Initiate feats is that it's darned hard to be a cleric of Bane and feel like you're developing your character correctly if you *don't* take the feat. Sort of like the specialty priest problem--it's hard to duck the impression that you're not "really" a cleric of Lathander until you're a morninglord. One of the things I'd like to eventually refine with the "specialty priest conversion prestige classes" is that they represent dedication to specific portfolios or domain combinations within a deity's faith. So, morninglords might be the Lathanderites who make a big deal over the Sun and Good domains, but there are other clerics of Lathander, representing different orders or sects within the faith, that think the domains of Protection, Renewal, or Strength are more what Lathander's about. In this sort of scheme, your cleric of Lathander would feel like he was just as much a Lathanderite as a morninglord even if he never took levels in the prestige class. Good idea to work on/with, it'll keep them from being the same all over. I suppose, then, you could also portray those whose gods' portfolios were taken by another as a separate order or sect under the umbrella of that victorious deity---for example, Lleira's priesthood or that of Ibrandlin's, neither of which are treated as separate from the larger faith even though it's unlikely neither Cyric nor Shar sent reps to the temples saying "Guess what? you're under new management now! Hop on over to the Temple of the Dark Sun/Deepest Darkness and we'll fix you up with new robes and everything. Oh, and bring your friar's club card to get an 10% extra discount at the cash register."
AskaniSage 04-02-04, 04:11 PM	Yeah I always hated that in Magic of Faerun that ANY cleric could cast any spell. It DID take the flavor away from the speciality clerics. I really LIKE the new Initiate system. I would like to see new Initiate feats for the non-human dieties including the drow in the "Complete Divine".
Purple Dragon Knight 04-03-04, 05:55 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker <Snip> (I think that's pretty good, myself, but I chatted with James Wyatt, <snip> By the way, next time you see James Wyatt, please tell him that City of the Spider Queen is absolutely amazing!! I've got those four 10th-level PCs shaking in their boots howlering "retreat!" just halfway through the intro crypt... :) (After all this time, I FINALLY put a decent group of gamers together and we'll plow through this twice a month) Not that the module is too hard, mind you: it poses the most balanced challenge I have yet to see in a mod. It's just FUN to play, even for the DM!! :) Thanks to your web update, things are a little bit easier to run in 3.5, although I can foresee some work to do with the rebuiling of all evil NPCs (two undead critters with class levels come to mind during the first dungeon, although after all calculations were made, it ended up being pretty much the same). Still wondering about the Maurezhi and it's DR 10/+2 in Fiend Folio though... what's that? Does that +2 requirement still stand or should I make it DR 10/magic and something?
Karsus 04-03-04, 02:55 PM	Shouldn't Chauntea be an eligible deity for the Initiate of Nature feat?
Alac Luin 04-03-04, 06:54 PM	Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight Still wondering about the Maurezhi and it's DR 10/+2 in Fiend Folio though... what's that? Does that +2 requirement still stand or should I make it DR 10/magic and something? the official 3.5 Maurezhi in stated at Demon, Maurezhi 10/good at least acording to the 3.5 upgrade available here.. http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20030718a
Klyden 04-03-04, 07:17 PM	Originally posted by Dargoth AHEM Can we take the arguements and debates else where? This thread is ment to be used for putting questions to Rich Oh pooh...you never let me have any fun do you Dargoth...;)
Dargoth 04-04-04, 07:57 AM	Speaking of the thread is it time to close it and start a new one? The last thread had struggled when it got around this length.
Tempus665 04-04-04, 08:23 AM	Dear Rich, What was the reasoning behind a Shaaryan horse expert, and not a Nar, or a Tuigan, both of whom are famous for their horsemanship, and not their horses per se?
IanQuentin 04-04-04, 08:37 AM	Thanks for the Epic support in the PGtF. Since Epic adventuring seems to work so well in Faerun, I'm glad to see it's continued support in a Faerun book. My question, what is the hit die for a Netherese Arcanist? I assume d4? Thanks Jay
Selvarin 04-04-04, 02:10 PM	Originally posted by Tempus665 Dear Rich, What was the reasoning behind a Shaaryan horse expert, and not a Nar, or a Tuigan, both of whom are famous for their horsemanship, and not their horses per se? The fact that there wasn't a Shaaryan-specific prestige class prior to that, perhaps?
Sammael_the_Chosen 04-04-04, 02:24 PM	Hello Rich, I don't know if you can comment on the Shining South yet, but I'd like to know if that book, or another upcoming book, will cover the Shaar.
Selvarin 04-04-04, 04:50 PM	Originally posted by Sammael_the_Chosen Hello Rich, I don't know if you can comment on the Shining South yet, but I'd like to know if that book, or another upcoming book, will cover the Shaar. The Shaar is listed among the other Shining South entries in the FRCS. I'd consider that a good indicator.
Dargoth 04-05-04, 04:08 AM	Rich Apparently the Fire Knife Assasin Prc was cut from PGTF Any idea when it will be published?
Klyden 04-05-04, 07:16 AM	Dear Richard Baker, Hi. What was the reason for cutting the monsters from Players Guide to Faerun? The monsters had some awsome artwork and I sure would have liked to have seen the stats. Can you give a reason. Thanks. Later.
Pystian 04-05-04, 08:48 AM	Is it too early to ask about The Serpent Kingdoms? I'm dying to know if the Saurial article was cut. And thanks again for taking the time for us.
Dargoth 04-05-04, 09:38 AM	Originally posted by Klyden Dear Richard Baker, Hi. What was the reason for cutting the monsters from Players Guide to Faerun? The monsters had some awsome artwork and I sure would have liked to have seen the stats. Can you give a reason. Thanks. Later. 1)lLack of room and 2) its the PLAYERS guide to Faerun, players shouldnt have access to Monster stats
gustav 04-05-04, 09:38 AM	Dear Rich I am probably the greatest FR fan ever seen, because I have managed to acquire almost every FR accessory ever produced. I would very much like to know too, if the new FR product "the shining south" will cover the Shaar, because that is the area which lacks description to a critical degree, because there is almost no description of the area in previous products and it is necessary to travel through the area in order to get to the shining south
Kuje31 04-05-04, 10:22 AM	Originally posted by gustav Dear Rich I am probably the greatest FR fan ever seen, because I have managed to acquire almost every FR accessory ever produced. I would very much like to know too, if the new FR product "the shining south" will cover the Shaar, because that is the area which lacks description to a critical degree, because there is almost no description of the area in previous products and it is necessary to travel through the area in order to get to the shining south Actually there's quite a few of us who have almost every sourcebook. :) I know I'm only missing 12 now.
Fedifensor 04-05-04, 03:09 PM	I have a few questions. One new, the other two old. First, can clerics of Azuth take the Initiate of Mystra feat? The two faiths are very close, and I believe some of the exclusive spells have been accessible by Azuth priests in the past. Second, from a previous post: ---------- After a search through the message boards, I found that Karsus' Avatar was cut from the Player's Guide. 1) Was the spell fully written before it was cut? 2) If so, is there any chance of seeing this writeup, even as an unofficial version? I have a bad guy who may be casting it in my campaign (though not for another RL year at our current pace), and I'd like to know things such as how long it takes to cast, what his chances of success are, what are the best and worst-case scenarios, etc. Fortunately, the players won't be attacking the guy directly (they're not Epic level), but instead trying to defeat his minions and get to where they can disrupt the spell.
Klyden 04-05-04, 10:22 PM	Originally posted by Dargoth 1)lLack of room lack of room...LACK OF ROOM! THE BOOK IS TINY FOR THE LOVE O'PETE! THERE'S BARELY ANYTHING IN IT! Nice reason but somehow it just doesn't fit the bill for me. Was Wizard of the Coast's budget so thin as they couldn't put more into this book than it is today?
Selvarin 04-06-04, 12:04 AM	$32.95 for a 192-page hardcover has been the standard for FR books, for some time now. No more, no less. As some designers have posed the question to consumers, "If you wanted X in this book, what would you have left out?"...
Dargoth 04-06-04, 04:19 AM	This is what I came up with For Dwarves from Glen and the Mines of Tethyamar What do you think Rich? Dwarves of Glen Recommended Subrace: Shield Dwarf Automatic Languages: Dwarven, Chondathan Bonus Languages: Damaran, Draconic, Undercommon Favoured Deity: Dwarven Pantheon Regional feats: Caravanner (1), DragonFriend (2), Silver Palm, Thunder Twin Bonus Equipment: A) MW Dwarven Waraxe or MW Warhammer B) Five 50gp gold bars Dwarves of the Mines of Tethyamar Recommended Subrace: Shield Dwarf Automatic Languages: Dwarven, Chondathan Bonus Languages: Giant, Infernal, Orc, Undercommon Favoured Deity: Dwarven Pantheon Regional feats: Foe Hunter (Devils), Luck of Heros, Thunder Twin, Tireless Bonus Equipment: A) Three potions of Cure Light wounds B) Splint mail and MW Heavy Steel Shield (1) Knowledge check applies to underdark Regions (2) Feat from Draconomicon, Ignore printed Prerequisites replace with Dwarf from Glen
Kuje31 04-06-04, 05:25 AM	Hi Rich, Does the Shadow Weave have the same "restrictions" that the Weave does? Namely is the Shadow Weave found only on the Prime? Or unlike the Weave, does the Shadow Weave extend to the planes and to Shar's realm on the Shadow Plane? Also the FRCS and Magic of Faerun says the Shadow Weave is the spaces between the strands of the Weave. Does this mean what it says and that the Shadow Weave exists in the spaces that are left in the strands of the Weave?...... As a unrelated question. Is there a reason why in the Underdark book drow now have grey and blue-black skin tones? In every book from 1/2/3/3.5e they have always had ebony/obsidian skin. Why add two new skin tones to them even though 3.5's MM says ebony/obsidian skin tone as does Races of Faerun.....
Shieldhaven 04-06-04, 12:57 PM	With regard to space issues in each new book - I compared PGtF to FRCS. I noticed a massive difference in spacing. FRCS has very dense text throughout. PGtF does not. There are probably reasons of visual appeal here which are lost on me. My sense of aesthetics begins and ends with the written word, but not its presentation on the page. I feel like a lot more could have been crammed into PGtF if it had had the text density of FRCS. That said, I am enjoying the PGtF, and I do feel like I will get my money's worth out of the book. Shieldhaven
WotC_RichBaker 04-06-04, 01:01 PM	No particular reason, really, other than the fact that we haven't ever done much with the nomads of the Shaar. You could file off the name and use the same class for Tuigans or Nars in your campaign, of course. Originally posted by Tempus665 Dear Rich, What was the reasoning behind a Shaaryan horse expert, and not a Nar, or a Tuigan, both of whom are famous for their horsemanship, and not their horses per se?
WotC_RichBaker 04-06-04, 01:04 PM	Careful, Gustav. In some quarters those're fightin' words! I expect there are a few folks here who will argue that claim. Yes, Shining South includes the Shaar. Originally posted by gustav Dear Rich I am probably the greatest FR fan ever seen, because I have managed to acquire almost every FR accessory ever produced. I would very much like to know too, if the new FR product "the shining south" will cover the Shaar, because that is the area which lacks description to a critical degree, because there is almost no description of the area in previous products and it is necessary to travel through the area in order to get to the shining south
WotC_RichBaker 04-06-04, 01:09 PM	1) Officially, no. However, I don't think it's an unreasonable thing to do, and would probably work out just fine in any game, really. 2) Yes, it was fully designed. I don't know where we would put this in front of you guys. In fact, we might not ever, just because it's really an invitation to argue about whether the spell accurately represents what we "know" about Karsus's attempted ascension. One feature I do remember from the draft: The casting time was hours, and the deity you intended to replace realized your intent the instant you started the spell--so, you'd better be ready to fight off the god whose job you're after. Originally posted by Fedifensor I have a few questions. One new, the other two old. First, can clerics of Azuth take the Initiate of Mystra feat? The two faiths are very close, and I believe some of the exclusive spells have been accessible by Azuth priests in the past. Second, from a previous post: ---------- After a search through the message boards, I found that Karsus' Avatar was cut from the Player's Guide. 1) Was the spell fully written before it was cut? 2) If so, is there any chance of seeing this writeup, even as an unofficial version? I have a bad guy who may be casting it in my campaign (though not for another RL year at our current pace), and I'd like to know things such as how long it takes to cast, what his chances of success are, what are the best and worst-case scenarios, etc. Fortunately, the players won't be attacking the guy directly (they're not Epic level), but instead trying to defeat his minions and get to where they can disrupt the spell.
WotC_RichBaker 04-06-04, 01:13 PM	I'd presume that the Shadow Weave had the same geographical extent has the Weave itself (excepting things like dead magic areas, where the Shadow Weave works just fine). RE: The drow, I suspect that line is in the description to justify all the art we've ever had rendered in which drow were not as black as ink. Sort of a "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" concession to our artists. (In their defense, it is seriously difficult to give someone a truly night-black skin tone in an illustration, and still show any features at all.) Originally posted by Kuje31 Hi Rich, Does the Shadow Weave have the same "restrictions" that the Weave does? Namely is the Shadow Weave found only on the Prime? Or unlike the Weave, does the Shadow Weave extend to the planes and to Shar's realm on the Shadow Plane? Also the FRCS and Magic of Faerun says the Shadow Weave is the spaces between the strands of the Weave. Does this mean what it says and that the Shadow Weave exists in the spaces that are left in the strands of the Weave?...... As a unrelated question. Is there a reason why in the Underdark book drow now have grey and blue-black skin tones? In every book from 1/2/3/3.5e they have always had ebony/obsidian skin. Why add two new skin tones to them even though 3.5's MM says ebony/obsidian skin tone as does Races of Faerun.....
Israfel666 04-06-04, 02:33 PM	Dear Rich, the Eye of Horus-Re prestige class has a lot of undead-killing features, from which it can be desumed that Horus-Re is at least as dedicated to the destruction of undead as, say, Lathander. However, the description of him in Faiths&Pantheons contains nothing that suggests this - if anything, Horus-Re being the child of Osiris suggests some sort of tolerance from him towards those who return from the grave. Instead, the Pharaoh of the Gods, as presented in F&P, seems to bea sun god of justice and just rule, much more similar to Amaunator than to Lathander. Was this a conscious change in the interpretation of Horus-Re on the developer's part? Or are there other previous sources in which the Master of Vengeance does indeed show a deep loathing of undead? Thanks
darkblade8771 04-06-04, 06:31 PM	Dear Rich, Do you play any of the Forgotten Realms Computer Games. If so which one do you like the best. Do you download any mods for then. If so where. These are all of them right: Ice Wind Dale Ice Wind Dale: Heart of Winer Baulder's Gate Baulder's Gate 2 Baulder's Gate 2: Expansion Ice Wind Dale 2 Neverwinter Knights + all expanisions for Neverwinter Knights
Outsider Subtype 04-07-04, 12:41 AM	I found the Player's Guide to be very useful. I have a question about the Nobility Domain. The version presented in the Player's Guide to Faerun is not the same as that presented in The Complete Warrior. The bonus from the granted power is +2 in The Complete Warrior, as it was in the FRCS. The bonus from the granted power is +1 in the new Player's Guide. Was that a deliberate reduction? Which version of the granted power would you recommend using?
TheDarkestOfAngels 04-07-04, 01:31 AM	Rich-- I very much like the Player's Guide. I always wait with bated breath for the next FR book to come out, because I always know, or at least expect it, to be good in and of itself and worthwhile in the quality of work. Though I wonder why Simbul's Spell Sequence, Trigger, & Matrix were all nerfed. Heavily. I mean, before, they were powerful spells, true, but now, I don't even think they're worthwhile, except to pile upon the vastly superior spells, contingency & chain contingency, since they aren't technically contingency spells and the two can be "suspended" together. I wouldn't mind some insight on that. I don't mean to put you on the spot, but this is something that's bothered me since I saw the changes. Thanks ahead of time.
ericlboyd 04-07-04, 11:29 AM	Rich, I have some questions about the Netherese arcanist PrC in the PGtF. I assumed the intent was one could qualify after 22nd level, but that does not seem to be the case. 1) The PrC requires Improved Spellcasting as a prereq. Where is this feat? I assume "Epic Spellcasting" was not the intent, as that's a bonus of the 1st level. I assume "Improved Spell Capacity" is not the intent, as that's inherently required 4 times in order to be able to cast 13th level spells. 2) Is Improved Metamagic really a prereq? It seems to nerf the need for 25 ranks in Spellcraft for the class as the feat requires 30 ranks in Spellcraft. Moreover, this would mean that the earliest one could qualify for the class would be after 27th level (or 29th [bonus wizard/sorceror] if you have to have the skill ranks BEFORE, not AT THE SAME TIME AS, you can take the feat). 3) Would the 10th level ability of an Incantatrix (not a feat, but functionally equivalent) meet the Improved Metamagic requirement? 4) The requirements include the ability to cast 13th-level spells. Am I correct that requires the character to take Improved Spell Capacity 4 times? If so, that's an Epic feat (as is Improved Metamagic), so Improved Spell Capacity would need to be taken at 21st, 23rd (bonus wizard or sorceror), 24th, 26th (bonus wizard or sorceror) and Improved Metamagic would need to be taken at 27th levels, meaning the earliest one could qualify for the class would be after 27th level, including 6 levels of epic wizard or 6 levels of epic sorceror. Moreover, that's with absolute no flexibility in your epic feat selection up to that point. The minimum level jumps to 30th level if Improved Spellcasting is something other than a typo for Improved Spell Capacity. --Eric
WotC_RichBaker 04-07-04, 12:35 PM	My snap answer is that Horus-Re really doesn't like *unauthorized* undead. He's got no problem with some undead (those prepared in the prescribed ways for specific purposes), but he gets all steamed up over folks "abusing" the undead state for nefarious purposes. Originally posted by Israfel666 Dear Rich, the Eye of Horus-Re prestige class has a lot of undead-killing features, from which it can be desumed that Horus-Re is at least as dedicated to the destruction of undead as, say, Lathander. However, the description of him in Faiths&Pantheons contains nothing that suggests this - if anything, Horus-Re being the child of Osiris suggests some sort of tolerance from him towards those who return from the grave. Instead, the Pharaoh of the Gods, as presented in F&P, seems to bea sun god of justice and just rule, much more similar to Amaunator than to Lathander. Was this a conscious change in the interpretation of Horus-Re on the developer's part? Or are there other previous sources in which the Master of Vengeance does indeed show a deep loathing of undead? Thanks
WotC_RichBaker 04-07-04, 12:37 PM	It's not on purpose, I'm afraid. I'd go with the Complete Warrior version. Originally posted by Outsider Subtype I found the Player's Guide to be very useful. I have a question about the Nobility Domain. The version presented in the Player's Guide to Faerun is not the same as that presented in The Complete Warrior. The bonus from the granted power is +2 in The Complete Warrior, as it was in the FRCS. The bonus from the granted power is +1 in the new Player's Guide. Was that a deliberate reduction? Which version of the granted power would you recommend using?
WotC_RichBaker 04-07-04, 12:41 PM	1. Yes, I believe that it refers to Improved Spell Capacity, since you've got to take this in order to achieve the spell level required by the class. 2. I'll check with our developers. I think the answer is that Improved Metamagic can probably be dropped. 3. No. 4. I think it's deliberate that you have to be well over 20th level to call yourself a Netherese arcanist. It doesn't bother me if there are epic classes you can achieve at 21st level, and other epic classes that you can't get to 30th or later. Originally posted by ericlboyd Rich, I have some questions about the Netherese arcanist PrC in the PGtF. I assumed the intent was one could qualify after 22nd level, but that does not seem to be the case. 1) The PrC requires Improved Spellcasting as a prereq. Where is this feat? I assume "Epic Spellcasting" was not the intent, as that's a bonus of the 1st level. I assume "Improved Spell Capacity" is not the intent, as that's inherently required 4 times in order to be able to cast 13th level spells. 2) Is Improved Metamagic really a prereq? It seems to nerf the need for 25 ranks in Spellcraft for the class as the feat requires 30 ranks in Spellcraft. Moreover, this would mean that the earliest one could qualify for the class would be after 27th level (or 29th [bonus wizard/sorceror] if you have to have the skill ranks BEFORE, not AT THE SAME TIME AS, you can take the feat). 3) Would the 10th level ability of an Incantatrix (not a feat, but functionally equivalent) meet the Improved Metamagic requirement? 4) The requirements include the ability to cast 13th-level spells. Am I correct that requires the character to take Improved Spell Capacity 4 times? If so, that's an Epic feat (as is Improved Metamagic), so Improved Spell Capacity would need to be taken at 21st, 23rd (bonus wizard or sorceror), 24th, 26th (bonus wizard or sorceror) and Improved Metamagic would need to be taken at 27th levels, meaning the earliest one could qualify for the class would be after 27th level, including 6 levels of epic wizard or 6 levels of epic sorceror. Moreover, that's with absolute no flexibility in your epic feat selection up to that point. The minimum level jumps to 30th level if Improved Spellcasting is something other than a typo for Improved Spell Capacity. --Eric
Fedifensor 04-07-04, 01:07 PM	First, thanks for the reply on Karsus' Avatar. I'd like to put in my vote towards releasing it as an unofficial version of the spell, perhaps as a web enhancement. Now, on to the Player's Guide questions, all about feats: 1) Cosmopolitan was completely changed, and doesn't really fit the definition of the word anymore. Was there something overpowered about spending a feat to get an extra class skill (especially now that you can only take it at 1st level)? Do you know of any D&D feat that allows you to get an extra class skill, now that Cosmopolitan has been changed? 2) Why is Daylight Adaptation a regional feat, and thus only available to 1st level characters? The description says, "You have accustomed yourself to the painful sunlight of the surface world", making it sound like something that anyone can do with enough time. 3) Likewise, several other regional feats are matters of skill or practice, but they're still unable to be taken after 1st level. Examples include Axethrower, Knifefighter, Saddleback, Surefooted, Swift and Silent, and Twin Sword Style. Are there any plans to make "lesser" versions of these available as non-regional feats? 4) Is the bonus from Foe Hunter a flat +2, or does it go up as the character gains levels? Also, does it stack with a ranger's bonus? 5) How would you determine the available regional feats for a half-celestial (or half-fiend)? Could they take feats that are either planetouched or their native race? 6) Why was the XP cost reduction taken from Magical Artisan? 7) Persistent Spell seems to be a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The problem with the feat has always been that the level adjustment for the spell isn't based on the spell's original duration. This means that a spell with a duration of 1 round costs as much to make persistant as a spell with a duration expressed in minutes or hours. Was scaling the spell to the original spell's duration considered in the design process? Was the final version a compromise (versus just throwing out the feat altogether)? 8) Why was the Thunder Twin direction check reduced to a raw Wisdom check instead of a skill check? Before, you could invest skill points to make your twin easier to find - now you can't.
WotC_RichBaker 04-07-04, 04:47 PM	Try to keep it to no more than 3 or 4 at a time, please. 1. Cosmopolitan: The previous feat was pretty complex to keep track of, and let folks break some prestige class requirements we didn't expect. 2. RE: regional feats only at 1st level... your reasoning is sound. The developers chose to institute that rule to make sure that regional feats were a "once-only" purchase. 7. Yes, we considered a scaling Persistent Spell, and had it in place at one point. But we decided to go with a simpler, universal adjustment. If you're a high-level cleric, persistent divine favor still looks pretty good. Originally posted by Fedifensor First, thanks for the reply on Karsus' Avatar. I'd like to put in my vote towards releasing it as an unofficial version of the spell, perhaps as a web enhancement. Now, on to the Player's Guide questions, all about feats: 1) Cosmopolitan was completely changed, and doesn't really fit the definition of the word anymore. Was there something overpowered about spending a feat to get an extra class skill (especially now that you can only take it at 1st level)? Do you know of any D&D feat that allows you to get an extra class skill, now that Cosmopolitan has been changed? 2) Why is Daylight Adaptation a regional feat, and thus only available to 1st level characters? The description says, "You have accustomed yourself to the painful sunlight of the surface world", making it sound like something that anyone can do with enough time. 3) Likewise, several other regional feats are matters of skill or practice, but they're still unable to be taken after 1st level. Examples include Axethrower, Knifefighter, Saddleback, Surefooted, Swift and Silent, and Twin Sword Style. Are there any plans to make "lesser" versions of these available as non-regional feats? 4) Is the bonus from Foe Hunter a flat +2, or does it go up as the character gains levels? Also, does it stack with a ranger's bonus? 5) How would you determine the available regional feats for a half-celestial (or half-fiend)? Could they take feats that are either planetouched or their native race? 6) Why was the XP cost reduction taken from Magical Artisan? 7) Persistent Spell seems to be a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The problem with the feat has always been that the level adjustment for the spell isn't based on the spell's original duration. This means that a spell with a duration of 1 round costs as much to make persistant as a spell with a duration expressed in minutes or hours. Was scaling the spell to the original spell's duration considered in the design process? Was the final version a compromise (versus just throwing out the feat altogether)? 8) Why was the Thunder Twin direction check reduced to a raw Wisdom check instead of a skill check? Before, you could invest skill points to make your twin easier to find - now you can't.
Willie the Duck 04-07-04, 07:44 PM	I hope these haven't been asked before, but I'm not searching through 32 pages: Runescarred Berserker (Unapproachable East) PrC has the survivor feat and Rashami Region as prerequisites. As of the new Player's Guide to Faerun, these are now incompatible. How should we resolve this going forward? Martyred Champion of Ilmater (Player's Guide to Faerun) PrC: Why does the exalted paragon of the god of enduring and being tortured have poor willpower and endurance (low fort and will saves)? I understand that there are balance issues (although the PrC is pretty tame), but this drastically violates the flavor of the PrC's concept. Eye of Horos-Re (Player's Guide to Faerun) PrC: Why does a PrC designed for hunting undead have a low fort save?
WotC_RichBaker 04-08-04, 12:19 PM	1. RE: the runescarred berserker, I'll bring it to the attention of our developers. My off-the-cuff answer is to treat it as an "either-or" requirement for now: Either you've got the Survivor feat, or you're from Rashemen. 2. Maybe because you're not suffering if you don't miss your saves? Seriously, that's another good point, and I don't have a good answer for it. 3. The Eye of Horus-Re is pretty solid, he doesn't need more help, does he? Chances are he's got restoration, even if he's got a poor Fort save. He can certainly fix up most things undead might do to him. Originally posted by Willie the Duck I hope these haven't been asked before, but I'm not searching through 32 pages: Runescarred Berserker (Unapproachable East) PrC has the survivor feat and Rashami Region as prerequisites. As of the new Player's Guide to Faerun, these are now incompatible. How should we resolve this going forward? Martyred Champion of Ilmater (Player's Guide to Faerun) PrC: Why does the exalted paragon of the god of enduring and being tortured have poor willpower and endurance (low fort and will saves)? I understand that there are balance issues (although the PrC is pretty tame), but this drastically violates the flavor of the PrC's concept. Eye of Horos-Re (Player's Guide to Faerun) PrC: Why does a PrC designed for hunting undead have a low fort save?
Dargoth 04-08-04, 09:57 PM	Rich The WOTC third trimestor catelouge is out. Any chance you can post the Serpent Kingdoms Contents page? :D
Willie the Duck 04-09-04, 10:48 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker 3. The Eye of Horus-Re is pretty solid, he doesn't need more help, does he? Chances are he's got restoration, even if he's got a poor Fort save. He can certainly fix up most things undead might do to him. It's not a question of, "being solid" so much as having the stats fit the concept: characters that are designed to endure the cold hand of the undead ought to be a tough, enduring type (i.e. have a high fort save). If that makes them too powerful, then they should conpensate by slower spellcasting or fewer special abilities. (this is part of my argument that paladins and psychic warriors ought to have high will saves, monks and psychic warriors ought to have full bab and other things that simply fit the concept behind the class).
Sancus 04-11-04, 09:29 PM	Hi Rich, Regarding the Incantatrix, there are two errata-related issues I'd like clarified. 1) The text of Improved Metamagic does not match up with the 3.5 DMG-errata'd Epic Feat Improved Metamagic. The DMG-errata'd version applies the -1 level adjustment benefit per-spell, so that, for example, a Maximized, Empowered Fireball would be a 7th level spell [(3 + 3 + 2)-1=7]. What is printed in the PGtF still states that the adjustment applies to metamagic feats, not spell slots, and thus that same spell with the PGtF Incantrix would be a 6th level slot, as you'd get the -1 benefit on both Empower and Maximize feats. Is this difference intentional to differentiate the Incantatrix's ability from the Epic Feat, or is it an error? 2) The text of Instant Metamagic does not include the old Magic of Faerun errata, as follows: Add after the last sentence of the Instant Metamagic ability: “"The incantatrix cannot use this ability if the metamagicked spell would normally use a spell slot of a higher level than she could cast. For example, a Wiz5/Incantatrix4 could not use an instant metamagic Still Spell any of her 5th-level spells because she does not have any spell slots above 5th level.”" I'm pretty certain that this must be a mistake, as I can't imagine allowing an Incantatrix with this ability to cast spells that would require a 13th or 14th level slot at level 17 to be appropriate.
Bocklin 04-12-04, 06:46 AM	Originally posted by Dargoth Rich The WOTC third trimestor catalogue is out. (...) Where did you see it? I could not find it on WotC's website. Thanks for the info! Bocklin
kilamanjaro 04-12-04, 09:16 AM	You can pick it up at your FLGS.
WotC_RichBaker 04-12-04, 12:22 PM	I'll ask and see if we have answers on these. Originally posted by Sancus Hi Rich, Regarding the Incantatrix, there are two errata-related issues I'd like clarified. 1) The text of Improved Metamagic does not match up with the 3.5 DMG-errata'd Epic Feat Improved Metamagic. The DMG-errata'd version applies the -1 level adjustment benefit per-spell, so that, for example, a Maximized, Empowered Fireball would be a 7th level spell [(3 + 3 + 2)-1=7]. What is printed in the PGtF still states that the adjustment applies to metamagic feats, not spell slots, and thus that same spell with the PGtF Incantrix would be a 6th level slot, as you'd get the -1 benefit on both Empower and Maximize feats. Is this difference intentional to differentiate the Incantatrix's ability from the Epic Feat, or is it an error? 2) The text of Instant Metamagic does not include the old Magic of Faerun errata, as follows: Add after the last sentence of the Instant Metamagic ability: “"The incantatrix cannot use this ability if the metamagicked spell would normally use a spell slot of a higher level than she could cast. For example, a Wiz5/Incantatrix4 could not use an instant metamagic Still Spell any of her 5th-level spells because she does not have any spell slots above 5th level.”" I'm pretty certain that this must be a mistake, as I can't imagine allowing an Incantatrix with this ability to cast spells that would require a 13th or 14th level slot at level 17 to be appropriate.
Darkmore 04-12-04, 02:17 PM	Uthgardt Tribesfolk Region: I'm a bit confused with this region as described in the PGF. - Page 18 says that an Uthgardt tibesfolk should take the Knowledge(The North Local) skill ... a little bit useless if my character lives in the High forest (Tree ghost) or the Moonwood (Red Tiger). Is it possible for an Uthgardt Tribesfolk to start with another local focus ? - There is no human High forest region, if my Uthgardt character comes from the High Forest and wants that Treetoper feat .. can I choose an Elven region. - Playing a character from the Moonwood (Silver Marches), I find illogical not to be able to take some Survivor feat or maybe Forester (while Education seems a bit funny for a barbarian :D ) ... any plan for a Wild silver marches region ? EDIT : cleaned the post a little bit to make it clearer and trying to catch some advices :D
J. Grenemyer 04-12-04, 04:51 PM	Hello Mr. Baker, Just wanted to say thanks to you and the FR design team for all your work on the PGtF. I finally got my copy last week and am already using material from it to spruce up the Silveraith Archmage Duneth Wharil and a few other Drow NPCs from CotSQ. More importantly: Thanks also for taking the time to include more Realms related spells that were previously available only in 2E format. (In particular the Ruby Ray of Reversal will serve to thwart my player’s constant use of Wall of Force. ;) ) Making these spells available to gamers goes a long way towards making FR campaigns more "Realmsian" and also allows me as a DM to unleash spells on unsuspecting players that they’ve "never seen" before (in game). In turn having those spells available as treasure keeps the two wizard PCs in my game very interested as well. I hope that future products will continue to include numerous revised-to-3.5 versions of Realms spells and magic items, as these continue to be the highlight of treasures in my campaign. Lastly, if new products are not scheduled to include such revisions, I would like to suggest tapping Sean Reynolds to produce such conversions (along with new items of his own devising) for presentation on the FR Page of WotC’s website. Thanks again for yours (and the FR Team’s) excellent work! :D
WotC_RichBaker 04-12-04, 05:18 PM	James Wyatt's answers on the incantatrix below. He designed the class. Regarding the Incantatrix, there are two errata-related issues I'd like clarified. 1) The text of Improved Metamagic does not match up with the 3.5 DMG-errata'd Epic Feat Improved Metamagic. The DMG-errata'd version applies the -1 level adjustment benefit per-spell, so that, for example, a Maximized, Empowered Fireball would be a 7th level spell [(3 + 3 + 2)-1=7]. What is printed in the PGtF still states that the adjustment applies to metamagic feats, not spell slots, and thus that same spell with the PGtF Incantrix would be a 6th level slot, as you'd get the -1 benefit on both Empower and Maximize feats. Is this difference intentional to differentiate the Incantatrix's ability from the Epic Feat, or is it an error? [[JW: The incantatrix's ability works the same as the epic feat. If the incantatrix applies two metamagic feats to the same spell (or other ability), the reduction applies only once.]] 2) The text of Instant Metamagic does not include the old Magic of Faerun errata, as follows: Add after the last sentence of the Instant Metamagic ability: “"The incantatrix cannot use this ability if the metamagicked spell would normally use a spell slot of a higher level than she could cast. For example, a Wiz5/Incantatrix4 could not use an instant metamagic Still Spell any of her 5th-level spells because she does not have any spell slots above 5th level.”" I'm pretty certain that this must be a mistake, as I can't imagine allowing an Incantatrix with this ability to cast spells that would require a 13th or 14th level slot at level 17 to be appropriate. [[JW: You are correct. ]]
Sancus 04-12-04, 05:20 PM	Thanks, Rich :) I'd just like to say you've been very helpful with this thread, and your continued attention to it is most appreciated, by many including me, I'm sure.
Mr.Waesel 04-12-04, 05:26 PM	Yes, indeed. Thanks very much :)
Balsamic Dragon 04-12-04, 07:02 PM	My apologies if this has been asked before, it is a very long thread, and I have just joined these boards! There are a number of regions which are described in the lists of regions for each race, but for which there is no information on the charts. For example: Nimbral, Samarach, Tharsult, Thindol and Underdark (Old Shanatar) are missing from the human regions section. I realize these were probably cut for space. Can we expect them in a web supplement at some point? It would seem simple enough to print the missing lines of the charts. Thanks, Balsamic Dragon
Dargoth 04-12-04, 08:56 PM	Rich Can you ask Jame W what FR planes the various Planar Dragons found in the Draconomicon (and the Hellfire Wyrm) are found on? (The Dragon Eyrie entry mentions that Planar Dragons are native to other planes but doesnt say which ones live where)
Laszlo Koller 04-13-04, 01:42 AM	Mr. Baker, I have to second Balsamic Dragon's observation: There are a number of regions which are described in the lists of regions for each race, but for which there is no information on the charts. (1) Is there any chance we'll see this information eventually, perhaps as a web enhancement, as errata, or as a regular web feature? (2) This is not a question, but a suggestion (and I'll hope that you and your fellow staff would consider it). I think the Forgotten Realms would be greatly helped by a monthly web feature that highlighted the various regions. This feature could highlight new regions, like the Player's Guide to Faerun's example Marsh Drovers of the Marsh of Tun, or revisit existing regions--this latter would be especially helpful if an existing region got enhanced by a newly published race or new regional feats. Thanks for reading (and answering) our collective thoughts, comments, and questions. Keep up the great work. Thanks again, Laszlo
Pystian 04-13-04, 07:14 AM	I hate to sound like a broken record (though apparently not enough to actually stop myself...), but could I just get a yes/no on whether or not the article on Saurials was cut from The Serpent Kingdoms? Thanks in advance.
WotC_RichBaker 04-13-04, 12:22 PM	I'm not sure when or how we'll get the "missing regions" in front of everybody. We might include it in a Player's Guide errata, or possibly in a second web supplement. Originally posted by Balsamic Dragon My apologies if this has been asked before, it is a very long thread, and I have just joined these boards! There are a number of regions which are described in the lists of regions for each race, but for which there is no information on the charts. For example: Nimbral, Samarach, Tharsult, Thindol and Underdark (Old Shanatar) are missing from the human regions section. I realize these were probably cut for space. Can we expect them in a web supplement at some point? It would seem simple enough to print the missing lines of the charts. Thanks, Balsamic Dragon
WotC_RichBaker 04-13-04, 12:32 PM	Regrettably, the saurials were cut for space. The book came in something like 50,000 words long, and when a book's that long, cuts are sometimes drastic. I'll see if we can maybe make 'em into a web supplement for Serpent Kingdoms. Originally posted by Pystian I hate to sound like a broken record (though apparently not enough to actually stop myself...), but could I just get a yes/no on whether or not the article on Saurials was cut from The Serpent Kingdoms? Thanks in advance.
BobROE 04-13-04, 01:58 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker I'm not sure when or how we'll get the "missing regions" in front of everybody. We might include it in a Player's Guide errata, or possibly in a second web supplement. Well if time permits this to happen it would be much appreciated.
Darkmore 04-13-04, 02:23 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker I'm not sure when or how we'll get the "missing regions" in front of everybody. We might include it in a Player's Guide errata, or possibly in a second web supplement. This answers my questions somehow ... Would you please consider the fact that a Wild Silver Marches region seems to be needed as much as an updated Uthgardt Tribesfolk region. Thanx anyway. :)
Pystian 04-14-04, 04:17 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Regrettably, the saurials were cut for space. The book came in something like 50,000 words long, and when a book's that long, cuts are sometimes drastic. I'll see if we can maybe make 'em into a web supplement for Serpent Kingdoms. Okay, that's fair. I was kind of expecting them to be cut anyhow, but seeing them in a web supplement would make me very happy. Thanks.
TrueExodite 04-14-04, 10:45 AM	Sorry for bringing up this sore point, I don't care much for it myself, but I feel someone has to. Originally posted by Richard Baker If you're a high-level cleric, persistent divine favor still looks pretty good. Yes that's the problem, isn't it? As would be expected the new Persistant Spell feat were quite extensivly discussed and the, more-or-less, consensus were that in a non-epic game it's too weak for everything but Divine Favor. In the case of Divine Favor it's still broken. In epic it's still broken. The problem isn't with Persistant Spell per se, rather with the mighty three, Divine Favor, Divine Power and Righteous Might. These spells are simply far too good. Example, Divine Favor at 18th level gives a +6 luck bonus to hit and damage. For a Cleric this 1st-level spell alone pushes the class above and beyond what a Fighter gets with Full BAB, Greater Weapon Focus and Greater Weapon Specialization. Ditto for Divine Power and Righteous Might. This has spawned endless discussions about the Cleric getting his own schtick and beating any melee/ranged class at theirs as well and it probably wont end. Personally I'd just ban Divine Favor outright and make Divine Power and Righteous Might domain spells only, for War and Strength respectivly. But that's me. Now for my actual question, sorry about the rant, did you consider an alternative to Persistant Spell that isn't exactly functionally equivalent? For example, IMC we've bumped Extend Spell up to +2 levels and allow it to increase the duration of the modified spell with one step. So, rounds -> minutes, minutes -> 10 minutes, 10 minutes -> hours, hours -> 1 day. Admittably, this might be considered less powerful but in actual play we've found that there is very little difference between a 10 minutes/level and 1 day duration and it does work with a far greater number of spells. This would be far easier to balance as well, considering the problem with Persistant Spell isn't due to the feat itself but rather to-good spells. In much the same way Quicken can be argued to be to strong for certain spells, though I'd allow it as +2 levels for most spells. I suppose what I want to know isn't so much the "what" but rather the "why", the actual reasoning, behind Persistant Spell and the spells that break it.
J. Grenemyer 04-14-04, 11:59 AM	Hello, Originally posted by TrueExodite Now for my actual question, sorry about the rant, did you consider an alternative to Persistant Spell that isn't exactly functionally equivalent? Try searching a page or three back on the thread. I believe Mr. Baker mentioned they did consider an alternate version that (IIRC) scaled rounds to minutes, hours to days, etc... at lest than a +6 cost. :D
WotC_RichBaker 04-14-04, 12:30 PM	The "Why" of Persistent Spell and the spells that break it... Well, here's the best I can do: Persistent Spell remained in 3.5 because it was in 3.0. When we originally designed the feat back in the early days of 3rd Edition, we knew less about the game than we do now. That's not to say that we were stupid or we didn't care; we simply hadn't amassed the uncounted thousands of hours of playing time in the 3rd Edition rule set that we now have under our belt (and that the fan base out there also has under its collective belt). So, we kept Persistent Spell in 3.5 because we knew we needed to specifically update/revise it from its 3.0 version. If we didn't address it, people would continue to use the 3.0 version. Our developers opted for a simple rather than a complicated fix, hence the universal +6 rather than the sliding scale. You are absolutely correct in observing that some spells are just too good. Divine favor should not scale up by level the way it does; if divine favor capped out at +3 by 10th level, it would still be good enough that people would routinely cast it. It was probably a mistake on our part to not address this spell in the 3.5 Player's Handbook. But...there are many spells that are clearly the best spells of their level, and you could make an argument that magic missile is too good for 1st level, scorching ray and invisibility are too good for 2nd, etc., etc. Persistent spell has to live in the environment we're in. Hope that answers your question; I don't know what else I can say on the topic. Originally posted by TrueExodite Sorry for bringing up this sore point, I don't care much for it myself, but I feel someone has to. Yes that's the problem, isn't it? As would be expected the new Persistant Spell feat were quite extensivly discussed and the, more-or-less, consensus were that in a non-epic game it's too weak for everything but Divine Favor. In the case of Divine Favor it's still broken. In epic it's still broken. The problem isn't with Persistant Spell per se, rather with the mighty three, Divine Favor, Divine Power and Righteous Might. These spells are simply far too good. Example, Divine Favor at 18th level gives a +6 luck bonus to hit and damage. For a Cleric this 1st-level spell alone pushes the class above and beyond what a Fighter gets with Full BAB, Greater Weapon Focus and Greater Weapon Specialization. Ditto for Divine Power and Righteous Might. This has spawned endless discussions about the Cleric getting his own schtick and beating any melee/ranged class at theirs as well and it probably wont end. Personally I'd just ban Divine Favor outright and make Divine Power and Righteous Might domain spells only, for War and Strength respectivly. But that's me. Now for my actual question, sorry about the rant, did you consider an alternative to Persistant Spell that isn't exactly functionally equivalent? For example, IMC we've bumped Extend Spell up to +2 levels and allow it to increase the duration of the modified spell with one step. So, rounds -> minutes, minutes -> 10 minutes, 10 minutes -> hours, hours -> 1 day. Admittably, this might be considered less powerful but in actual play we've found that there is very little difference between a 10 minutes/level and 1 day duration and it does work with a far greater number of spells. This would be far easier to balance as well, considering the problem with Persistant Spell isn't due to the feat itself but rather to-good spells. In much the same way Quicken can be argued to be to strong for certain spells, though I'd allow it as +2 levels for most spells. I suppose what I want to know isn't so much the "what" but rather the "why", the actual reasoning, behind Persistant Spell and the spells that break it.
jsaving 04-15-04, 02:16 PM	If the sliding scale is too complicated, did the designers consider a minimum-duration requirement (perhaps 10 minutes)? That way short broken spells like "divine favor" couldn't be made persistent at all, but long non-broken spells could be made persistent without the onerous +6 penalty. Or alternatively, how about a "persistent spell" feat that simply lets you apply "extend spell" as many times as you choose (paying the +1 spell-level penalty each time)? Was that considered?
TrueExodite 04-15-04, 04:35 PM	Thank you, I do appreciate any clarification on this matter. I think you covered it as well as anyone could, though I also nod to the fact that some spells would have benifited from a good nerfing in 3.5. I think that while cases could be made for Magic Missile (too all-round) and Scorching Ray (too high damage) these spells can be defended against with for example Shield, a Brooch of Shielding, any amount of fire resistance as well as spell resistance makes them ok. Divine Favor isn't subject to spell resistance and the increased damage output in one full attack action of melee or ranged combat for a Cleric with this spell far outdoes what either Magic Missile or Scorching Ray could. Anyway, I won't dwell on the matter more except for mentioning the fact that a Persistant Divine Favor at caster level 18 is the equivalent of a 3.6 million gp item. :) 6x6 (bonus squared) x2 (both attack and damage) x2 (slotless) x10 (epic bonus) x2.500 (luck bonus) gp. Anyway, your answer brings up another question... Some time ago it was mentioned on these boards that a document outlining what feats, spell, items and prestige classes that are to be considered dropped on non-core in 3.5. Are there plans for such a document? Anytime soon? I thought it a grand idea, some concepts are simply shown to be too strong after testing or interact poorly with the 3.5 mechanic changes. Originally posted by Richard Baker The "Why" of Persistent Spell and the spells that break it...
WotC_RichBaker 04-16-04, 01:07 PM	Both of those are outstanding ideas; wish we'd thought of them. That's the advantage you guys have over us; when 50,000 gamers start looking at the feats, prestige classes, etc., in a particular book, they're bound to consider solutions or notice problems that the 20 or so of us here in the office missed. We're all 10th-level designers, but when you 1st-level designers outnumber us 2500 to 1, you will eventually defeat us. (And a lot of you guys ain't 1st-level, for that matter!) Originally posted by jsaving If the sliding scale is too complicated, did the designers consider a minimum-duration requirement (perhaps 10 minutes)? That way short broken spells like "divine favor" couldn't be made persistent at all, but long non-broken spells could be made persistent without the onerous +6 penalty. Or alternatively, how about a "persistent spell" feat that simply lets you apply "extend spell" as many times as you choose (paying the +1 spell-level penalty each time)? Was that considered?
WotC_RichBaker 04-16-04, 01:16 PM	I presume you mean, a document that lists which 3.0 mechanical artifacts (feats, spells, classes, etc.) that are now banned? I haven't heard of any such plans, but in a perfect world, we would find a way to systematically update/approve every mechanical artifact we published prior to 3.5. Unfortuntately, the resources just aren't there for us to do that; we'd want to make money for that somehow, and we don't like to sell you folks the same thing twice unless we're really sure that something needs to get revised or needs to "stay fresh" and continue to be widely available to newer players. Originally posted by TrueExodite Thank you, I do appreciate any clarification on this matter. Anyway, your answer brings up another question... Some time ago it was mentioned on these boards that a document outlining what feats, spell, items and prestige classes that are to be considered dropped on non-core in 3.5. Are there plans for such a document? Anytime soon? I thought it a grand idea, some concepts are simply shown to be too strong after testing or interact poorly with the 3.5 mechanic changes.
Cunning Linguist 04-16-04, 01:40 PM	I just have a minor question. Was the fire knife assassin cut before or after it was done? One of my players was gearing up for that kind of PrC and was disapointed when he saw that it was cut from the Players Guide. Is there any chance I can tell him that it will be along soon? (like Serpent Kingdom, or Web enhancements)
WotC_RichBaker 04-16-04, 07:16 PM	The Fire Knife assassin is done. We're going to include it in a 2005 book. Originally posted by Cunning Linguist I just have a minor question. Was the fire knife assassin cut before or after it was done? One of my players was gearing up for that kind of PrC and was disapointed when he saw that it was cut from the Players Guide. Is there any chance I can tell him that it will be along soon? (like Serpent Kingdom, or Web enhancements)
Mephistopheles 04-18-04, 11:35 PM	Originally posted by BobROE Is there a list of regions that were cut and what other region they were considered "close" too. Because they're still in the Feat Listings, and there discriptions are still in the text, so if my player wanted to play something from one of them I could tell them which chart to use. (Other ones that aren't on the list: A couple of planetouched, one half-elf, the halfling ones, one elf region, one dwarf one). Others that i've noticed to be missing are the human regions of Nimbral & Thindol - both appear on the list of regions for Knowledge(local[region]) & have feats allocated but don't have an entry in the tables (or on the map for that matter).
Sigma34561 04-19-04, 12:51 AM	Hey, I hope im not interupting anything and its probably already been answered somwhere in the past 30 pages of posts but why was the Gnome favored class changed from Illusionist to Bard? It seems that gnomes might favor wizzardry over elves who might seem to favor the path of the bard, ranger, or even druid more than the wizzard. I was just wondering because i've been having some trouble making a Gnome Artificer. It seems that you now either have to take an XP penalty or resort to taking levels in Bard, which i dont see really making sense given the context of the gnome artificer. How would magical songs and rhymes advance his technological skills?
Sigma34561 04-19-04, 12:51 AM	oops double post...
J. Grenemyer 04-19-04, 02:15 AM	Hello Sigma34561, Originally posted by Sigma34561 Hey, I hope im not interupting anything and its probably already been answered somwhere in the past 30 pages of posts but why was the Gnome favored class changed from Illusionist to Bard? FYI this thread is for asking specific questions related to the Realms. You might want to try posting your question in the Races (http://boards1.wizards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=18) Forum within the Player's Handbook Boards. :D
Laszlo Koller 04-19-04, 09:50 PM	I've found the "missing" regions on the various racial region tables. (Neither the Gnome nor the Orc & Half-orc entries had any errors that I could find.) Mr. Baker: Perhaps these could find their way into a web enhancement -or- an online FR-based web feature? The following regions (by race) were missing entries: Human Nimbral Tharsult Thindol Underdark [Old Shanatar] Dwarf Underdark [Earthroot] Elf the Outer Sea Half-elf the High Forest Halfling Amn Calimshan the North Planetouched Impiltur the Silver Marches the Western Heartlands Other Cormanthyr the Far Hills the High Forest Originally posted by Mephistopheles Others that i've noticed to be missing are the human regions of Nimbral & Thindol - both appear on the list of regions for Knowledge(local[region]) & have feats allocated but don't have an entry in the tables (or on the map for that matter).
Sovellios Darkshine 04-20-04, 03:58 AM	Dear Richard 1. Did the developers realise that the Militia and Foe Hunter feat both grant abilities that enable easy prestige class access (the Militia allows wizards to take Eldritch Knight easier and the Foe Hunter allows people to take Harper Paragon easier). I though Cosmopolitan was reduced for that same reason. 2. Is it me or is the Epic Hammer of Moradin wrong ? It allows an increase in their spellcasting progression and grants a bonus epic feat every two levels, while cutting away their damage reduction, which should increase. 3. Also on the epic note, why does the Epic Eye of Horus-Re get increase spellcasting ability at every level and a bonus epic feat every two levels. It's better than that the epic cleric or wizard.
Cassius Harkanor 04-20-04, 04:17 AM	Dear Richard. The Spellguard of Silverymoon has a regional requirement. Does this mean that if i don't come from the Silver Marches or Silverymoon, i cant take this prestige class.
WotC_RichBaker 04-21-04, 01:05 PM	Yes, we're going to see what we can do about that. It might be a few weeks before we assemble a comprehensive Player's Guide errata file or web enhancement, though. Originally posted by Laszlo Koller I've found the "missing" regions on the various racial region tables. (Neither the Gnome nor the Orc & Half-orc entries had any errors that I could find.) Mr. Baker: Perhaps these could find their way into a web enhancement -or- an online FR-based web feature? The following regions (by race) were missing entries: Human Nimbral Tharsult Thindol Underdark [Old Shanatar] Dwarf Underdark [Earthroot] Elf the Outer Sea Half-elf the High Forest Halfling Amn Calimshan the North Planetouched Impiltur the Silver Marches the Western Heartlands Other Cormanthyr the Far Hills the High Forest
WotC_RichBaker 04-21-04, 01:17 PM	Responses: 1. Yes, I'm certain they knew and discussed it, and decided to allow it to go forward. 2. The epic Hammer of Moradin looks fishy to me, too. I'll add it to our list of things to examine for a possible errata file. 3. Yes, the epic Eye of Horus-Re is pretty good. Keep in mind that, as compared to just staying a straight cleric, you gave up a level of spellcasting, a "dead" feat (Alertness), and 4 points of Fort save (all of which should go to show you just how hard it is to design cleric prestige classes). Originally posted by Sovellios Darkshine Dear Richard 1. Did the developers realise that the Militia and Foe Hunter feat both grant abilities that enable easy prestige class access (the Militia allows wizards to take Eldritch Knight easier and the Foe Hunter allows people to take Harper Paragon easier). I though Cosmopolitan was reduced for that same reason. 2. Is it me or is the Epic Hammer of Moradin wrong ? It allows an increase in their spellcasting progression and grants a bonus epic feat every two levels, while cutting away their damage reduction, which should increase. 3. Also on the epic note, why does the Epic Eye of Horus-Re get increase spellcasting ability at every level and a bonus epic feat every two levels. It's better than that the epic cleric or wizard.
WotC_RichBaker 04-21-04, 01:20 PM	Strictly speaking, yes. However, I think that requirement's a little off, myself. Lots of mages come to Silverymoon to study, and wind up joining the Spellguard. I'll add that to the list, too. Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dear Richard. The Spellguard of Silverymoon has a regional requirement. Does this mean that if i don't come from the Silver Marches or Silverymoon, i cant take this prestige class.
monk-ki 04-21-04, 01:27 PM	quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dear Richard. The Spellguard of Silverymoon has a regional requirement. Does this mean that if i don't come from the Silver Marches or Silverymoon, i cant take this prestige class. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I thought that having 2 ranks in knowledge (local), in this case Knowledge (silverymoon), meets the regional requirement.
Cunning Linguist 04-21-04, 01:29 PM	Before the players guide came out, you said you had written some info on epic magic in the realms worked (fitting with the shadow weave, mystras ban and all that), but it was cut from the book.. could you add that to the list over things you might want to add to a web enhancement? There is still alot of talk going around how one should fit a magic ban into the realms, if epic magic was the kind of magic Netheril used and so forth, im sure some more clarification would help us all.
Laszlo Koller 04-21-04, 11:55 PM	Thank you very much for listening to us--your customers. This is the kind of support that keeps me coming back to buy WotC products. Keep up the great work and thanks again. Originally posted by Richard Baker Yes, we're going to see what we can do about that. It might be a few weeks before we assemble a comprehensive Player's Guide errata file or web enhancement, though.
phoenixnemo 04-22-04, 08:01 AM	maybe this has already been asked, but it is to long to look all over 33 pages.:D anyway, can somebody tell me how many skill points does the morning lord of lathander, from the players guide to faerun; get every level. in the manual it's not written. i think it would probably be 2+ int bonus, but since it's not written.... thanks in advance Nemo
Xyr 04-22-04, 08:08 AM	@phoenixnemo - yes its correct
phoenixnemo 04-22-04, 08:13 AM	thanks:D Nemo
jsaving 04-22-04, 02:36 PM	For the initiate of nature feat: 1) A few nature deities such as Chauntea and Shiallia aren't listed. Is it OK for their followers to take the feat, or were there specific reasons why those deities were excluded? 2) Maximum hit dice for the plant-rebuking ability are determined from the user's level but PGtF doesn't say whether to use caster level, character level, cleric/druid level, or something else. I'm guessing caster level -- is this correct?
Xyr 04-22-04, 02:46 PM	hi rich, I have a short question to the Jotunbrud Feat from RoF. The Feat Description said: Whenever you receive a modifier based on size on an opposed roll (such as during grapple, bull rush), you are treated as Large if that`s advantageous to you. You are also considered to be Large when determining wheter a monster`s special attacks based on size affect you. today i have get the Expanded Psionics Handbook and have read that the Half-Giants have the same bonus from her Powerful Build Feature, AND they can use weapons one size larger without penaltys. 1. Can a Charakter with the Jotunbrud feat use larger weapons (for example a huge greatsword for a medium charak) without penalty? 2. It as possible for a Half-Giant to get the Jotunbrud feat? :devil:
ender 04-22-04, 04:28 PM	Originally posted by Xyr 1. Can a Charakter with the Jotunbrud feat use larger weapons (for example a huge greatsword for a medium charak) without penalty? 2. It as possible for a Half-Giant to get the Jotunbrud feat? :devil: Not Rich, but if I may I think there's a simple answer to those (devious :)) questions. 1. I would assume no, as there are separate feats that allow one to wield larger weapons (Monkey Grip from Complete Warrrior). 2. Jotunbrud can only be selected by Damaran or Illuskan humans. So, unfortunately for you, but fortunately for your poor DM, no. :)
Ty 04-23-04, 05:31 PM	Hi Mr. Baker, Two main questions regarding the clerical initiate feats to forestall questions by players. 1) I assume by cleric level requirements, it means legitimate clerical levels rather than caster levels. 2) Within the "granted" powers of the initiate feats, do these abilities apply only to divinely sourced spells rather than arcane spells? E.g. The Initiate of Lathander and light descriptor would not affect the arcane spell list for instance, of a Mystic Theurge. Thanks for the help.
The Simbul 04-24-04, 02:00 AM	Originally posted by Cunning Linguist Before the players guide came out, you said you had written some info on epic magic in the realms worked (fitting with the shadow weave, mystras ban and all that), but it was cut from the book.. could you add that to the list over things you might want to add to a web enhancement? There is still alot of talk going around how one should fit a magic ban into the realms, if epic magic was the kind of magic Netheril used and so forth, im sure some more clarification would help us all. I would like to second that notion if I may. Also, I'd like to point out (if it hasnt been mentioned, although I am sure I was one of the first to notice) that the Spellcraft DC for Proctiv'c Move Mountain was incorrectly caclulated. As printed, with it's Seeds, Factors, Ad-hoc Factors, and Mitigating Factors, it's final Spellcraft DC should be 560 not 280. All Factors which increase the DC of an Epic Spell (including all positive ad-hoc factors) are supposed to be multipled x5 when the spell is made Permanent, as stated explicitly in the rules for Epic Spellcasting. However one of the factors was not multiplied, thus resulting in a much lower DC version of the spell. In addition, I would like to ask if the PGtF Epic Netherese spells are the same as they were offically wielded during the time of Netheril, or are they versions of them which appear in the PGtF the result of the Netherese of today using the "new" rules for magic to replicate those spells. The reason I ask is because it is hardly concievable for a 30th-40th level spellcaster to make a 250+ Spellcraft Check, as well as have the 100,000XP to pay for the development cost of such spells.
Cassius Harkanor 04-25-04, 06:57 AM	Dear Richard Just a nit pick really. Why don't the writers of the Faerun books look at the errata for the various books when writing up new products. For example, Bane is referred to in both the Faiths & Pantheons and the Player Guide as a god of strife, but the errata for the Campaign Guide shifts strife to Cyric ? This is starting to get really frustrating.
Dargoth 04-26-04, 01:05 AM	Deep Gnome regions Theres only one region for Deep Gnomes (The one under the Silver marches) But there is at least one other known Deep Gnome Region, theres city of theres under the Galena mountains in Damara Also Rich are there more than 2 Deep Gnome cities in the FR? (1 really as the other one was destroyed by the Drow)
WotC_RichBaker 04-26-04, 01:31 PM	My thoughts on Mystra's ban: 1. Once upon a time, there existed spells at levels 10, 11, and 12. These worked just like 9th-level spells (or lower), and fit into a wizard class spell progression chart that would have been a logical extrapolation of the existing chart through, say, 40th level or so. 2. These were not just metamagic-ed 9th-level and lower spells, although you could have used those slots in that way if you wanted. 3. In addition, epic spells (just like in Epic Level Handbook) existed alongside these "real" 10th+ level spells. Presumably the 10th+ level spells were easier and quicker than the epic spells. 4. Mystra's ban killed all spells that would have been on the 10th, 11th, and 12th level lists, and "truncated" spell progression so that no one would ever be able to achieve that "mode" of super-high level spellcasting again. 5. Mystra's ban left epic magic--in the form of epic spells, or spell slots achieved through the Improved Spellcasting feat--as the only way to get "better than 9th-level" spells. It's an ad hoc solution to explain things that have happened across multiple game editions, but it's how I think of it, anyway. Originally posted by The Simbul I would like to second that notion if I may. Also, I'd like to point out (if it hasnt been mentioned, although I am sure I was one of the first to notice) that the Spellcraft DC for Proctiv'c Move Mountain was incorrectly caclulated. As printed, with it's Seeds, Factors, Ad-hoc Factors, and Mitigating Factors, it's final Spellcraft DC should be 560 not 280. All Factors which increase the DC of an Epic Spell (including all positive ad-hoc factors) are supposed to be multipled x5 when the spell is made Permanent, as stated explicitly in the rules for Epic Spellcasting. However one of the factors was not multiplied, thus resulting in a much lower DC version of the spell. In addition, I would like to ask if the PGtF Epic Netherese spells are the same as they were offically wielded during the time of Netheril, or are they versions of them which appear in the PGtF the result of the Netherese of today using the "new" rules for magic to replicate those spells. The reason I ask is because it is hardly concievable for a 30th-40th level spellcaster to make a 250+ Spellcraft Check, as well as have the 100,000XP to pay for the development cost of such spells.
Cunning Linguist 04-27-04, 11:49 AM	I was reading up on the Arcanist PrC, and saw to that the Arcanist does not gain any new casterlevels as he takes his five levels. Is this a typo? The PrC is.. ok.. powerwise, but if it lacks the casterlevels the Arcanist will soon start to fall behind on the SR checks that come at those high levels, and that would render the PrC really useless.
Mystery Man 04-27-04, 12:05 PM	Hi Rich! Was more on epic magic left out of the FRPG? If so are there any plans for a web enhancement? If not could there be? Please?? :) Epics are an important part of the Realms and it would be nice to see more on it. p.s. This thread is huge, I apologize if this has been asked. p.p.s. Mostly my question is about a possible WE for epic magic in the Realms.
mycerius 04-27-04, 04:51 PM	Mr. Baker, FIrst of all, thanks for all the great comments and effort you have put into this thread. I have learned a lot browsing through here. Question 1: When creating a magic item, the creator can get have someone else cast a required spell (usually in the instance of the creator not being able to cast it). For example, having a second caster cast the spider climb spell needed for slippers of spider climbing if the item's creator does not know it. The Shadow Weave section in MoF says that someone using a Shadow Weave item needs to have the Shadow Weave Magic feat to overcome the negative effect of using the item. My question is what constitues a SW item? Is it the creator having the SW feat or just a SW caster beig involved in the creation of the item? My DM and I discussed this and concluded that the item was based off of who spent the XP used in creating the item, but this could lead to an unusual situation where the creator had a feat that allowed him to use XP from another character rather then his own. (Does your brain hurt yet? heh) Question 2: I was reading F&P last week and noticed something really interesting. I noticed that Azuth (lesser god, patron god of spellcasters) was more intelligent then Mystra (greater god, goddess of magic) and wiser then Oghma (intermediate god, god of knowledge). Typo or is he really such a bad mofo? LOL
jsaving 04-28-04, 11:44 AM	Finally got an answer to an earlier question from Wizards' customer service department. Followers of Chauntea aren't allowed to take the initiate of nature feat, and I asked whether this was a deliberate choice by the PGtF team. Customer service said yes, Chauntea is specifically and deliberately excluded. My question for Rich is why this should be so. Was Chauntea deemed to be less "nature-oriented" than Eldath, Mielikki, and Silvanus (the three deities whose clerics can become initiates of nature)? Or is there some aspect of the rules that would make it unbalanced for clerics of Chauntea to take the feat? Or are there current events in the Realms that temporarily prohibit Chauntea from offering the feat?
WotC_RichBaker 04-28-04, 12:40 PM	I think we can safely define a shadow weave item as a magic item crafted by someone who's taken the Shadow Weave Magic feat. Regardless of who contributes spells or XP, I'd say that the guy with the item creation feat is the guy who's making the item. RE: Azuth. I can easily believe he's smarter than Mystra (at least her current incarnation), he's been around much longer. Wiser than Oghma seems a little, well, charitable, but it's not strictly broken, I suppose. (The *really* wise god thinks, "If I call myself the god of wisdom, people are going to expect me to know how to straighten out just about any mess imaginable. Maybe I'll let someone else take a shot at that.") Originally posted by mycerius Mr. Baker, FIrst of all, thanks for all the great comments and effort you have put into this thread. I have learned a lot browsing through here. Question 1: When creating a magic item, the creator can get have someone else cast a required spell (usually in the instance of the creator not being able to cast it). For example, having a second caster cast the spider climb spell needed for slippers of spider climbing if the item's creator does not know it. The Shadow Weave section in MoF says that someone using a Shadow Weave item needs to have the Shadow Weave Magic feat to overcome the negative effect of using the item. My question is what constitues a SW item? Is it the creator having the SW feat or just a SW caster beig involved in the creation of the item? My DM and I discussed this and concluded that the item was based off of who spent the XP used in creating the item, but this could lead to an unusual situation where the creator had a feat that allowed him to use XP from another character rather then his own. (Does your brain hurt yet? heh) Question 2: I was reading F&P last week and noticed something really interesting. I noticed that Azuth (lesser god, patron god of spellcasters) was more intelligent then Mystra (greater god, goddess of magic) and wiser then Oghma (intermediate god, god of knowledge). Typo or is he really such a bad mofo? LOL
WotC_RichBaker 04-28-04, 12:45 PM	Silvanus, Eldath, and Mielikki seem to be much more associated with wilderness, forests, etc., while Chauntea is much more agricultural. I suppose we could have called the feat "Initiate of the Forest" or something, and that would have been a little clearer. Originally posted by jsaving Finally got an answer to an earlier question from Wizards' customer service department. Followers of Chauntea aren't allowed to take the initiate of nature feat, and I asked whether this was a deliberate choice by the PGtF team. Customer service said yes, Chauntea is specifically and deliberately excluded. My question for Rich is why this should be so. Was Chauntea deemed to be less "nature-oriented" than Eldath, Mielikki, and Silvanus (the three deities whose clerics can become initiates of nature)? Or is there some aspect of the rules that would make it unbalanced for clerics of Chauntea to take the feat? Or are there current events in the Realms that temporarily prohibit Chauntea from offering the feat?
AvengedMutablegenus 04-28-04, 09:25 PM	Could you please explain to us mystras ban on epic spellcasting, and if that is officially, and if it's not what is the real ban.. Thanks
Kuje31 04-28-04, 09:31 PM	Originally posted by AvengedMutablegenus Could you please explain to us mystras ban on epic spellcasting, and if that is officially, and if it's not what is the real ban.. Thanks Rich just answered this on page 33 near the bottom of that page.........
Katowice 04-29-04, 12:15 PM	In the PGtF, it has a sidebar on how to use the races from Book of Vile Darkness and what regions to use them. Do you have an region suggestions for the elan, maened, dromites, half-giants and xeph from the Expanded Psionics Handook?
WotC_RichBaker 04-29-04, 12:33 PM	Short answer: No. Longer answer: No, but that would be a fine idea. We shouldn't just throw 'em into the regions of other races, we should design honest-to-gosh racial regions for those guys. Originally posted by Katowice In the PGtF, it has a sidebar on how to use the races from Book of Vile Darkness and what regions to use them. Do you have an region suggestions for the elan, maened, dromites, half-giants and xeph from the Expanded Psionics Handook?
Katowice 04-30-04, 07:15 AM	How about a web enhancement on this very topic? Maybe the guys over The Mind's Eye column could do it... Originally posted by Richard Baker Short answer: No. Longer answer: No, but that would be a fine idea. We shouldn't just throw 'em into the regions of other races, we should design honest-to-gosh racial regions for those guys.
Cunning Linguist 04-30-04, 01:01 PM	Im tinkering around with some plots for Ooltul, City of Tyrants, and I wonder, how does a Phaerimm age? How many years has a Revered Elder been around? Are Phindounma the Abominable, Scalmarel the Sage and Ugnaroth the Necroseer as old as the fall itself?
Lawless 04-30-04, 01:59 PM	OK I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question but here it goes. Since OA is suggested for use as a guideline for Kara-Tur, are ancestoral feats and regional feats interchangeable. As in can a character have both and ancestoral feat due to parentage and regional feat for where they were raised. Both sources OA/Dragon #318 update and PGtF both say that a character can only have one at creation but under the above circumstance can one have one from each source. It'll settle a potential abuse of rules debate I'm in. Thanks in advance.
jaerrod 04-30-04, 04:26 PM	Dear Richard, The Rashemi call the Hathran "Wychlaran" and the Hidden Ones the "Volodonyi" (I think - I'm posting from work and don't have access to my source books). Is there a comparable title for either the Runescarred Berserkers as a whole, or for those berserkers who serve as the Hathrans' body guards? My current PC is heading in that direction, and I'd like to know how he should refer to himself in that regard. Thanks
Athenon 05-01-04, 05:41 PM	Rich, I just saw that the event listing has just been posted at Gen Con. I noticed, sadly that there is no Q&A with Ed Greenwood scheduled this year. What's up with THAT? That's always been a real highlight of the show.
ender 05-02-04, 02:00 AM	Rich, I recall seeing some mention of something on candle magic that you guys wrote up for MoF, but it got cut for space reasons. It sounded like a pretty neat idea, and I was wondering if I could just pester you a bit about it. Are there any plans to include candle magic in a future supplement? If not, could you pass on any tidbits here (such as how candle magic differs from any other form of magic--other than the fact that it uses candles :))?
Yokinobu 05-02-04, 08:34 AM	If this has already been addressed here, please someone, let me know. Someone else mentioned this in the Forgotten Realms HQ forums, and so I bring it to Rich now. Were there supposed to be major race updates in the Player's Guide to Faerun that were taken out because of space reasons? On page 191 of the PGtF it states, "All lesser planetouched have the following racial trait in common, in addition to all the racial traits detailed elsewhere in this book." Apparently, I've answered my own question. So what I'm really wondering is, will we be able to expect to see these anticipated changes in some form of errata or web enhancement, or must we wait for another FR accessory book to hit the shelves? If the latter, is there a particular book that has been foretold that might include the race amendments?
WotC_RichBaker 05-03-04, 12:31 PM	Wow, I have no idea. It doesn't say in the Monstrous Compendium or the older 2E material? (If we haven't said it anywhere, I suppose I'm inclined to say that phaerimm age like dragons--they just get older, tougher, and meaner, possibly for thousands of years.) Originally posted by Cunning Linguist Im tinkering around with some plots for Ooltul, City of Tyrants, and I wonder, how does a Phaerimm age? How many years has a Revered Elder been around? Are Phindounma the Abominable, Scalmarel the Sage and Ugnaroth the Necroseer as old as the fall itself?
WotC_RichBaker 05-03-04, 12:34 PM	Off the top of my head, it seems reasonable to allow one ancestor feat and one regional feat. After all, one particular country or region might have several ancient families in it. I know for a fact that the regional system in the Player's Guide wasn't written with consideration for ancestral feats, so it's not specifically prohibited. Originally posted by Lawless OK I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question but here it goes. Since OA is suggested for use as a guideline for Kara-Tur, are ancestoral feats and regional feats interchangeable. As in can a character have both and ancestoral feat due to parentage and regional feat for where they were raised. Both sources OA/Dragon #318 update and PGtF both say that a character can only have one at creation but under the above circumstance can one have one from each source. It'll settle a potential abuse of rules debate I'm in. Thanks in advance.
WotC_RichBaker 05-03-04, 12:37 PM	I know of no such term, but you could certainly make one up. Some of Rashemen's names and places have a strong Slavic/Russian feel to them; look at a map of Russia and make up a name that seems to fit. How about something like "tverskoye" (singular tverskoy)? Originally posted by jaerrod Dear Richard, The Rashemi call the Hathran "Wychlaran" and the Hidden Ones the "Volodonyi" (I think - I'm posting from work and don't have access to my source books). Is there a comparable title for either the Runescarred Berserkers as a whole, or for those berserkers who serve as the Hathrans' body guards? My current PC is heading in that direction, and I'd like to know how he should refer to himself in that regard. Thanks
WotC_RichBaker 05-03-04, 12:39 PM	Sorry, don't have an answer for that. I'm actually planning on missing GenCon this year myself (first one I'll skip in 13 years!) so I haven't been involved in much of the GenCon planning. Originally posted by Athenon Rich, I just saw that the event listing has just been posted at Gen Con. I noticed, sadly that there is no Q&A with Ed Greenwood scheduled this year. What's up with THAT? That's always been a real highlight of the show.
WotC_RichBaker 05-03-04, 12:42 PM	Yes, there was a major race section in the early draft of the Player's Guide, which we later cut for space. There really wasn't much that was new in that section, though. We included it in the outline because we wanted to reduce the amount of cross-referencing folks would need between the FRCS and FRPG--it was really more of a convenience thing, as opposed to a real update. Very little changed in the FR races from 3.0 to 3.5 that couldn't be extrapolated from the Player's Handbook. So we cut that section, since the book was so long and it wasn't strictly necessary. In other words, don't expect a big race update, it's just not needed very much. Originally posted by Yokinobu If this has already been addressed here, please someone, let me know. Someone else mentioned this in the Forgotten Realms HQ forums, and so I bring it to Rich now. Were there supposed to be major race updates in the Player's Guide to Faerun that were taken out because of space reasons? On page 191 of the PGtF it states, "All lesser planetouched have the following racial trait in common, in addition to all the racial traits detailed elsewhere in this book." Apparently, I've answered my own question. So what I'm really wondering is, will we be able to expect to see these anticipated changes in some form of errata or web enhancement, or must we wait for another FR accessory book to hit the shelves? If the latter, is there a particular book that has been foretold that might include the race amendments?
WotC_RichBaker 05-03-04, 12:45 PM	Space, and it also needed development; we weren't happy about where we got that material to. It was several years ago now, so I don't have a great recollection about this... but I seem to recall that it worked a lot like potions or scrolls, one-shot magic items that took the form of candles. There might have been some special-effect candles, too, things to help your caster level. It was a while ago, and we didn't do much work on it, really. Originally posted by ender Rich, I recall seeing some mention of something on candle magic that you guys wrote up for MoF, but it got cut for space reasons. It sounded like a pretty neat idea, and I was wondering if I could just pester you a bit about it. Are there any plans to include candle magic in a future supplement? If not, could you pass on any tidbits here (such as how candle magic differs from any other form of magic--other than the fact that it uses candles :))?
Zanan 05-03-04, 02:42 PM	Hello Mr. Baker! Since you were one of the designers of Complete Divine and the book will be out this month, can you give some short hints in how far the Sacred Fist PrC has been changed compared to the Defenders of the Faiths version? On another note, the Monks of the Long Death gives a character Monk abilities (Ex), which stack with a monk's corresponding abilities. Yet, if a cleric of Velsharoon takes up this class and wears a monk's belt (for whatever reason), does these aforementioned monk abilities stack with the belt's quasi-levels?
Mr.Waesel 05-04-04, 06:15 AM	Mr. Baker, I was also wondering about complete divine. In the splatbook Masters of the Wild, there was a PrC called the "Hexer", which required casting lightning bolt as a divine spell. The only way to do that until now has been through levels of adept, even though there are plenty of domains in which it wuld fit (weather, storm). I was wondering, is this intentional or just coincidence? Will there be domains in Complete Divine that have lightning bolt in them?
jsaving 05-04-04, 11:29 AM	I have a different question about Complete Divine. Many players were deeply disappointed to see such a large percentage of evil (or at least nongood) caster prestige classes in Masters of the Wild. Is this also true of CD?
Metis 05-04-04, 12:08 PM	Here are the domains detailed in Complete Divine according to the web enhancement: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20040502a&page=3 No lightning bolts there.
WotC_RichBaker 05-04-04, 12:18 PM	I'm afraid I don't have a Complete Divine here at my desk yet, so I can't compare the CD Sacred Fist and the DotF Sacred Fist. I didn't work on that one personally, so I don't know offhand what changes might have been made. I seem to recall they were pretty minor, though. RE: the cleric of Velsharoon with monk-like abilities... yes, I think they would stack. Originally posted by Zanan Hello Mr. Baker! Since you were one of the designers of Complete Divine and the book will be out this month, can you give some short hints in how far the Sacred Fist PrC has been changed compared to the Defenders of the Faiths version? On another note, the Monks of the Long Death gives a character Monk abilities (Ex), which stack with a monk's corresponding abilities. Yet, if a cleric of Velsharoon takes up this class and wears a monk's belt (for whatever reason), does these aforementioned monk abilities stack with the belt's quasi-levels?
WotC_RichBaker 05-04-04, 12:19 PM	As I just noted, I don't have a Complete Divine here in my office. Can't answer the question yet. Originally posted by Mr.Waesel Mr. Baker, I was also wondering about complete divine. In the splatbook Masters of the Wild, there was a PrC called the "Hexer", which required casting lightning bolt as a divine spell. The only way to do that until now has been through levels of adept, even though there are plenty of domains in which it wuld fit (weather, storm). I was wondering, is this intentional or just coincidence? Will there be domains in Complete Divine that have lightning bolt in them?
WotC_RichBaker 05-04-04, 12:21 PM	If I recall correctly, there are something like 25 prestige classes in Complete Divine. I would guess at least 75% are suitable for non-evil PCs. Originally posted by jsaving I have a different question about Complete Divine. Many players were deeply disappointed to see such a large percentage of evil (or at least nongood) caster prestige classes in Masters of the Wild. Is this also true of CD?
mvm313 05-04-04, 08:03 PM	Dear Mr. Baker, Are there plans to leave an area of the realms undeveloped? That is, an area that will never have a supplement released concerning it. I have this "thing" that I can't stand to develop a place, only to have it become obsolete once a supplement about said area is released. Of course, I realize I could just disregard the new release...but, well...it 'll bug me... I remember reading something in the original boxed set(?) years ago that some section of the realms would be left untouched, but I can't remember which.... I did try searching this thread for an answer to my question, to no avail. So, if its here..just point me in the right direction... Thanks Mike
Kuje31 05-04-04, 08:07 PM	Originally posted by mvm313 Dear Mr. Baker, Are there plans to leave an area of the realms undeveloped? That is, an area that will never have a supplement released concerning it. I have this "thing" that I can't stand to develop a place, only to have it become obsolete once a supplement about said area is released. Of course, I realize I could just disregard the new release...but, well...it 'll bug me... I remember reading something in the original boxed set(?) years ago that some section of the realms would be left untouched, but I can't remember which.... I did try searching this thread for an answer to my question, to no avail. So, if its here..just point me in the right direction... Thanks Mike Sembia is the area you are thinking of. Even in the 2e box set it got a little more detailed but until the 3e novels there really wasn't that much info on it. :)
ender 05-04-04, 08:23 PM	Originally posted by mvm313 Dear Mr. Baker, Are there plans to leave an area of the realms undeveloped? That is, an area that will never have a supplement released concerning it. I have this "thing" that I can't stand to develop a place, only to have it become obsolete once a supplement about said area is released. Of course, I realize I could just disregard the new release...but, well...it 'll bug me... I remember reading something in the original boxed set(?) years ago that some section of the realms would be left untouched, but I can't remember which.... I did try searching this thread for an answer to my question, to no avail. So, if its here..just point me in the right direction... I don't know if this is still the policy, but after the designers started publishing stuff about Sembia, they made Erlkazar the "hands-off" area. This may no longer be the case, as Erlkazar is not specifically noted on the new maps. You can find information about it in 2e Lands of Intrigue
Kuje31 05-04-04, 08:35 PM	Originally posted by ender I don't know if this is still the policy, but after the designers started publishing stuff about Sembia, they made Erlkazar the "hands-off" area. This may no longer be the case, as Erlkazar is not specifically noted on the new maps. You can find information about it in 2e Lands of Intrigue Did they? Because that nation is pretty much gone when WOTC redid the maps..... At least half to 3/4 of that nation that was in the 2e box set doesn't exist in 3e maps.....
ender 05-04-04, 09:12 PM	Originally posted by Kuje31 Did they? Because that nation is pretty much gone when WOTC redid the maps..... At least half to 3/4 of that nation that was in the 2e box set doesn't exist in 3e maps..... Perhaps I wasn't clear. I meant to say that when Lands of Intrigue came out (in 2e), the designers stated that Erlkazar was going to be a free area for DMs to develop their own stuff. I'm not sure if that policy is still in effect, because, as you mention, Erlkazar seems to have been deleted (or at the very least downplayed drastically).
Kuje31 05-04-04, 09:18 PM	Originally posted by ender Perhaps I wasn't clear. I meant to say that when Lands of Intrigue came out (in 2e), the designers stated that Erlkazar was going to be a free area for DMs to develop their own stuff. I'm not sure if that policy is still in effect, because, as you mention, Erlkazar seems to have been deleted (or at the very least downplayed drastically). Ah, yes that's more clear now. :) I'm still not sure if that is in effect for 3e because as we both said, the 3e maps pretty much removed that nation from Faerun.
Selvarin 05-04-04, 09:57 PM	Since it's under the radar, design-wise, it probably is.
Dargoth 05-04-04, 10:51 PM	Rich Regarding Touch of Hate feat in PGTF The Write up for this Feat say "once per ten day, you can touch an "animal".. Does this mean that Touch of Hate ONLY works on creatures that are Animals? If so how do the other Beasts of Bane/xvim get made? The write up for the Beats of Xvim in MoF makes reference to Animals but also Beholders, green & black Dragons, Hell Hounds (Which are the example), Cockatrice, Imps, Dark Naga & Undead Now if Touch of Hate only works on Animals how are these other creatures turned into beasts of bane/Xvim? Thanks in advance
Zoroh 05-05-04, 09:15 AM	Hi Rich, First of all thanks for your patience in answering all these stuff.... Now the dumb question: When a cleric character get any PrC she keeps earning her further domain spells? and still can spontaneusly convert her news spell levels into cure/cause wounds? So, a Cleric 5/ Morninglord of Lathander 4 could use domais spell from 4th and 5th levels, or only from those levels she got as cleric? Thx in advance. _________________________ Zoroh Rider of the Lost Underwear
WotC_RichBaker 05-05-04, 12:50 PM	Sorry, I don't think we have any specific hands-off areas at this point. I am certainly aware of what's been said about Sembia and Erlkazar in the past, but I just don't see omitting any part of Faerun from potential consideration for a product these days. My advice would be to "chase the salvoes," if you will--when we do a product about Area A, it's pretty much guaranteed that we won't be heading back to Area A for years, at least. So something like the Silver Marches book, or the Unapproachable East book, or the Shining South book coming up in a couple of months means that we have no current plans to go back to any of those places for several product years, at least. You could set a 5-year campaign in any of those spots, and not be surprised by our new releases. (However, watch out for Waterdeep.) I make no such promises on the behalf of the Book Department. I'm not real involved in the scheduling and planning of the novels, so I can't tell you where they might go and when they might do it. In fact, I've got a novel of my own ("Forsaken House") coming out in July which visits the High Forest and Evereska and changes a few things there, so take my earlier advice about the Silver Marches with a grain of salt. I wish I could tell you more about the areas we *think* we might be heading to soon, but I just can't do that. Originally posted by mvm313 Dear Mr. Baker, Are there plans to leave an area of the realms undeveloped? That is, an area that will never have a supplement released concerning it. I have this "thing" that I can't stand to develop a place, only to have it become obsolete once a supplement about said area is released. Of course, I realize I could just disregard the new release...but, well...it 'll bug me... I remember reading something in the original boxed set(?) years ago that some section of the realms would be left untouched, but I can't remember which.... I did try searching this thread for an answer to my question, to no avail. So, if its here..just point me in the right direction... Thanks Mike
WotC_RichBaker 05-05-04, 01:07 PM	Domain spells, yes. Domain powers, no. For example, if you had a cleric with the Death domain, you don't get to add your prestige class levels to your cleric levels to determine how many dice you roll when you use your death touch. Originally posted by Zoroh Hi Rich, First of all thanks for your patience in answering all these stuff.... Now the dumb question: When a cleric character get any PrC she keeps earning her further domain spells? and still can spontaneusly convert her news spell levels into cure/cause wounds? So, a Cleric 5/ Morninglord of Lathander 4 could use domais spell from 4th and 5th levels, or only from those levels she got as cleric? Thx in advance. _________________________ Zoroh Rider of the Lost Underwear
WotC_RichBaker 05-05-04, 01:15 PM	Beats me. The text suggests that Fzoul has to do it personally. Myself, I'd think that there was a rite or a spell that could do the job, if you're a high-level cleric of Bane. But we haven't designed that yet. Originally posted by Dargoth Rich Regarding Touch of Hate feat in PGTF The Write up for this Feat say "once per ten day, you can touch an "animal".. Does this mean that Touch of Hate ONLY works on creatures that are Animals? If so how do the other Beasts of Bane/xvim get made? The write up for the Beats of Xvim in MoF makes reference to Animals but also Beholders, green & black Dragons, Hell Hounds (Which are the example), Cockatrice, Imps, Dark Naga & Undead Now if Touch of Hate only works on Animals how are these other creatures turned into beasts of bane/Xvim? Thanks in advance
The_Bishop 05-05-04, 02:56 PM	Hello Gentlemen, Long-time listener, first time caller, love the show. Anyway, I have an Incantatrix question: The Metamagic Effect feat, which requires a Spellcraft check of 18+(3 x Effective Spell Level), can be very hard to use. However, as I and others have suggested on the COB, it appears that one could "Take 10" on the Spellcraft check. There is more discussion as to whether one could "Take 20", but the consensus is "No". Is this correct and was this contemplated (I suspect it was due to the very high initial DC and the applicable multiplier)? Skipping all of the math, I have the following opinions. This "Take 10" interpretation is the only way I have seen to adequately use the new persistent spell. I also view the "Take 10" approach as not abusive for combat purposes because the Incantatrix must either give up a round to use cooperative metamagic or must give up a round using metamagic effect on a static spell. Thank You, The Bishop
J. Grenemyer 05-05-04, 05:21 PM	Hello Mr. Baker, I suppose it's probably to early to discuss Complete Arcane in detail; all the same I was wondering if you included any Realms related material in that book? Generally speaking, are their PrCs, Spells, etc.. that "fit well" in the Realms (in a manner similar to how the Entropomancer from Complete Divine would be an excellent PrC choice for a Luthcheq noble)? Lastly, you briefly mentioned awhile back that a future FR release may contain Baazim Gorag and similar such Slaadi/Demon Lords. Are you at liberty to say approximately how many will be written up and what quarter they might be released in? I ask only because Baazim has proven to be an suprisingly resilient BBEG in my campaign, and I'd like to team him up with similar-in-power Slaad Lords and the Lich Queen of all Githyanki in order to provide a truly Epic cadre of foes for my players to face once our FR game goes Epic. As always, thanks for answering our questions! :D
jsaving 05-05-04, 06:59 PM	For CD, was any thought given to changing this from cleric level to caster level? I understand the argument that clerics need an incentive to stick with the core class rather than enter a PrC. However, most domain powers don't depend on cleric level at all, so using cleric level rather than caster level doesn't actually give most clerics this extra incentive. I can also see the argument that domains are a cleric class feature that shouldn't improve as clerics level up in a PrC, but the biggest domain benefit -- access to the spells -- already does improve as clerics level up in a PrC. Can't a decent argument be made for extending this to domain powers? Domain spells, yes. Domain powers, no. For example, if you had a cleric with the Death domain, you don't get to add your prestige class levels to your cleric levels to determine how many dice you roll when you use your death touch.
Chronomage 05-05-04, 07:17 PM	Hey Mr. Baker. I have a question for you that was being debated in the "Irae Tsarran for your viewing pleasure" thread. I am redoing Irae Tsarran for a 6 player group that should (with the right adjustments to encounters beforehand) be of the same level as a 4 person party, when they encounter her. Right now the builds we're debating is: Cleric 11/Wiz 3/Yathrinshee 9 (+6 spellcasting levels) That gives her 9th level cleric spells and 5th level arcane spells, right? And her Necromancy spells can be cast as if she were 20th level? If so, alls good so far. Now Cleric 3/Wiz 3/Mystic Theurge 10/Yathrinshee 6 She should be a 17th level cleric and 17th level wizard for purposes of spells per day, maximum spells cast, and effect (relating only to non necromancy spells)? For some reason Zanan disagrees with this, I think because he thinks once you reach epic levels your spellcaster level stops increasing for spells per day, and max spells cast. Is he right, or am I? (again, I may be out of context: the thread has me confused about where everybody stands). Lastly: For Irae I was thinking: Cleric 11/Wiz 3/Yathrinshee 9 For Cabrath (her second) I was thinking: Cleric 3/Wiz 3/Mystic Theurge 6/Yathrinshee 6 (again for a six person party, I've just been adding one or two CR to most creatures, sometimes a friend, whatnot) The reason I give them levels like these is because Irae is researching Greater Revenance which could be a 9th level corrupt spell (either that, or epic) for which she needs 9th level cleric spells, as well as good turning power, for her schtick. Cabrath strikes me as more of a spellcaster than cleric. How would you redo their levels with the New books in 3.5, either with 4 or 6 players?
Chronomage 05-05-04, 07:37 PM	Oh and how do you determine cash available if a character has mutiple level adjustment races or acquired races/templates, especially when the CR is much lower than the ECL? Say Drow Vampire level 13 (CR 16, ECL 23) Or do you just add the level in that the character was born with, for cash purposes? In that case, what about Drow Half Fiend (not Draegoloth) level 13 (CR 17, ECL 19)
mvm313 05-05-04, 08:33 PM	Thanks to everyone that replied. You've all been quite helpful. I guess I'll just have to let go of my idiosyncrasies. I'm leaning towards the Bloodstone Lands. I really enjoyed that supplement when it first came out. Unfortunately my copy is long gone.... Thanks Mike Originally posted by Richard Baker Sorry, I don't think we have any specific hands-off areas at this point. I am certainly aware of what's been said about Sembia and Erlkazar in the past, but I just don't see omitting any part of Faerun from potential consideration for a product these days. My advice would be to "chase the salvoes," if you will--when we do a product about Area A, it's pretty much guaranteed that we won't be heading back to Area A for years, at least. So something like the Silver Marches book, or the Unapproachable East book, or the Shining South book coming up in a couple of months means that we have no current plans to go back to any of those places for several product years, at least. You could set a 5-year campaign in any of those spots, and not be surprised by our new releases. (However, watch out for Waterdeep.) I make no such promises on the behalf of the Book Department. I'm not real involved in the scheduling and planning of the novels, so I can't tell you where they might go and when they might do it. In fact, I've got a novel of my own ("Forsaken House") coming out in July which visits the High Forest and Evereska and changes a few things there, so take my earlier advice about the Silver Marches with a grain of salt. I wish I could tell you more about the areas we *think* we might be heading to soon, but I just can't do that.
Selvarin 05-05-04, 09:37 PM	SVGames has it in pdf format, although you may already be aware of that.
Heron_Marked_Blade 05-05-04, 11:48 PM	Hi Mr. Baker, Thanks for the posts. My question regards the acquisition of a cleric domain by a higher-level arcane caster (for example, the domain granted by the Contemplative PrC, or the Sacred Exorcist). Under 3.0 rules (DotF p.77), an arcane spellcaster gains access to all domain spells of any level that he can normally cast. Sorcerers add the domain spells to their list of spells known. Is this addressed at all in Complete Divine, or updated for 3.5? Does domain acquisition by arcane spellcasters still operate in this manner, or does the mechanic now follow the Arcane Disciple feat (castable only once per day, sorcerers don't automatically learn the spells)? I don't know if you can answer those questions specifically, but any assistance would be helpful. Thanks.
Laszlo Koller 05-06-04, 12:27 AM	Mr. Baker, I'd like to make a suggestion regarding future FR-based sourcebooks: Whenever you add a new race, please include a Player's Guide to Faerûn-style "region stat block" for each new race (or multiple region stat blocks, if the race is more widespread). Also, do the same if new regions are added (like the ones Unapproachable East added) that include existing races into the new region's "region stat block". (What I mean by "region stat block" is the collection of data elements consisting of the: Recommended Subraces, Automatic Languages, Bonus Languages, Favored Deities, Regional Feats, and Bonus Equipment for each region.) I'm very pleased with the way the new, PGtF character regions were implemented and I hope that you and your team seriously consider this suggestion. Thanks for listening to your customers. Laszlo
Chronomage 05-06-04, 12:48 AM	Originally posted by Selvarin Since it's under the radar, design-wise, it probably is. Dunno about Erlkazar, I thought Impiltur was one of the do-it-yourself regions.
ender 05-06-04, 02:45 AM	Rich, I have a Shades-related rules question. In Races of Faerun, it states that a Shade's powers are only active when within shadows or darkness. In view of their ability to Control Light, just what defines "shadows or darkness"? This came up in my group's last session, so I can give an example. Our party fought a small Shadovar that had infiltrated a town, so we prepared several daylight spells to weaken them. Naturally we cast these as soon as we joined battle, and the Shadovar immediately dimmed them to 40% of their original intensity. So then, does 40% daylight prevent them from shadow striding to escape? And thanks once again for answering all these questions.
Selvarin 05-06-04, 03:27 AM	Originally posted by Chronomage Dunno about Erlkazar, I thought Impiltur was one of the do-it-yourself regions. Impiltur did get some mention in UE, it suffers from being in the corner of several regions. Likely it will be detailed better in a 3.5 Bloodstone Lands book, whch could be 2 years away at this rate. (Just a gamer's guess.)
Chronomage 05-06-04, 03:30 AM	Looks like I'll need to pick up this Bloodstone lands book when it does. Isn't this the place where Orcus' worship is strong, or some such? NVM, I'll look it up.
WotC_RichBaker 05-06-04, 12:30 PM	If you're on the Character Optimization board, the guy you really want to ask this question is Andrew Finch. Andrew is our lead developer, and I know he personally worked on the prestige classes in the Player's Guide. He keeps a close eye on the Character Optimization discussions. (I didn't write the 3.5 incantatrix; my PGtoF work was mostly in the regions and feats. Therefore I can't really speculate about what was and wasn't considered with the class.) My own two cents--I don't know if I like Take 10 on that check, but I couldn't tell you why. Originally posted by The_Bishop Hello Gentlemen, Long-time listener, first time caller, love the show. Anyway, I have an Incantatrix question: The Metamagic Effect feat, which requires a Spellcraft check of 18+(3 x Effective Spell Level), can be very hard to use. However, as I and others have suggested on the COB, it appears that one could "Take 10" on the Spellcraft check. There is more discussion as to whether one could "Take 20", but the consensus is "No". Is this correct and was this contemplated (I suspect it was due to the very high initial DC and the applicable multiplier)? Skipping all of the math, I have the following opinions. This "Take 10" interpretation is the only way I have seen to adequately use the new persistent spell. I also view the "Take 10" approach as not abusive for combat purposes because the Incantatrix must either give up a round to use cooperative metamagic or must give up a round using metamagic effect on a static spell. Thank You, The Bishop
WotC_RichBaker 05-06-04, 12:39 PM	I can talk about Complete Arcane a little, I think. Are there good FR-ish prestige classes, etc.? Certainly yes, there are scads. But I'll temper that remark by saying that in my opinion, you can raid 90%+ of any core D&D supplement for your FR campaign and find good places for that stuff to go. A specific example: I designed the Master Transmogrifist for the PGtoF, but we didn't have space for it in that book, and it's ended up in Complete Arcane, where it fits just fine. And the Wild Mage prestige class sure looks good in FR, too. RE: The fiend lords/etc., it'll be a 2005 product; that's all I can really say now. I think it's not in the first trimester, so it's a bit of a wait. I know we're including B-G and some of the Elder Evils like Kezef. Eric Boyd's writing up some folks like Eltab, too. Plus, I've also got a BBEG who's a major player in my "Last Mythal" trilogy who should appear. By the way, I'm delighted that Bazim-Gorag is sticking around in your game. Makes me feel appreciated. Originally posted by J. Grenemyer Hello Mr. Baker, I suppose it's probably to early to discuss Complete Arcane in detail; all the same I was wondering if you included any Realms related material in that book? Generally speaking, are their PrCs, Spells, etc.. that "fit well" in the Realms (in a manner similar to how the Entropomancer from Complete Divine would be an excellent PrC choice for a Luthcheq noble)? Lastly, you briefly mentioned awhile back that a future FR release may contain Baazim Gorag and similar such Slaadi/Demon Lords. Are you at liberty to say approximately how many will be written up and what quarter they might be released in? I ask only because Baazim has proven to be an suprisingly resilient BBEG in my campaign, and I'd like to team him up with similar-in-power Slaad Lords and the Lich Queen of all Githyanki in order to provide a truly Epic cadre of foes for my players to face once our FR game goes Epic. As always, thanks for answering our questions! :D
WotC_RichBaker 05-06-04, 12:45 PM	For player characters, buy stuff based on your ECL. For NPCs, I'm not 100% sure. I think I'd equip them as a NPC of their ECL. For instance, I'm pretty sure that a 2nd-level drow fighter should have 4th-level stuff (LA +2), not 3rd-level stuff (CR +1). Following that to its logical conclusion means that the drow vampire you cite below will be way over-treasured for its CR, though. Maybe the better way to do that is to equip them at their ECL "pre-template". That might be about right. Originally posted by Chronomage Oh and how do you determine cash available if a character has mutiple level adjustment races or acquired races/templates, especially when the CR is much lower than the ECL? Say Drow Vampire level 13 (CR 16, ECL 23) Or do you just add the level in that the character was born with, for cash purposes? In that case, what about Drow Half Fiend (not Draegoloth) level 13 (CR 17, ECL 19)
WotC_RichBaker 05-06-04, 12:47 PM	I think this is our intent going foward. Not sure if we got it right with Shining South, but I mean to try to do that with future sourcebooks. Originally posted by Laszlo Koller Mr. Baker, I'd like to make a suggestion regarding future FR-based sourcebooks: Whenever you add a new race, please include a Player's Guide to Faerûn-style "region stat block" for each new race (or multiple region stat blocks, if the race is more widespread). Also, do the same if new regions are added (like the ones Unapproachable East added) that include existing races into the new region's "region stat block". (What I mean by "region stat block" is the collection of data elements consisting of the: Recommended Subraces, Automatic Languages, Bonus Languages, Favored Deities, Regional Feats, and Bonus Equipment for each region.) I'm very pleased with the way the new, PGtF character regions were implemented and I hope that you and your team seriously consider this suggestion. Thanks for listening to your customers. Laszlo
WotC_RichBaker 05-06-04, 12:52 PM	I agree it's not clear, especially since the control light ability has so much range that it seems you could stand well outside the daylight spell and decrease light levels. However... I think the intent is that daylight trumps your shade ability, and you can't use any of those powers in the radius of a daylight spell. Your control light effect stops dead at the outer edge of the daylight. The shades will want to get rid of/suppress the daylight spell by other means (dispel magic, a darkness effect of the appropriate level) before they can start using their groovy shade powers. Or so I think, anyway. Originally posted by ender Rich, I have a Shades-related rules question. In Races of Faerun, it states that a Shade's powers are only active when within shadows or darkness. In view of their ability to Control Light, just what defines "shadows or darkness"? This came up in my group's last session, so I can give an example. Our party fought a small Shadovar that had infiltrated a town, so we prepared several daylight spells to weaken them. Naturally we cast these as soon as we joined battle, and the Shadovar immediately dimmed them to 40% of their original intensity. So then, does 40% daylight prevent them from shadow striding to escape? And thanks once again for answering all these questions.
ericlboyd 05-06-04, 03:48 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker [Maybe the better way to do that is to equip them at their ECL "pre-template". That might be about right. [/B] I've run into this problem many times as well, and the above solution doesn't cover all the cases. The "canonical" example of this problem for me is the medusa Assassin6. A medusa has 6 HD and CR7. Do you look at the NPC table or the "Treasure table" and do you look at the row for 6, 7, 12, or 13? There's 8 possible values (4 per table), with no clear direction in the rules which one to pick. --Eric
Zanan 05-06-04, 03:56 PM	RE: ECL and NPC ... I have put this question before the custserv last week and the response was: A level adjusted character is effectively a higher level than it would be if you were simply basing this on character class. You do count the level adjustment when determining an NPC's gear value. Thanks! **Please quote this e-mail in any reply.** Now, I do hope it is the correct answer ... and IMHO, folk should indeed be equipped decently for having a high ECL. It does make sense that a succubus (ECL 12) gets some quality equipment for the ... say ... 355 years of her existence on the planes. Not every succubus, but some should. Same goes for a drow vampire assassin (having lived three times longer than the standard drow assassin, not to speak of human assasins). I rather have the equipment available and use the stuff I want than to either break the rules or create a more makeshift version. Common sense and the DM's eye for the situation and the character's "needs" should balance the extra cash.
DreadStar 05-06-04, 04:38 PM	Rich I believe when DotF came out there was a WE called Expanded Domain Listing which listed what FR gods got Domans from DotF. Since there are only 8 new Domains in Complete Divine could you make a list of what FR gods you think should have Domains from CD? Some choices seems real easy like Talona The Mistress of Disease would have Pestilence Domain, others are a little more difficult like maybe Eldath might have Weather Domain. Any list you could give would make using CD with the FR setting a lot easier. I might add these books are not cheap and if its really Greyhawk based I would like to know before I buy it so, I can spend my money elsewhere. Thanks :)
Chronomage 05-06-04, 05:24 PM	Thanks for the reply on NPC gear Rich. Zanan: I think that for my game, Acquired Template will only add their CR adjustment to the level Adjustment as far as cash goes, so that 13th level drow vampire will get (13+2 (Drow ECL) +2 (vampire CR) =) 17th level equipment. This applies to Liches, Vampires, Lycanthropes, and the like. For more powerful Creatures, such as Half fiends, I'll find a balance between the two. In truth, Half fiend is pretty close at the higher levels, for the difference between CR and ECL.
WotC_RichBaker 05-07-04, 12:14 PM	I wish there were an easy answer to this one. When a book comes out with "better" domains for an existing deity, we've got three choices: a. Don't do anything. b. Just add new domains as appropriate--which, unfortunately, means that those deities no longer conform to the rules given in Deities and Demigods. c. "Errata" the deities and have them trade old domains for newer, more appropriate ones. I don't like any of those options, really, but as you can see, Option A has the virtue of not making something else "wrong." The problem's not just confined to Complete Divine, unfortunately. Book of Vile Darkness has some excellent domains for FR deities, as does Book of Exalted Deeds. The ideal solution would be to have some kind of web feature in which you'd check off one-by-one which books you own, then you'd get a list of which deities have which domains based on the material you've got handy at your house. But that's not a decision that's up to me. Originally posted by DreadStar Rich I believe when DotF came out there was a WE called Expanded Domain Listing which listed what FR gods got Domans from DotF. Since there are only 8 new Domains in Complete Divine could you make a list of what FR gods you think should have Domains from CD? Some choices seems real easy like Talona The Mistress of Disease would have Pestilence Domain, others are a little more difficult like maybe Eldath might have Weather Domain. Any list you could give would make using CD with the FR setting a lot easier. I might add these books are not cheap and if its really Greyhawk based I would like to know before I buy it so, I can spend my money elsewhere. Thanks :)
WotC_RichBaker 05-07-04, 01:00 PM	In talking to other designers and developers around the office, it turns out that there really isn't a solid standard here. I think that the best answer we've got is: Figure your monster NPC's CR, and then equip them using NPC Wealth by character level for a character of that CR. So, for example: a half-fiend ogre 5th-level fighter has a CR of 3 (ogre) + 5 (fighter, it's associated for the ogre) +2 (half-fiend of 9 HD), or CR 10. So, equip him like a 10th-level NPC fighter. Equipping the NPC based solely on ECL gives you a way over-treasured NPC. But it's fair for a monster PC. Originally posted by ericlboyd I've run into this problem many times as well, and the above solution doesn't cover all the cases. The "canonical" example of this problem for me is the medusa Assassin6. A medusa has 6 HD and CR7. Do you look at the NPC table or the "Treasure table" and do you look at the row for 6, 7, 12, or 13? There's 8 possible values (4 per table), with no clear direction in the rules which one to pick. --Eric
Chronomage 05-07-04, 03:12 PM	I like that solution, I'll use it. Will still give gold to NPCs with +2 maybe +3 as their ECL, but past that I'll go by CR rating.
DreadStar 05-07-04, 04:46 PM	Rich If a simple FR list for Domains and the gods that have them is not up to you than who do we ask? By the way here is what the old WE looks like. Ancestor (Oriental Adventures): Dumathoin, Siamorphe, Uthgar. Artifice (Deities & Demigods): Baravar Cloakshadow, Dugmaren Brightmantle, Gond, Laduguer, Thoth. Celestial (Oriental Adventures): Jergal, Ubtao (lawful clerics only), Ulutiu (lawful clerics only), Uthgar (lawful clerics only) Community (Defenders of the Faith): Arvoreen, Berronar Truesilver, Callarduran Smoothhands, Cyrrollalee, Eldath, Gorm Gulthyn, Hathor, Isis, Lliira, Luthic, Yondalla. Creation (Defenders of the Faith): Baravar Cloakshadow, Chauntea, Corellon Larethian, Garl Glittergold, Isis, Laduguer, Moradin, Sheela Peryroyl, Yondalla. Divination (Defenders of the Faith): Angharradh, Labelas Enoreth, Marthammor Duin, Oghma, Savras, Sehanine Moonbow, Thoth. Force (Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil): Baravar Cloakshadow, Bahgtru, Garagos, Mystra, Set, Talos. Glory (Defenders of the Faith): Horus-Re, Lathander, Nobanion, Torm, Tyr
J. H. Frank 05-07-04, 05:30 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker However, I think that requirement's a little off, myself. Lots of mages come to Silverymoon to study, and wind up joining the Spellguard. I'll add that to the list, too. If the few other posts about it didn't convince you to already, please consider adding Daylight Adaption to that list. Thanks.
Selvarin 05-07-04, 05:51 PM	Originally posted by J. H. Frank If the few other posts about it didn't convince you to already, please consider adding Daylight Adaption to that list. Thanks. Here here, ditto ditto.
WaaMatt 05-07-04, 06:38 PM	OK. I don't have the time right now to read all 36 pages of this thread, so I have two questions: 1) Why are there so many caption mistakes in just the first three chapters of the Player's Guide to Fearûn? OK. Maybe there are only a few, but a good example is where it says the gray dwarf is a gold dwarf and that the gold dwarf is a gray dwarf. Similarly, I have a strong feeling the images of the humans only a few pages before have incorrect captions (that Red Wizard looking guy is an Illuskan? and the guy with the purple dragon heraldry is Tethyrian?! Uh...) 2) I'm assuming that the info box about the way Regional Feats work now means that the Foe Hunter choices given in PGtF are supplementary to those in the FRCS. Am I right? Thanks, Rich, et al. (Oh, and despite the misnomer captions, the book is great. I'm glad I finally picked it up.)
Chronomage 05-07-04, 07:34 PM	Just to double check something: Psionics are another form of magic, right? So that means there is no such thing as Power Resistance and Spell Resistance applies to both Magic and Psionics? Makes the Psionic Illithid all the better.
Tempus665 05-08-04, 10:15 AM	Dear Rich, Why is WotC using many Forgotten Realms specific in core books? the Dracolich, the Purple Knight, the Entropomancer (albeit under a different name), to name a few. There are also many FR specific feats and spells that appear in other products. I am a bit disappointed by this development, as it takes away some (or a lot?) of flavour from the Realms.
Metis 05-08-04, 12:57 PM	Rich, I was wondering if you could confirm that Races of the Wild has been postponed in exchange for the release of Races of Destiny (half-elves, half-orcs, half-ogres [?], and half-giants [?])? I was looking forward to that supplement. If this one is really going to be released instead, hopefully it'll make the half-elves more appealing as a whole. Nobody in my group wants to be a half-elf.
mortellan 05-09-04, 02:10 AM	Originally posted by Tempus665 Dear Rich, Why is WotC using many Forgotten Realms specific in core books? the Dracolich, the Purple Knight, the Entropomancer (albeit under a different name), to name a few. There are also many FR specific feats and spells that appear in other products. I am a bit disappointed by this development, as it takes away some (or a lot?) of flavour from the Realms. This has occured to Greyhawk specific spells, magic items and monsters for years. Drow is a perfect example.
Selvarin 05-09-04, 03:04 AM	Originally posted by Tempus665 Dear Rich, Why is WotC using many Forgotten Realms specific in core books? the Dracolich, the Purple Knight, the Entropomancer (albeit under a different name), to name a few. There are also many FR specific feats and spells that appear in other products. I am a bit disappointed by this development, as it takes away some (or a lot?) of flavour from the Realms. But its good material, and if it fits why reinvent the wheel every time? I'd rather they use good material than just write something up to fill some space. Sometimes it makes sense to try a different 'take' on a PrC idea, other times not. In reality, there are very few FR PrC's that are so specific to the Realms that they can't be 'ported to a generic setting.
The Simbul 05-09-04, 08:03 PM	Rich- Do the various Chosen of [Deity] templates (Mystra, Bane, Deneir, etc) incur an effective Level Adjustment upon the character? Obviously since none of the above are standard character options, it seems obvious that they would not be listed with a Level Adjustment in the template entries (specifically since any "option" of becoming a Chosen is never in the hands of the player). But one would assume that the added abilities should or would incur a Level Adjustment. Furthermore, if in fact such templates do incur a Level Adjustment, then what would they be respectively? I have heard rumors that Elminster's original (and erroneous) Challenge Rating of 45 was calculated because when he was written up it was assumed that a CR was equal to Character Level + Level Adjustment. Thus under such a assumption, one would guess that the Chosen of Mystra template's effective LA is +10 (yikes :eek: ) P.S. The +10 Constituition bonus recieved by Chosen of Mystra is listed as an Enhancement (i.e. named) bonus in the FRCS, but subsequent Chosen Templates, as well as normal templates that boost ability scores, give an un-named bonus, as if attained by a racial feature. Was it an error, or is it intended to be an Enhancement bonus.
Aafrem 05-09-04, 11:53 PM	When a Cleric of Mystra casts an arcane spell via Anyspell or Greater Anyspell, is the cleric subject to arcane spell failure?
WotC_RichBaker 05-10-04, 12:33 PM	RE: caption mistakes. No good answer, other than we screwed up. To explain a little more: captions are often added quite late in the process, usually by graphic designers or typesetters who aren't well versed in the game and who aren't necessarily on staff for their expertise in typing--they've got different skills. But we should have caught them in galleys. RE: Foe hunter, I would read the PGtoF version as *replacing* the FRCS version, not supplementing it. Originally posted by WaaMatt OK. I don't have the time right now to read all 36 pages of this thread, so I have two questions: 1) Why are there so many caption mistakes in just the first three chapters of the Player's Guide to Fearûn? OK. Maybe there are only a few, but a good example is where it says the gray dwarf is a gold dwarf and that the gold dwarf is a gray dwarf. Similarly, I have a strong feeling the images of the humans only a few pages before have incorrect captions (that Red Wizard looking guy is an Illuskan? and the guy with the purple dragon heraldry is Tethyrian?! Uh...) 2) I'm assuming that the info box about the way Regional Feats work now means that the Foe Hunter choices given in PGtF are supplementary to those in the FRCS. Am I right? Thanks, Rich, et al. (Oh, and despite the misnomer captions, the book is great. I'm glad I finally picked it up.)
WotC_RichBaker 05-10-04, 12:35 PM	In Forgotten Realms power resistance = spell resistance, and vice versa If you had power resistance 17, you've got spell resistance 17. Ditto in reverse. Originally posted by Chronomage Just to double check something: Psionics are another form of magic, right? So that means there is no such thing as Power Resistance and Spell Resistance applies to both Magic and Psionics? Makes the Psionic Illithid all the better.
WotC_RichBaker 05-10-04, 12:36 PM	No, anyspell is a divine spell that emulates an arcane spell. Merry Christmas. Originally posted by Aafrem When a Cleric of Mystra casts an arcane spell via Anyspell or Greater Anyspell, is the cleric subject to arcane spell failure?
WotC_RichBaker 05-10-04, 12:42 PM	Yes, any template that gives a character big "racial" abilities (i.e., not based on class, level, feat acquisition, etc.) ought to have a level adjustment. We haven't given these out--yet. But we might in an upcoming product. You're basically right about Elminster's CR. Keep in mind, things like templates and level adjustments were pretty new to us when the FRCS came out, and we've learned a little since. But a template that gives +10 Con, silver fire, and 1 spell per day of each level is an awful good template. Certainly better than vampire or lich or half-dragon. In fact, the right LA for Chosen of Mystra is nearly impossible to determine, because the template means a lot, lot more for a low-level character than it does for a character who's already epic-level. (A lot of templates have this problem, but not often to this degree.) I'm not sure about whether the bonus should be typed or not. I think I'm inclined to say it shouldn't be typed, because most template-based ability score adjustments aren't. Originally posted by The Simbul Rich- Do the various Chosen of [Deity] templates (Mystra, Bane, Deneir, etc) incur an effective Level Adjustment upon the character? Obviously since none of the above are standard character options, it seems obvious that they would not be listed with a Level Adjustment in the template entries (specifically since any "option" of becoming a Chosen is never in the hands of the player). But one would assume that the added abilities should or would incur a Level Adjustment. Furthermore, if in fact such templates do incur a Level Adjustment, then what would they be respectively? I have heard rumors that Elminster's original (and erroneous) Challenge Rating of 45 was calculated because when he was written up it was assumed that a CR was equal to Character Level + Level Adjustment. Thus under such a assumption, one would guess that the Chosen of Mystra template's effective LA is +10 (yikes :eek: ) P.S. The +10 Constituition bonus recieved by Chosen of Mystra is listed as an Enhancement (i.e. named) bonus in the FRCS, but subsequent Chosen Templates, as well as normal templates that boost ability scores, give an un-named bonus, as if attained by a racial feature. Was it an error, or is it intended to be an Enhancement bonus.
Chronomage 05-10-04, 06:25 PM	Well, the vampire has a Level adjustment of +8 and a CR +2. I don't see any Template giving a higher level adjustment than +10, personally. CR for one of the templates would probably range from +4 to +6 or so at most. Dunno. I'd need to look over the stats again and refer to the MM on other ECL playable races (actually I don't think I've seen a LA above 8.).
WaaMatt 05-11-04, 01:04 AM	Rich, what if LA's scaled? That is, following the same sort of routines as described in Savage Species, you could come up with a way to say, "Well, this isn't as useful to a level 30 character, so it's LA should be +x, where as for a Level 10 character, it's +2x." Some sort of formula, almost. Due to the insane number of options/possibilities/results/circumstances, you'd have to generalise it a lot. For example, go by things like total HD, BAB, base Saves, etc. Don't try to factor in every nitty gritty detail of class abilities and what not. As you stated, certain qualities are drastically more important or extreme for low-level characters, like +10 Constitution and +1 Spell/day/level. But, as you also stated, they aren't as dramatic a change for an Epic-level character. Everything else in D&D is pretty much perfectly scalable, so why shouldn't LA's be too? In fact, one of the best things about D&D 3.x is the scalability!
Chronomage 05-11-04, 02:03 AM	I would have to say +10 con is as important for a 20th level character as it is for a 1st, if not more so. At first level, that's only 5 extra hp. At 20th, it's 100.
Selvarin 05-11-04, 04:06 AM	Originally posted by WaaMatt Rich, what if LA's scaled? That is, following the same sort of routines as described in Savage Species, you could come up with a way to say, "Well, this isn't as useful to a level 30 character, so it's LA should be +x, where as for a Level 10 character, it's +2x." Some sort of formula, almost. Due to the insane number of options/possibilities/results/circumstances, you'd have to generalise it a lot. For example, go by things like total HD, BAB, base Saves, etc. Don't try to factor in every nitty gritty detail of class abilities and what not. As you stated, certain qualities are drastically more important or extreme for low-level characters, like +10 Constitution and +1 Spell/day/level. But, as you also stated, they aren't as dramatic a change for an Epic-level character. Everything else in D&D is pretty much perfectly scalable, so why shouldn't LA's be too? In fact, one of the best things about D&D 3.x is the scalability! I'd like to think that some of this LA/CR stuff will get tossed or ironed out eventually. In some cases (especially the HD-less templates) the LA is too costly.
Raven Dark 05-11-04, 11:42 AM	Thanks for answering my last question Mr. Baker. Here are a few more: I have noticed that in several, several areas of the PGtF the creator's fail to explain several points and left a lot of ambiguities in the process. I would have spoken up long ago, but I was hopeful for a FAQ or Erratta to come out. It never did, so I am asking my questions here in hopes that the WizOs and others can see them and send them to WotC so that we may one day have a FAQ on this book. I would also appreciate any feeback from you. ;) ARCANE SCHOOLING The only question I have, though, is whether the effective arcane level you get from this feat stacks with the same kind of levels you pick up later. Say you are a level one Cleric with this feat. Lets say you picked Wizard as your feat choice and now cast from Wands and Staves as if you were a Cleric 1/Wizard 1. If you pick up four more levels of Wizard, will you cast spells from the Wands and Staves as if you were a Cleric 1/Wizard 5 or as a Cleric 1/Wizard 4? BLOODED & BULLHEADED Fear effects stack, right? How does immunity to the Shaken effect, affect the stacking properties of fear? FLEET OF FOOT Does the speed bonus stack with magical items or spell enhancements or not? It apparently stacks with class ability bonuses to speed, but there is not mention of any of the others. FOE HUNTER How does the new Favored Enemy work exactly? Let's say you chose Cormyr for this feat. Do you get a flat +2 bonus VS Goblinoids, a +2 bonus VS Goblinoids and another +2 bonus to allocate to a second Favored Enemy (if you were a Ranger), or do you get a +4 bonus to Goblinoids if there are no other favored enemies (if you weren't a Ranger), effectively being forced to allocate the bonus +2 to Goblinoids. If you already had Goblinoids as a Favored Enemy, do the bonuses from this feat and the class ability stack? This is, I think, the most ambiguous feat of all in the whole book. FORGEHEART Does the Fire Resitance 5 stack with other forms of Fire Resitance or not? KNIFEFIGHTER The Benefit section and the Normal section seem to imply a contradiction of each other as to whether you can make a full attack with the light weapon in the same round in which you drew it out. The "...provided you already have your weapon drawn." line causes a bit of ambiguity. Can you or can you not draw out your light weapon and then make a full attack with it in the same round? MAGICAL ARTISAN The word "cost" can mean Gold, XP, or both. Which is it? Also, does it just reduce the base price of the item, or does it reduce miscellaneous costs as well (such as material components)? What exactly is the "cost" in which this feat refers to? OTHERWORLDLY How does becoming a Native Outsider effect things like Favored Enemy? Lets say you were a Humanoid (Elf) and with this feat you became a Native Outsider (Elf). Does the Orc Ranger with his Favored Enemy: Humanoid (Elf) still apply his bonuses against you or not? REACTIVE COUNTERSPELL Does the use of this feat effect your initiative count at all when used? SPELL THEMATICS Does the "theme" effect all of your spells or just the +2 caster level thematic spells? That's all I have for now. Even so, I know there are more throughout the book and I will likely be back later to add them. Hopefully a WizO will show this thread to a WotC official or something and we can get a PGtF FAQ out soon.
WotC_RichBaker 05-11-04, 12:35 PM	There's also the inverse of that method: Build the templates so they naturally scale up with Hit Dice. The half-fiend is a good example of this; the quality of its spell-like abilities is based on the number of Hit Dice. If the half-fiend got all those spell-like abilities, even if it was a half-fiend gnoll, say, the level adjustment (and CR modifier, for that matter) would be insanely hard to figure out. Unfortunately, that's what the Chosen of Mystra template does--it gives you "everything" regardless of your current level. A 1st-level chosen of Mystra could be walking around with meteor swarm, mind blank, prismatic spray, etc., etc., which would just dust any encounter she might reasonably have. So, to get more directly to my point: I wish more templates, even things like vampire or lich, worked more like the half-fiend. It would make CR and LA configurability a lot easier. Originally posted by WaaMatt Rich, what if LA's scaled? That is, following the same sort of routines as described in Savage Species, you could come up with a way to say, "Well, this isn't as useful to a level 30 character, so it's LA should be +x, where as for a Level 10 character, it's +2x." Some sort of formula, almost. Due to the insane number of options/possibilities/results/circumstances, you'd have to generalise it a lot. For example, go by things like total HD, BAB, base Saves, etc. Don't try to factor in every nitty gritty detail of class abilities and what not. As you stated, certain qualities are drastically more important or extreme for low-level characters, like +10 Constitution and +1 Spell/day/level. But, as you also stated, they aren't as dramatic a change for an Epic-level character. Everything else in D&D is pretty much perfectly scalable, so why shouldn't LA's be too? In fact, one of the best things about D&D 3.x is the scalability!
WotC_RichBaker 05-11-04, 12:48 PM	Yeah, I saw these earlier. I added these to a small pile of Player's Guide questions that we'll consider at some point (hopefully soon) in order to create a good errata/clarification file. I'll throw out some off-the-cuff answers, but these aren't official and they aren't carefully considered, so take them for what they're worth. Originally posted by Raven Dark Thanks for answering my last question Mr. Baker. Here are a few more: I have noticed that in several, several areas of the PGtF the creator's fail to explain several points and left a lot of ambiguities in the process. I would have spoken up long ago, but I was hopeful for a FAQ or Erratta to come out. It never did, so I am asking my questions here in hopes that the WizOs and others can see them and send them to WotC so that we may one day have a FAQ on this book. I would also appreciate any feeback from you. ;) ARCANE SCHOOLING The only question I have, though, is whether the effective arcane level you get from this feat stacks with the same kind of levels you pick up later. Say you are a level one Cleric with this feat. Lets say you picked Wizard as your feat choice and now cast from Wands and Staves as if you were a Cleric 1/Wizard 1. If you pick up four more levels of Wizard, will you cast spells from the Wands and Staves as if you were a Cleric 1/Wizard 5 or as a Cleric 1/Wizard 4? RB: Cleric 1/Wizard 4, nothing in the feat implies that your CL should stack. BLOODED & BULLHEADED Fear effects stack, right? How does immunity to the Shaken effect, affect the stacking properties of fear? RB: You can't get to panicked by double-shaken, but effects that take you right to panicked (the fear spell, say) overcome this feat. FLEET OF FOOT Does the speed bonus stack with magical items or spell enhancements or not? It apparently stacks with class ability bonuses to speed, but there is not mention of any of the others. RB: The intent is that it stacks. FOE HUNTER How does the new Favored Enemy work exactly? Let's say you chose Cormyr for this feat. Do you get a flat +2 bonus VS Goblinoids, a +2 bonus VS Goblinoids and another +2 bonus to allocate to a second Favored Enemy (if you were a Ranger), or do you get a +4 bonus to Goblinoids if there are no other favored enemies (if you weren't a Ranger), effectively being forced to allocate the bonus +2 to Goblinoids. If you already had Goblinoids as a Favored Enemy, do the bonuses from this feat and the class ability stack? This is, I think, the most ambiguous feat of all in the whole book. RB: I think it's OK if it stacks with ranger's favored enemy. It's just like being a 1st-level ranger; you only get one enemy, and that's at +2. If you're a ranger, it doesn't add more favored enemies or increase your bonus against any existing favored enemies, unless you choose for this feat a favored enemy you already have as a ranger, in which case they stack. FORGEHEART Does the Fire Resitance 5 stack with other forms of Fire Resitance or not? RB: No. KNIFEFIGHTER The Benefit section and the Normal section seem to imply a contradiction of each other as to whether you can make a full attack with the light weapon in the same round in which you drew it out. The "...provided you already have your weapon drawn." line causes a bit of ambiguity. Can you or can you not draw out your light weapon and then make a full attack with it in the same round? RB: No, you can't. If you have the feat, it costs you a move action to draw the light weapon. But you don't have to win a grapple check to do, unlike anybody else. MAGICAL ARTISAN The word "cost" can mean Gold, XP, or both. Which is it? Also, does it just reduce the base price of the item, or does it reduce miscellaneous costs as well (such as material components)? What exactly is the "cost" in which this feat refers to? RB: It's the item's final cost in GP, which will be reflected in the XP you have to pay. No break on material components. OTHERWORLDLY How does becoming a Native Outsider effect things like Favored Enemy? Lets say you were a Humanoid (Elf) and with this feat you became a Native Outsider (Elf). Does the Orc Ranger with his Favored Enemy: Humanoid (Elf) still apply his bonuses against you or not? RB: Yeah, I think the orc should keep his bonuses against you. REACTIVE COUNTERSPELL Does the use of this feat effect your initiative count at all when used? RB: I would say yes, since it takes the place of your next turn. SPELL THEMATICS Does the "theme" effect all of your spells or just the +2 caster level thematic spells? RB: The theme affects all of your spells it could reasonably affect. It's really about the flavor/style. That's all I have for now. Even so, I know there are more throughout the book and I will likely be back later to add them. Hopefully a WizO will show this thread to a WotC official or something and we can get a PGtF FAQ out soon.
ericlboyd 05-11-04, 01:12 PM	Does "Foe Hunter" satistfy the "favored enemy" requirement of a Harper Paragon, or must you take a level of ranger? --Eric
Kuje31 05-11-04, 01:57 PM	Rich, Is the Infinite Staircase mentioned in the Player's Guide like Sigil. What I mean is does it also exist in both the Wheel/Ring and the FR planes at the same time and you could use it to get between both planar cosmologies the same way you could use Sigil and the Plane of Shadow?
WotC_RichBaker 05-11-04, 01:59 PM	Sure. The feat says "you get a favored enemy." Originally posted by ericlboyd Does "Foe Hunter" satistfy the "favored enemy" requirement of a Harper Paragon, or must you take a level of ranger? --Eric
Sancus 05-11-04, 08:06 PM	There's also the inverse of that method: Build the templates so they naturally scale up with Hit Dice. How about losing the difficult-to-handle LA method entirely and using the Racial Classes such as the Paragon Classes in Unearthed Arcana. That is, every race like Drow would convert into a base race who can then take levels in a "Drow" racial class, which grants hitdice, skill points, BAB, saving throw bonuses, etc, just like any other class, as well as special abilities. You could even add in requirements if the special abilities granted weren't appropriate until you reach a certain level. Then, you could make the Chosen of Mystra into what would essentially become a sort of Prestige Class, likely, since it would have requirements. This makes it very easy to scale things, "Well, okay, we have Person Y who isn't a Chosen of Mystra like Elminster or The Simbul, but she is favored by the Goddess, so we give her 1 level of Chosen of Mystra to represent that". These are sort of like Savage Progressions, except instead of stopping at just handing out abilities but no hitdice, skill points, etc, they go the full measure for compatibility with the class system.
Selvarin 05-11-04, 10:12 PM	Originally posted by Sancus How about losing the difficult-to-handle LA method entirely and using the Racial Classes such as the Paragon Classes in Unearthed Arcana. That is, every race like Drow would convert into a base race who can then take levels in a "Drow" racial class, which grants hitdice, skill points, BAB, saving throw bonuses, etc, just like any other class, as well as special abilities. You could even add in requirements if the special abilities granted weren't appropriate until you reach a certain level. Then, you could make the Chosen of Mystra into what would essentially become a sort of Prestige Class, likely, since it would have requirements. This makes it very easy to scale things, "Well, okay, we have Person Y who isn't a Chosen of Mystra like Elminster or The Simbul, but she is favored by the Goddess, so we give her 1 level of Chosen of Mystra to represent that". These are sort of like Savage Progressions, except instead of stopping at just handing out abilities but no hitdice, skill points, etc, they go the full measure for compatibility with the class system. It would work out just as well, turning certain templates into a 3-level or 5-level class progression. I also like the use of bloodlines (ala UA ) s would allowing template progression in parallel with character progression. in the case of HD-less templates--you go up 1 level as a fighter after becoming a vampire, for example, and you gain +2 Str (or whatever the character would get progressing as a vampire) until attaining full abilities in template/creature-X. LA's attempt to institute 'fairness' for a choice or condition of a PC breaks down past a certain point under current rules. But anyhow, that's for another thread than this.
WaaMatt 05-12-04, 01:00 AM	I think discussing LAs, templates, the Chosen of Mystra, ECLs, HDs, PCs, and more is perfectly appropriate here. Rich: Thanks for responding. I couldn't agree more about the Half-Fiend. I suppose I was fairly hasty in saying that the d20 system is easily scalable, because in so many cases, it's not. I actually prefer things such as spell-like abilities or even spells cast by monsters that function as whatever the given spell is, as cast by a wizard/sorceror of a level equal to the creature's hit dice. If you take away HD to make the monster weaker, their powers (that function along this line) scale down as well. Perhaps the Chosen of Mystra template could get re-worked into a Prestige Class, of sorts. Or, maybe all templates could have level progressions. As far as HD-less templates... Going by the previously stated Vampire-Fighter example... Woah. Brain fart... Um. Forget it. I think I was going to say that stacking the Vampire template progression benefits with the fighter level progression might be too good at some point along the line... Maybe not. I'll do some research if I have the time. LAs (and ECLs for that matter) do serve their purpose more often than not. That's my closing comment tonight.
Bocklin 05-12-04, 06:19 AM	Hello Rich! Thanks again for all your replies and the time you dedicate to us! I know that sometimes we might sound like a bunch of unthankful brats: throwing all our problems and questions at you, tearing your designer work apart with our pesky way of looking for what we think is a "broken" rule or pointing out the small petite detail-mistake that no one had never thought of... But that's just because we are so enthusiastic about DD and the FR! So thanks a lot for all your efforts in designing the books and for doing the "customer service" through this forum!! :) All this being said, there is a small request I'd have: Since the coming out of "Serpent Kingdom" is nearing, is there any way you could tell us more about the product?? Like showing the table of content or something like that?? Thanks again for your dedication. Bocklin
The Simbul 05-12-04, 09:15 PM	Rich- With regard to the notion of the Chosen Template scaling with HD like the Half-Celestial and Half-Fiend, I would like to say I whole-heartedly agree. Furthermore, I think it is worth pointing out, that in 2nd edition AD&D, Chosen of Mystra did not automatically recieve a Spell-like Ability of each level 1-9, but rather, they only recieved Bonus Spells of each level that they could cast. Thus, if you did not have any spellcasting levels, you simply didnt gain any spell-like abilities, hence the reason all of the Chosen, even Dove for example, had at least a few spellcasting levels. If one reads the character descriptions of Dove and Storm in the Seven Sisters or the Heroes Lorebook, they will note that this in fact was the case, since Dove's highest spell-like ability was only 5th level (major creation), due to the fact that she had former levels as a 9th level Mage. Likewise, Storm's highest spell-like ability was only 7th level (simbul's synostodweomer) since her highest spellcasting class level was as a 22nd level bard (21+ bards in 2nd edition could cast 7th level spells). While I think it may not be necessary to require Chosen to be pure spellcasters to fully benefit from the Template, I do think that re-attuning the Chosen Template's granted powers to scale with the character's actual hit dice, is a very appropriate solution.
Talaeden_Denthiir 05-13-04, 07:46 PM	Rich, Any chance we'll see an Epic Level Progression for the Harper paragon Prestige Class?! Also, what are the GOOD equalivents for the Nine Hells and the Abyss?! Is the House of the Triad one of Them?! Thanks again.
Shardal 05-14-04, 05:19 AM	Hi Rich, my question is propably answered somewhere, but I would like the answer of professional :D It is about sleeping and spell memorization. Ring of Sustenance states that it gives an equilevant of 8 hour sleep in 2 hours. Is that enough rest to memorize new spells for wizards. And what about if the wizard is elf, is the time reduced and if it is to what. Thanks in advance.
Selvarin 05-14-04, 10:26 AM	Originally posted by Shardal Hi Rich, my question is propably answered somewhere, but I would like the answer of professional :D It is about sleeping and spell memorization. Ring of Sustenance states that it gives an equilevant of 8 hour sleep in 2 hours. Is that enough rest to memorize new spells for wizards. And what about if the wizard is elf, is the time reduced and if it is to what. Thanks in advance. if it's enough to make you rested...
J Swinbourne 05-14-04, 11:49 AM	Originally posted by Kuje31 Rich, Is the Infinite Staircase mentioned in the Player's Guide like Sigil. What I mean is does it also exist in both the Wheel/Ring and the FR planes at the same time and you could use it to get between both planar cosmologies the same way you could use Sigil and the Plane of Shadow? I'm not Rich, but it exists in the FR cosmology. The main reference to it is that it passes through Selune's (pardon the lack of accents) palace on the Gates of the Moon (but is accounted to more likely be there due to Shaundakul's presence). It's original purpose seems to be intact.
WotC_RichBaker 05-14-04, 12:26 PM	Read the paragraph"Rest" on page 178 of the Player's Handbook v.3.5. It answers this pretty thoroughly. Originally posted by Shardal Hi Rich, my question is propably answered somewhere, but I would like the answer of professional :D It is about sleeping and spell memorization. Ring of Sustenance states that it gives an equilevant of 8 hour sleep in 2 hours. Is that enough rest to memorize new spells for wizards. And what about if the wizard is elf, is the time reduced and if it is to what. Thanks in advance.
Kuje31 05-14-04, 01:35 PM	Originally posted by J Swinbourne I'm not Rich, but it exists in the FR cosmology. The main reference to it is that it passes through Selune's (pardon the lack of accents) palace on the Gates of the Moon (but is accounted to more likely be there due to Shaundakul's presence). It's original purpose seems to be intact. I know that already. :) Since I said "Is the Infinite Staircase that is mentioned in the Player's Guide, just like Sigil, in that it extends through all planar cosmologies at the same time."
Capn Charlie 05-14-04, 06:21 PM	I tried running a search, but had to try to slog through what, 43 pages of posts to try to find the answer I know is there, and due to a bad internet connection I gave up in disgust. What would be the 3.5 changes to the Firebringerin the Dungeon adventure "Prison of the Firebringer"? I know that the DR is the main thing, and I believe it was DR 10/Lawful, but can't remember for sure.
Dargoth 05-15-04, 03:34 AM	<begin Flashy subliminal messages> Hey Rich seeing as how Wizards are publishing a source book with Bazim-Gorags in it perhaps you might encourage MikeD and RobH do a Mini of BG in a future min sets...
The Simbul 05-16-04, 04:18 PM	There are numerous errors with the five Chosen of Mystra who are written up in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting and subsequently in the Epic Level Handbook (Alustriel, Elminster, Khelben, Storm, and The Simbul). I am not sure where to post this or submit errors for errata and ambiguities that should be clarified, but I guess this is the better place to do so. All noted errors are primarily in reference to the "final" versions of the said NPC's as they are listed in the Epic Level Handbook: Chosen of Mystra Template: Errors and ambiguities: Bonus Spells (Sp): This ability should state how the caster level and DC’s are determined for the chosen spells, since according to the listings of this ability in the character descriptions; the caster level is based off their spellcasting class levels, whereas most other spell-like abilities have a listed caster level, or function at a caster level equal to the characters total hit-dice. As per the rules for spell-like abilities, and given the fact that no additional information is listed with the ability, one should assume that the caster level is equal to the HD of the Chosen, and the DC is Charisma based, however this seems to not be the case. This ability is incorrectly listed as “Chosen Bonus Spells” in the special qualities listing of each NPC. Spell Immunity (Su): This ability was changed in 3rd edition to instead duplicate the Spell Immunity spell upon the chosen for the spells selected, as such it can no longer ward against spells that do not allow SR, and many chosen have selected Spell Immunities that are not subject to SR (see individual characters below). Alterations to selected spell immunities, or changing the nature of this ability to allow protection against such spells would offer further clarification of the rules. Spell Immunity as a special quality of creatures was given the extraordinary ability type in 3.5, and it is worth re-evaluating whether or not Chosen of Mystra Spell Immunities should remain supernatural. This ability is incorrectly listed as “Chosen Immunities” in the special qualities listing of each NPC. Abilities (+10 Con): The FRCS lists the Constitution bonus granted from the template as an enhancement bonus, despite the fact that all other templates bonuses to ability scores are natural (i.e. un-named) ability boosts. If such is the case, then the ability score adjustment should not be listed as a special quality in the character description, since the natural ability score boosts of other templates are simply added to the character’s ability scores. The individual NPC write-ups do not list the bonus type as enhancement (it’s worth noting that the words “Enhanced Constitution” does not necessarily imply an enhancement bonus, since the term “Enhanced Intelligence” is used to describe the Inherent bonuses many NPC spellcasters have attained through Wish spells. Detect Magic (Su): Some clarity on the ability should be presented other than the line of text indicating that is functions within their “line of sight”, specifically whether or not the effect always functions as the 1st round of the spell (as per Detect Magic and Permanency), or whether it requires concentration to obtain additional information (as per the spell). Name and Song Attunement (Su): This ability is not listed in the Chosen of Mystra template, despite being listed in Alustriel’s special qualities (and only Alustriel’s special qualities). As per the last decade and a half of realms lore, including novels, short stories, and 2nd edition sourcebooks, ALL chosen of Mystra should have this ability, not just the High Lady of Silvermoon. Immunities (Ex): The standard immunities of the template are missing from the special qualities listing of every Chosen of Mystra NPC. Furthermore, the “constant health” of the Chosen in 2nd edition (which is most of the immunities are derived from) allows for more than immunity to disease and poison, it offered immunity to every condition that could be removed by a Heal spell (aside from restoring hitpoint loss) such as blindness, deafness, feeblemindedness, insanity, disease, poison, infection, infestation, and rot. Specific NPC’s: Elminster: Ability Scores: Elminster’s original un-augmented ability scores in 2nd edition were STR 13, DEX 18, CON 14, INT 18, WIS 18, CHA 17. His 3rd edition write up, both in the FRCS and the ELH, are missing three ability score adjustments for attaining a total of 35 character levels. Special Qualities: In the Epic Level handbook, Elminster is listed with six High Arcana abilities (Arcane Fire, Arcane Reach, Mastery of Elements, Mastery of Shaping, Mastery of Counterspelling, Spellpower +1, Spellpower +4) despite the fact that the Archmage class only yields a maximum of 5 High Arcana abilities, since it is only a five level prestige class. This error was not present in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Sourcebook, as Arcane Fire was not listed as one of his selected High Arcana abilities. Elminster has selected Disintegrate as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that the Chosen template already renders him immune to all Disintegration effects. It is worth noting that is this an error that was also present in 2nd edition sources, and thus may have easily been repeated in 3rd edition. Elminster had selected Timestop as his 9th level Spell Immunity, until errata to the Epic Level handbook fixed this, changing it to Temporal Stasis instead. It should be worth noting that in 3.5 Temporal Stasis is no longer a 9th level spell, and Imprisonment might prove a far more appropriate Immunity selection. Furthermore, it is worth noting that Elminster never had immunity to Timestop in 2nd edition, and his 9th level Spell Immunity was in fact Imprisonment. Alustriel Ability Scores: Alustriel’s original un-augmented ability scores in 2nd edition were STR 11, DEX 16, CON 13, INT 18, WIS 17, CHA 17. Her 3rd edition write-up is missing 3 ability score adjustments. Alustriel is also missing one additional epic ability score adjustment for attaining 24 character levels. Skills: Alustriel is described as the High Lady of Silverymoon, and a highly important poltical figure and current ruler of the Silver Marshes. Despite this, she has no ranks in variants of Knowledge (History) or Knowledge (Local) tied to the region, whereas many other rules and important political figures (including Khelben and The Simbul) do have ranks in their respective regional knowledge skills. Special Qualities: Alustriel is missing the standard listing of extraordinary immunities of a Chosen of Mystra (Aging, Disease, Disintegration, Poison, no need for sleep, etc) from her listing of special qualities. Alustriel has selected Disintegrate as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that the Chosen template already renders her immune to all Disintegration effects. It is worth noting that is this an error that was also present in 2nd edition sources, and thus may have easily been repeated in 3rd edition. Alustriel has selected Forcecage and Maze as Spell Immunities, despite the fact that in 3rd edition the Spell Immunity feature of the Chosen of Mystra template does not provide protection against spells that do no allow SR. Alustriel has originally selected Timestop as her 9th level Spell Immunity, until errata to the Epic Level handbook fixed this, changing it to Temporal Stasis instead. It should be worth noting that in 3.5 Temporal Stasis is no longer a 9th level spell, and Imprisonment might prove a far more appropriate Immunity selection. Alustriel is the only Chosen to have the Name and Song Attunement ability listed in her special qualities, however, according to all relevant game lore including novels published post 3rd edition, ALL chosen of Mystra should have this ability. Khelben “Blackstaff” Arunsun Ability Scores: Khelben’s original un-augmented ability scores in 2nd edition were STR 14, DEX 16, CON 16, INT 18, WIS 16, CHA 15. His 3rd edition write-up is missing one ability score adjustment. Khelben is also missing one epic ability score adjustment for having attained 27 character levels. Khelben has used Wish spells to grant himself a +4 Inherent bonus to his Wisdom score. Logic would suggest that most Wizards would have chosen a different ability score to augment, as even the core rules iconic version of the Wizard Mialee has a +5 inherent bonus to her INT score at ECL 18. Skills: He has the exact same number of skill ranks as the version that appears in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Sourcebook. Thus he is missing 4 levels of skill points for his 4 Epic levels in the Wizard class. Special Qualities: Khelben is missing the standard listing of extraordinary immunities of a Chosen of Mystra (Aging, Disease, Disintegration, Poison, no need for sleep, etc) from his listing of special qualities. Khelben has selected Disintegrate as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that the Chosen template already renders him immune to all Disintegration effects. It is worth noting that is this an error that was also present in 2nd edition sources, and thus may have easily been repeated in 3rd edition. Khelben has selected Forcecage as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that in 3rd edition the Spell Immunity feature of the Chosen of Mystra template does not provide protection against spells that do no allow SR. Khelben has selected Circle of Death as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that the spell cannot affect any being with more than 9 HD. It is highly likely that Mystra did not make him or anyone else a Chosen prior to attaining nine character levels. Storm Silverhand Special Qualities: Storm is missing the standard listing of extraordinary immunities of the Chosen of Mystra template (Aging, Disease, Disintegration, Poison, no need for sleep, etc) from her listing of special qualities. Storm is missing an eight and ninth level Bonus Spell. Her Chosen Bonus Spells only go up to 7th level (the simbul’s synostodweomer) due to the fact that they were taken from her 2nd edition write-up. In 3rd edition, as per the FRCS, Chosen receive spell-like ability of every spell from 1st to 9th level, regardless of what spellcasting abilities they do or do not possess. Storm has selected Disintegrate as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that the Chosen template already renders her immune to all Disintegration effects. It is worth noting that is this an error that was also present in 2nd edition sources, and thus may have easily been repeated in 3rd edition. Storm has selected Maze and Misdirection, as Spell Immunities, despite the fact that in 3rd edition the Spell Immunity feature of the Chosen of Mystra template does not provide protection against spells that do no allow SR. Storm has selected Circle of Death as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that the spell cannot affect any being with more than 9 HD. It is highly likely that Mystra did not grant her or anyone else the full powers of a Chosen prior to attaining nine character levels. The Simbul Ability Scores: The Simbul’s original un-augmented ability scores in 2nd edition were STR 14, DEX 18, CON 16, INT 18, WIS 15, CHA 17, although she does have the standard five ability score adjustments for gaining 20 character levels in her pre-Epic write-up, she is missing three Epic Ability score adjustments for attaining a 32 character levels. The Simbul’s armor class is incorrectly calculated. Bracers of Armor +10, the constant benefit of a Ring of Protection +3, and a Dexterity score of 18 will only yield an Armor Class of 27. Skills: The Simbul is described as flitting across the planes at a whim and numerous sources gaming sources describe her as being on of the most experienced and widely traversed planar travelers in all of Faerun. Despite all of this, she doesn’t have a single rank in Knowledge (the Planes). Spells: The Simbul has 45 known sorcerer spells, however without Spell Knowledge or a similar feat or ability, a Sorcerer can only know a maximum of 43 spells. Although her FRCS write-up, under her special qualities, elaborated that she has used Wish spells to allow her to know one more 9th level spell than her sorcerer level would allow, her Epic Level handbook write-up specifically omitted that line of text from her special qualities. The Simbul is listed as having the Epic Spellcasting feat, however she has no listing of her Epic Spells per day or Epic Spells known. In addition, her skill ranks in the appropriate skills are lacking in terms of using the aforementioned feat effectively. Special Qualities: The Simbul has selected Disintegrate as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that the Chosen template already renders her immune to all Disintegration effects. It is worth noting that is this an error that was also present in 2nd edition sources, and thus may have easily been repeated in 3rd edition. The Simbul has selected Misdirection as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that in 3rd edition the Spell Immunity feature of the Chosen of Mystra template does not provide protection against spells that do no allow SR. The Simbul has selected Circle of Death as a Spell Immunity, despite the fact that the spell cannot affect any being with more than 9 HD. It is highly likely that Mystra did not grant her or anyone else the full powers of a Chosen prior to attaining nine character levels. The Simbul’s selected Spell Immunities are clearly incorrect when compared to previous game sourcebooks. With the exception of Magic Missile, all of the Simbul’s chosen Spell Immunities in 3rd edition are a virtual cut & paste (most likely an error) from Storm’s Chosen Spell Immunities. The Simbul’s Spell Immunties, as per previous published sources (the Seven Sisters, the Heroes Lorebook), should be Blindness/Deafness, Disintegrate, Feeblemind, Fireball, Ice Storm, Limited Wish, Magic Missile, Maze, and Wish, with obvious alterations to fit the current edition of game rules. The Simbul's ability to transform into a Chain Lightning effect should be an extraordinary ability, rather than supernatural. 2nd edition sources (The Seven Sisters, the Heroes Lorebook) specifically stated that it was a "natural" ability, and the Simbul could use the ability freely in Antimagic and Dead Magic areas. P.S. Yes I have no life :rolleyes:
Straploknight 05-16-04, 07:25 PM	Originally posted by Dargoth <begin Flashy subliminal messages> pull out the heavy ammo brother, hire the hypno-toad.
TheDarkestOfAngels 05-16-04, 07:36 PM	Originally posted by Straploknight pull out the heavy ammo brother, hire the hypno-toad. Yes! another Futurama reference! (in a monotone voice) All hail the hypno-toad!
Cassius Harkanor 05-17-04, 07:17 AM	Dear Richard 1. Regarding the Thomil template from the UE, can a Thomil engulf an opponent then assume its boulder form ? I assume this would make its harder for the engufled opponent to get out ? 2. Regarding the mythal over Silverymoon, what is the caster level and the saving throw DC for its effects ? I had a drow character try to enter Silverymoon and he gets a saving throw against its antipathy effect and the mythal must beat his spell resistance. 3. There is no hit dice listed for the Netherese Arcanist class. I assume its d4.
Cassius Harkanor 05-17-04, 07:21 AM	Dear Richard Did the developers of the Netherese Arcanist class realise that Telamont cannot actually achieve this class as written up in the Lords of Darkness. He does not have enough epic feats to qualify. This just seems odd considering that what he was.
jsaving 05-17-04, 03:26 PM	Richard, Others have said this before, but thanks again for participating in this thread. It's nice to know you are listening to what we players have to say. I have a few questions. First, if deities offer multiple "specialty priest" classes, should their followers be allowed to enter more than one of them (as long as the prerequisites are met)? For example a cleric of Lathander might wish to become a morninglord and also a radiant servant. I can't find anything in the rules that would prevent this, and I wondered whether it's something you have thought about or discussed with other Wizards designers. Second, if a character is eligible to gain an exalted feat, should he be able to select one of CD's "divine" or "faith" feats instead? I can't find anything in CD that would allow this, but it would appear (at least at first glance) to make sense. Finally: should prestige domains be considered "officially" dead? CD presents weakened versions of them as regular domains and it is the weakened versions that CD prestige classes receive, which leads one to believe prestige domains are now considered unbalanced and/or unwise.
WaaMatt 05-18-04, 12:58 AM	jsaving: Probably unbalanced and unwise!
WotC_RichBaker 05-18-04, 12:48 PM	Sorry for the delay; my posting on this board has been weirdly slow, and I haven't been waiting for it. Anyway... 1. I would say no, for no other reason than the boulder form is supposed to be about pure defense, and a thomil with somebody engulfed is still on the offensive, if you see what I mean. 2. I'd peg it at CL 20th, save DC 23. That's like a 20th-level caster throwing a 9th-level spell. Without tearing into what exact epic spells are needed to create a mythal or mythal-like ward, that seems like a decent benchmark. 3. d4 seems fine. Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dear Richard 1. Regarding the Thomil template from the UE, can a Thomil engulf an opponent then assume its boulder form ? I assume this would make its harder for the engufled opponent to get out ? 2. Regarding the mythal over Silverymoon, what is the caster level and the saving throw DC for its effects ? I had a drow character try to enter Silverymoon and he gets a saving throw against its antipathy effect and the mythal must beat his spell resistance. 3. There is no hit dice listed for the Netherese Arcanist class. I assume its d4.
WotC_RichBaker 05-18-04, 01:01 PM	I agree, that doesn't make much sense. Keep in mind, though, that Telamont doesn't *have* to have that particular prestige class to be an epic-level wizard who lived in ancient Netheril. In our defense, consider this: Lords of Darkness was an early 3.0 product--no way it could have anticipated the 3.5 Netherese Arcanist. Originally posted by Cassius Harkanor Dear Richard Did the developers of the Netherese Arcanist class realise that Telamont cannot actually achieve this class as written up in the Lords of Darkness. He does not have enough epic feats to qualify. This just seems odd considering that what he was.
Silmarien Aldalome 05-19-04, 02:05 AM	Dear Richard, I wanted to start with a really big acknowledgment of the commitment it takes to maintain a thread like this. Having been part of the service industry in one way or another myself for many years now (over 10 - and a hardworking upaid GM for a patron-driven initiative) - I wanted to extend my appreciation for your work here before I ask a question. I also went through both Richard Barker threads first - to check if it's been answered. I found a snippet or two - but.... The overarching cosmology of Faerun portrays Weave (and presumably Shadow Weave) as an expression of the psyche of Divinity (well partly anyhowz :) ). That is, Mystra's very psyche is inexorably bound with the constant reworking of magical flows in Realmspace (Netheril--EoM+MoF supported idea). For example, "Mystra is the Weave" sorta encapsulates this. In reconciling this adaptation of Mystra's cosmology (and Shar's) into game materials - your insights on the following would be really helpful - there'd be a whole group of us currently posting: >>HERE<< (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=229212) and >>HERE<< (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=238014) (we're having lots of fun, and being really good to each other - it's a really unflamey thread) ...who would be so veeerrrrrryyyy grateful. - Is the Shadow Weave the shadow cast by the psyche of Mystra? - Shar's SDA allows her to "Deny (Shadow) Weave" to her casters - but "Mystra is goddess of all magic" (game materials)..... is it in the spirit of the "ethos" of Shar to also allow her to have independent "control" over the very "how" spells are actually cast from Shadow Weave? While FRCS and MoF answer these questions in their own way (Shadow Stone as Shadow Weave artifact; Shadow Weave created by Shar) - here's a quote from Magic of Faerun - pg 10 that compels me to see Shar as more than just "a Gate-keeper" to the Shadow Weave.... It reaches everywhere the weave does, and more, for the Shadow Weave is not subject to Mystra's laws or state of well being. If Mystra were to die and the Weave collapse, the Shadow Weave would persist. - How do we reconcile The Sorcerer (early 3E) and some views from RotA that might suggest that "Karsus sundered the Weave" (and thereby allowed the creation of Shadow Weave) with earlier ideas about The Shadow Stone? I.e. "Who" created the Shadow Weave (Shar? Selune in Mystryl's birth)? When? Has it been slowly growing in power - as Shar builds it up? My Warmest regards to you Stav
WotC_RichBaker 05-19-04, 12:46 PM	Glad to be here and to help out as I can. I'm not 100% sure I understand the question here. I read this question as, "Is Mystra really the origin of the Shadow Weave, or is it Shar?" Our answer is sure intended to be unequivocably Shar. If Mystra goes out and gets hit by a bus tomorrow, no one in the world casts magic from that point on except folks who know how to access the Shadow Weave, but they get to keep using their magic just fine. The second question, as I understand it, is: When was the Shadow Weave created? I don't have a good answer for this, because I can't reconcile the "Karsus sundered the Weave" take from Return of the Archwizards with the statements made in The Shadow Stone about Imaskari wizards using the Shadow Weave. If I could decide the issue any way I wanted, I would opt for a very old Shadow Weave that has been "discovered" in different times and places by various high-powered wizards, including some of the Imaskari and some of the Netherese. It's Shar's nature to play with secrets remembered and secrets lost. Originally posted by Silmarien Aldalome Dear Richard, I wanted to start with a really big acknowledgment of the commitment it takes to maintain a thread like this. Having been part of the service industry in one way or another myself for many years now (over 10 - and a hardworking upaid GM for a patron-driven initiative) - I wanted to extend my appreciation for your work here before I ask a question. I also went through both Richard Barker threads first - to check if it's been answered. I found a snippet or two - but.... The overarching cosmology of Faerun portrays Weave (and presumably Shadow Weave) as an expression of the psyche of Divinity (well partly anyhowz :) ). That is, Mystra's very psyche is inexorably bound with the constant reworking of magical flows in Realmspace (Netheril--EoM+MoF supported idea). For example, "Mystra is the Weave" sorta encapsulates this. In reconciling this adaptation of Mystra's cosmology (and Shar's) into game materials - your insights on the following would be really helpful - there'd be a whole group of us currently posting: >>HERE<< (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=229212) and >>HERE<< (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=238014) (we're having lots of fun, and being really good to each other - it's a really unflamey thread) ...who would be so veeerrrrrryyyy grateful. - Is the Shadow Weave the shadow cast by the psyche of Mystra? - Shar's SDA allows her to "Deny (Shadow) Weave" to her casters - but "Mystra is goddess of all magic" (game materials)..... is it in the spirit of the "ethos" of Shar to also allow her to have independent "control" over the very "how" spells are actually cast from Shadow Weave? While FRCS and MoF answer these questions in their own way (Shadow Stone as Shadow Weave artifact; Shadow Weave created by Shar) - here's a quote from Magic of Faerun - pg 10 that compels me to see Shar as more than just "a Gate-keeper" to the Shadow Weave.... - How do we reconcile The Sorcerer (early 3E) and some views from RotA that might suggest that "Karsus sundered the Weave" (and thereby allowed the creation of Shadow Weave) with earlier ideas about The Shadow Stone? I.e. "Who" created the Shadow Weave (Shar? Selune in Mystryl's birth)? When? Has it been slowly growing in power - as Shar builds it up? My Warmest regards to you Stav
Kuje31 05-19-04, 12:56 PM	Reposting this for Rich, since he might have missed it. :) Rich, Is the Infinite Staircase mentioned in the Player's Guide like Sigil. What I mean is, does it also exist in both the Wheel/Ring and the FR planes at the same time and could you use it to get between both planar cosmologies the same way you could use Sigil and the Plane of Shadow?
Sancus 05-19-04, 03:19 PM	'm not 100% sure I understand the question here. I read this question as, "Is Mystra really the origin of the Shadow Weave, or is it Shar?" Our answer is sure intended to be unequivocably Shar. Some people have made the case that despite the Shadow Weave being seperate from the Weave, Shar still doesn't have magic or spells in her portfolio, and thus spellcasters are still subject to Mystra's laws on spellcasting despite using a seperate Weave.
WotC_RichBaker 05-20-04, 12:30 PM	My belief is yes. Certainly it's our intent that there's some ability to connect Toril to other cosmologies through places like Sigil or phenomena like the Infinite Staircase. Originally posted by Kuje31 Reposting this for Rich, since he might have missed it. :) Rich, Is the Infinite Staircase mentioned in the Player's Guide like Sigil. What I mean is, does it also exist in both the Wheel/Ring and the FR planes at the same time and could you use it to get between both planar cosmologies the same way you could use Sigil and the Plane of Shadow?
Cunning Linguist 05-20-04, 01:16 PM	We where also hoping to get your comment on this: Some people have made the case that despite the Shadow Weave being seperate from the Weave, Shar still doesn't have magic or spells in her portfolio, and thus spellcasters are still subject to Mystra's laws on spellcasting despite using a seperate Weave.
Silmarien Aldalome 05-20-04, 11:57 PM	Dear Richard, Thank you for your responses to the questions I posted earlier upstream. I appreciated the spirit in the responses a lot and really enjoyed reading through your post. We have also enjoyed further developing several ideas on our threads, because of your assistance. Again - thanx Warm regards stav Cunning Linguist said: We where also hoping to get your comment on this: Some people have made the case that despite the Shadow Weave being seperate from the Weave, Shar still doesn't have magic or spells in her portfolio, and thus spellcasters are still subject to Mystra's laws on spellcasting despite using a seperate Weave. This was another way of looking at the first question of my post above. Cunning has worded it more elegantly in some ways. It's a core issue that keeps popping up and weaves into (pun intended) the way posters explore the adaptation of rules to the Faerunian Cosmology. Any additional tid-bits of wisdom about it would be well-received. To Threadkeeper: I promise to post sparingly to your thread in future - and only when we've exhausted all other options. As much as I really love the direct interaction, I realise how busy you must be and that you must have 1000 competing tasks running at any one time. If there is "open discussion" nights or whatever - I'll enjoy those if and when they surface. Cheers everyone stav
Zoroh 05-21-04, 12:26 PM	Hi Rich, Thx for all yours answers....u save my life from hungry players every other day:D Now the question. When u use reincarnate the subject loses all his racial adjustmens, right? The spell says it happens because u´re not from that race anymore....but if u´re reincarnated in the same race u only add STR, DEx and CON adjustments, losing the mental ones, and u´re still from the same race.....so a Sun Elf reincarnated as another Sun Elf, loses his INT bonus, but keeps his STR penalty....is that right??? :confused: :confused: :confused: Zoroh :cool:
WotC_RichBaker 05-21-04, 12:35 PM	Here's how I think it should work: 1. You die. 2. Check your stats when you die. Remove any racial adjustments to your physical scores (Str, Dex, Con). If your Con should have been 13, but it was 11 because you took a -2 for being an elf, note your Con as 13. (Remove your equipment, too--you'll probably just put it right back on in a minute, but let's do this right.) 3. Determine what your new race is. 4. Apply your new race's ability score modifiers, but only those that affect physical ability scores. (If you went right back to sun elf, take your -2 Con back.) As you can see, the sun elf reincarnated into a sun elf winds up with the exact same set of ability scores. I'm pretty sure that's the intent. Originally posted by Zoroh Hi Rich, Thx for all yours answers....u save my life from hungry players every other day:D Now the question. When u use reincarnate the subject loses all his racial adjustmens, right? The spell says it happens because u´re not from that race anymore....but if u´re reincarnated in the same race u only add STR, DEx and CON adjustments, losing the mental ones, and u´re still from the same race.....so a Sun Elf reincarnated as another Sun Elf, loses his INT bonus, but keeps his STR penalty....is that right??? :confused: :confused: :confused: Zoroh :cool:
WotC_RichBaker 05-21-04, 12:44 PM	RE: Shar, the Shadow Weave, etc. Mystra can't in any way muck with Joe Wizard's ability to gain spells from the Shadow Weave. As for the question, "Does Shar have to follow the same rules that Mystra laid down for her Weave?", I'm guessing that this question is really asking, Can Shar make true 10th-level spells available through the Shadow Weave? My take is, theoretically yes. Mystra's rules don't apply. However, that certainly begs the question of why Shar doesn't just make the Shadow Weave a better source of magic than the Weave and starve Mystra for business. Here's my guess: Making available the "normal" D&D magic system represents something close to the limits of what Shar could do. Making true 10th-level spells available requires the active and continuing will of a deity of magic. Once upon a time Mystra so willed it, and people could use 10th-level spells. But Shar can't do that with her Weave, since she is not a true deity of magic. So, even though Shar *could* do that with her Shadow Weave, because she's not subject to Mystra's current position on the question, Shar in practice lacks something--power, knowledge, the essential nature--necessary to allow her to provide true 10th-level spells. Shadow Weave users have to content themselves with normal D&D spellcasting and normal D&D epic spellcasting rules; no new Netherils here.
WaaMatt 05-21-04, 12:45 PM	Makes sense to me! (*on both the reincarnation and the shadow weave...)
Cernunnos 05-21-04, 09:57 PM	Here's a question for you Rich... If Mystra can get chewed out by Ao for cutting off access to the Weave to other deities and people she isn't thrilled about, then why isn't Shar held to the same standard (as far as her cutting off access to the Shadow Weave). It seems that if she is trying to ursurp Mystra's place as a goddess of magic, should she be held to some of the same restrictions/duties? And we're dying to hear more about Serpent Kingdoms! What did/didn't make the cut; a ToC, some of the new goodies; possible Web Enhancements...
WaaMatt 05-21-04, 10:12 PM	Cernunnos: Perhaps because of the very nature of the Shadow Weave, Ao is not privy to its workings and Shar's toilings with it. In fact, it's always a possibility that, despite Ao's role and status, Shar has some means of hiding from him!
Kuje31 05-22-04, 12:08 AM	Originally posted by WaaMatt Cernunnos: Perhaps because of the very nature of the Shadow Weave, Ao is not privy to its workings and Shar's toilings with it. In fact, it's always a possibility that, despite Ao's role and status, Shar has some means of hiding from him! Doubts this, she doesn't have that type of power to block AO the overload of the gods of Realmspace from knowing what she can and can't do with it.
Chronomage 05-22-04, 04:57 AM	Very doubtful. If shar has this type of power, than a large union of several of the Greater Gods might be able to challenge Ao in the ring. Time of Trouble would never have happened, and so on.
Bocklin 05-22-04, 06:18 AM	Dear Richard, In the "Faiths and Pantheons" FR source book (Lanthander entry), it is mentioned that Lathander is presently working on some "great design" to deal a big blow to some deities of evil. It also says that it is kept secret and that only the closest godly allies and highest ranking clerics of Lathander know of this big plan. Sounds really big... I was wondering if this was in anyway developped elsewhere or if there was any plan at WotC to develop this in an upcoming publication? Just to know, really: I would not like to develop a whole campaign around that and then find myself having to deal with soon-to-be-published material that might contradict what I had made out of it... :-) Thanks for your future answer! Bocklin PS: I am using to the French translation of the book so I do not know what is the page number in the original book. Sorry.
Purple Dragon Knight 05-22-04, 06:51 AM	Hi Rich, I'd like to get your perspective on a subject. I know it's a hot potato these days, but so I'll try to keep it as short and as flame-retardant as I can. Basically, the decision of not discussing the anything related to the dreaded "N" word... what do you think about this decision, and would you have any power to change it if you wanted? I mean, we can't discuss the "N" things anymore, but we can still read the "N" things right? It seems that being able to do one and not the other, however, goes against good business sense... Have lawyers finally conquered all aspects of our lives? (it seems so, for I do not see anything beyond a serious legal threat that could have such drastic consequences here on the boards...) Please, tell us everything is ok for the future of the Realms; please reassure us that nothing is *majorly* wrong. I have a bad gut feeling that what's happening on these boards these days is a result of some bad things behind the scenes...
Chronomage 05-22-04, 08:31 AM	Thanks for cheering us all up PDK. Love ya, really. (Bad things behind the scenes; like I'm not already worried by the bugs on the walls)
Zoroh 05-22-04, 10:21 AM	Thanks Rich, my Elf players will cheer up tonight....;) Zoroh
Sancus 05-23-04, 04:27 PM	Hi Rich, Amazon lists you as the author of Complete Arcane. Can you confirm or deny that? :P
Kain's avatar 05-23-04, 09:34 PM	Originally posted by Cernunnos Here's a question for you Rich... If Mystra can get chewed out by Ao for cutting off access to the Weave to other deities and people she isn't thrilled about, then why isn't Shar held to the same standard (as far as her cutting off access to the Shadow Weave). It seems that if she is trying to ursurp Mystra's place as a goddess of magic, should she be held to some of the same restrictions/duties? And we're dying to hear more about Serpent Kingdoms! What did/didn't make the cut; a ToC, some of the new goodies; possible Web Enhancements... I would say it's because there are no gods that use the Shadow Weave, therefore it's none of AO's concern. ;)
Kalex the Omen 05-24-04, 07:01 AM	Originally posted by Chronomage Very doubtful. If shar has this type of power, than a large union of several of the Greater Gods might be able to challenge Ao in the ring. Time of Trouble would never have happened, and so on. I don't know. I think your reasoning about this may be faulty. If Ao were instantly aware of everything happing in Realmspace, then the Tablets of Fate could never have been stolen in the first place and he would have known who had taken them. The point being that Ao even as overdeity is imperfect and in many ways like the gods he oversees. Just much more powerful.
Kuje31 05-24-04, 08:11 AM	Originally posted by Kalex the Omen I don't know. I think your reasoning about this may be faulty. If Ao were instantly aware of everything happing in Realmspace, then the Tablets of Fate could never have been stolen in the first place and he would have known who had taken them. The point being that Ao even as overdeity is imperfect and in many ways like the gods he oversees. Just much more powerful. But he did know who stole them and who had them all along, but he just didn't care and even at the end of the novels he said, "These are really worthless," so i'll just crush them all into a pile of dust.
WotC_RichBaker 05-24-04, 12:57 PM	Short answer: We're not ready to reveal that yet. Longer answer: It really says that? Guess we'd better start thinking of something! Maybe Eric had something specific in mind there. We do have some very loose, long-range notions about the pantheon, but nothing that we're going to tackle any time soon. Originally posted by Bocklin Dear Richard, In the "Faiths and Pantheons" FR source book (Lanthander entry), it is mentioned that Lathander is presently working on some "great design" to deal a big blow to some deities of evil. It also says that it is kept secret and that only the closest godly allies and highest ranking clerics of Lathander know of this big plan. Sounds really big... I was wondering if this was in anyway developped elsewhere or if there was any plan at WotC to develop this in an upcoming publication? Just to know, really: I would not like to develop a whole campaign around that and then find myself having to deal with soon-to-be-published material that might contradict what I had made out of it... :-) Thanks for your future answer! Bocklin PS: I am using to the French translation of the book so I do not know what is the page number in the original book. Sorry.
WotC_RichBaker 05-24-04, 01:06 PM	Took me a minute to figure out you meant novels, and the discussion thereof on these boards. I don't especially like the decision, personally. I think there were better ways to deal with the problems. Folks savage our RPG releases routinely, but we don't tell you that you can't criticize this month's RPG release. Myself, I think >>reasonable<< criticism is a good standard; blind attacks like "Rich Baker SUX!" sure don't do anyone any good (least of all, me!) but a serious effort to point out something I've missed, or ask me why I did something a certain way, deserves consideration (and sometimes a considered response). All that and a nickel will get you a cup of coffee--it wasn't my decision to make or implement. Don't blame the WizOs, either. Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight Hi Rich, I'd like to get your perspective on a subject. I know it's a hot potato these days, but so I'll try to keep it as short and as flame-retardant as I can. Basically, the decision of not discussing the anything related to the dreaded "N" word... what do you think about this decision, and would you have any power to change it if you wanted? I mean, we can't discuss the "N" things anymore, but we can still read the "N" things right? It seems that being able to do one and not the other, however, goes against good business sense... Have lawyers finally conquered all aspects of our lives? (it seems so, for I do not see anything beyond a serious legal threat that could have such drastic consequences here on the boards...) Please, tell us everything is ok for the future of the Realms; please reassure us that nothing is *majorly* wrong. I have a bad gut feeling that what's happening on these boards these days is a result of some bad things behind the scenes...
WotC_RichBaker 05-24-04, 01:08 PM	Yes. I wrote about half the book; our development team generated the rest (reworking some of the Tome and Blood prestige classes and spells to 3.5, for instance). Originally posted by Sancus Hi Rich, Amazon lists you as the author of Complete Arcane. Can you confirm or deny that? :P
Bocklin 05-25-04, 09:22 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker Short answer: We're not ready to reveal that yet. Thanks a lot for your reply! As always, that is really appreciated! Originally posted by Richard Baker It really says that? I do not have the book handy but it even says that this new Grand Design would be inspired on his latest attempt (the one that failed and provoked a godly cataclysm, killing Helm's love - a "minor goddess of rationality" - in the process) and that if Helm knew of this new attempt he would not be very happy... So I guess that, yes, Eric had some ideas about what he meant there... ;-) Bocklin
WaaMatt 05-25-04, 11:24 AM	Wow, so that's what I miss when I don't read every deity entry...
kilamanjaro 05-25-04, 05:53 PM	It's probably way too early for Complete Arcane questions, but I was wondering if the book will contain any alternatives for wizards and sorcerors that choose not to summon a familiar? Dungeon #100, the Incursion issue, had a neat alternative for sorcerors to become more dragon like instead of having a familiar. I'd love to see more stuff like that.
Mr.Waesel 05-26-04, 05:24 AM	Originally posted by kilamanjaro It's probably way too early for Complete Arcane questions, but I was wondering if the book will contain any alternatives for wizards and sorcerors that choose not to summon a familiar? Dungeon #100, the Incursion issue, had a neat alternative for sorcerors to become more dragon like instead of having a familiar. I'd love to see more stuff like that. There are rules for that in Uneathed Arcana
kilamanjaro 05-26-04, 10:39 AM	Originally posted by Mr.Waesel There are rules for that in Uneathed Arcana True, but IIRC only rules for specialist wizard variants. I'd like to see something for general wizards and sorcerors.
WotC_RichBaker 05-26-04, 01:32 PM	I missed that no-familiar alternative, darn it. Wish I'd thought of that article when I was working on it. Originally posted by kilamanjaro It's probably way too early for Complete Arcane questions, but I was wondering if the book will contain any alternatives for wizards and sorcerors that choose not to summon a familiar? Dungeon #100, the Incursion issue, had a neat alternative for sorcerors to become more dragon like instead of having a familiar. I'd love to see more stuff like that.
kilamanjaro 05-26-04, 11:06 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker I missed that no-familiar alternative, darn it. Wish I'd thought of that article when I was working on it. Well Rich, the next time your looking for some ideas feel free to let me know.
ender 05-28-04, 01:54 AM	Rich, I have a question regarding the gloamings from Underdark. Specifically, do they have darkvision? At first I assumed not, because it is not listed among their racial traits. However, they are outsiders, and the default for outsiders is that they have 60 ft. darkvision. Aside from that, it just seemed a little off to me that they would not have darkvision, for the following reasons: 1. They freaking live underground. :) 2. They are a planetouched race from the Plane of Shadow, which would seem to imply a fair amount of familiarity with darkness. 3. They are even more sensitive to light than drow and other underdark races. Could you help me out with this? If, in fact, they do not have darkvision, why was that design decision made? And how does that jive with an underdark species? As always, thanks for being here to answer our questions.
At 05-28-04, 02:41 AM	Originally posted by ender Rich, I have a question regarding the gloamings from Underdark. Specifically, do they have darkvision? At first I assumed not, because it is not listed among their racial traits. However, they are outsiders, and the default for outsiders is that they have 60 ft. darkvision. You are correct, they get Darkvision 60 feet, just like all outsiders. I asked Rich the same question during the Wizards Presents Underdark chat a few months ago.
Purple Dragon Knight 05-29-04, 03:49 PM	Hi Rich, This question is about the various dwarf subraces listed in RoF and how we should adjust them in 3.5; we're starting an all-dwarf campaigns soon and we have some debates going on as to if the various dwarf subraces would still be balanced against each other in a 3.5 context. I'd appreciate if you could point me to the designers who worked on that section of RoF so as to make a better use of your time if necessary, as this is a lenghty question. Ok, let's begin! :D Duergar now have a Level Adjustment of +1 (revised from +2, as listed in both the MM and the XPH)... so now you can start playing with a Duergar Psychic Warrior 2 @ ECL 3 (before the revision, you would have had to start as a Duergar Psychic Warrior 1 @ ECL 3, as the LA was +2...) This is an extremely good development for the Duergar. Which brings me to the following: all Races of Faerun dwarf races were balanced against one another... Now that the Duergar has gone from LA +2 to LA +1, it seems in order that the Arctic Dwarves should also go down to LA +1, and that the Urdunnir should go down to LA +3. What do you think? is it only me or are Arctic Dwarves at +2 and Urdunnirs at +4 seem a bit too high in 3.5? (now that the Duergar is +1) Other dwarf subraces do not benefit from a 3.5 update, so leaving them as is could be as bad as giving them a boost. Only playtesting and DM judgement could really determine the effect of a lower LA here. As for the Duergar getting "weaker" argument, again, I disagree: Duergar had light sensitivity in 3.0, as well as the +2 Con / -4 Cha. They were immune to magic/alchemical poisons, now, in 3.5, they are immune to ALL poisons. Now, in 3.5, they are Naturally Psionic, gaining 3 bonus power pts at 1st level. The only thing you could say they lose is the weapon familiarity other dwarves get with the Waraxe & Ugrosh... and that's something dwarves gained in 3.5... In short, I find the Duergar much more potent than their 3.0 version, especially if one take into account how powerful their immunity to poison really is (and let's not forget their immunity to paralysis and phantasms... no hold person or ghoul paralysis can stop them, neither can Phantasmal Killer or Nightmare...) Losing familiarity with Waraxe is nothing when you can simply enlarge yourself for an extra 2 pts of STR and gain a reach of 10 feet (or +4 STR and Huge Size, reach 15 feet if you use more power points with the Expanded Psionics Handbook version!!) Weapon familiarity is irrelevant anyhow when you play one of the psionic classes, a wizard, a sorcerer, or any non-fighter class for that matter... Can you start pondering the possibilities of a Huge-sized Duergar wizard making melee touch deliveries of shocking grasps, bestow curse, chill touch, contagion, ghoul touch, plane shift, poison, shadow walk, touch of fatigue or touch of idiocy at a 15-foot distance? not only you get bonuses to your melee touch attack due to high STR, but you get +2 from the obvious flanking position you'll gain thanks to your conjured pets! No. I am still convinced that the other dwarf races with high Level Adjustments should be lowered by one at least, from a pure game balance perspective anyhow. The best thing would be to get a 3.5 web enhancement detailing how those races have changed in 3.5; the next best thing - if we keep the high Level Adjustments - would be for the DM to provide an in-game solution for those PCs to survive... When the Shield and Gold dwarves will be at 5th-level and your Duergar at 4th-level, the Arctic Dwarves (race optimized for melee-combat, mind you) will be 3rd-level (that's two HD less than the 5th-level Gold Dwarf paladin...), and the Urdunnir Monk will still be a 1st-level Monk with 11hp (assuming 16 Con...) Arctic Dwarves at 4th-level (same as Duergar) and the Urdunnir at 2nd-level would make much more sense, just at a quick glance.
Sovellios Darkshine 05-30-04, 12:23 AM	Dear Richard Any chance that the jordain template and prestige class are in the Shining South ?
Srinshee 05-30-04, 04:46 AM	The Jordain template is actually (unless they took it down) available in the books section of this website in a featyre on the Counselors and Kings series.
WotC_RichBaker 06-01-04, 12:55 PM	My opinion: Better leave the arctic dwarves where they are. +4 Strength is worth LA +1 all by itself, and then you get Small and cold immunity. Urdunnirs have a high LA because they're "dungeon-busters." Walking through walls is just not a capability you really want PCs to have easy access to. I guess I could live with urdunnirs at +3 (level adjustment is a beating, really), but it's a race that will cause you great trouble at the gaming table. Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight Hi Rich, This question is about the various dwarf subraces listed in RoF and how we should adjust them in 3.5; we're starting an all-dwarf campaigns soon and we have some debates going on as to if the various dwarf subraces would still be balanced against each other in a 3.5 context. I'd appreciate if you could point me to the designers who worked on that section of RoF so as to make a better use of your time if necessary, as this is a lenghty question. Ok, let's begin! :D Duergar now have a Level Adjustment of +1 (revised from +2, as listed in both the MM and the XPH)... so now you can start playing with a Duergar Psychic Warrior 2 @ ECL 3 (before the revision, you would have had to start as a Duergar Psychic Warrior 1 @ ECL 3, as the LA was +2...) This is an extremely good development for the Duergar. Which brings me to the following: all Races of Faerun dwarf races were balanced against one another... Now that the Duergar has gone from LA +2 to LA +1, it seems in order that the Arctic Dwarves should also go down to LA +1, and that the Urdunnir should go down to LA +3. What do you think? is it only me or are Arctic Dwarves at +2 and Urdunnirs at +4 seem a bit too high in 3.5? (now that the Duergar is +1) Other dwarf subraces do not benefit from a 3.5 update, so leaving them as is could be as bad as giving them a boost. Only playtesting and DM judgement could really determine the effect of a lower LA here. As for the Duergar getting "weaker" argument, again, I disagree: Duergar had light sensitivity in 3.0, as well as the +2 Con / -4 Cha. They were immune to magic/alchemical poisons, now, in 3.5, they are immune to ALL poisons. Now, in 3.5, they are Naturally Psionic, gaining 3 bonus power pts at 1st level. The only thing you could say they lose is the weapon familiarity other dwarves get with the Waraxe & Ugrosh... and that's something dwarves gained in 3.5... In short, I find the Duergar much more potent than their 3.0 version, especially if one take into account how powerful their immunity to poison really is (and let's not forget their immunity to paralysis and phantasms... no hold person or ghoul paralysis can stop them, neither can Phantasmal Killer or Nightmare...) Losing familiarity with Waraxe is nothing when you can simply enlarge yourself for an extra 2 pts of STR and gain a reach of 10 feet (or +4 STR and Huge Size, reach 15 feet if you use more power points with the Expanded Psionics Handbook version!!) Weapon familiarity is irrelevant anyhow when you play one of the psionic classes, a wizard, a sorcerer, or any non-fighter class for that matter... Can you start pondering the possibilities of a Huge-sized Duergar wizard making melee touch deliveries of shocking grasps, bestow curse, chill touch, contagion, ghoul touch, plane shift, poison, shadow walk, touch of fatigue or touch of idiocy at a 15-foot distance? not only you get bonuses to your melee touch attack due to high STR, but you get +2 from the obvious flanking position you'll gain thanks to your conjured pets! No. I am still convinced that the other dwarf races with high Level Adjustments should be lowered by one at least, from a pure game balance perspective anyhow. The best thing would be to get a 3.5 web enhancement detailing how those races have changed in 3.5; the next best thing - if we keep the high Level Adjustments - would be for the DM to provide an in-game solution for those PCs to survive... When the Shield and Gold dwarves will be at 5th-level and your Duergar at 4th-level, the Arctic Dwarves (race optimized for melee-combat, mind you) will be 3rd-level (that's two HD less than the 5th-level Gold Dwarf paladin...), and the Urdunnir Monk will still be a 1st-level Monk with 11hp (assuming 16 Con...) Arctic Dwarves at 4th-level (same as Duergar) and the Urdunnir at 2nd-level would make much more sense, just at a quick glance.
WotC_RichBaker 06-01-04, 12:57 PM	I believe it's in Shining South as a prestige class. Originally posted by Sovellios Darkshine Dear Richard Any chance that the jordain template and prestige class are in the Shining South ?
Xyr 06-01-04, 02:36 PM	hi rich, I have a question to the Jotunbrud Feat from RoF. The Feat Description said: Whenever you receive a modifier based on size on an opposed roll (such as during grapple, bull rush), you are treated as Large if that`s advantageous to you. You are also considered to be Large when determining wheter a monster`s special attacks based on size affect you. for a time i have get the Expanded Psionics Handbook and have read that the Half-Giants have the same bonus from her Powerful Build Feature, AND they can use weapons one size larger without penaltys. Can a Charakter with the Jotunbrud feat use larger weapons (for example a huge greatsword for a medium charak) without penalty?
ender 06-01-04, 11:50 PM	Sorry to be pesky, Rich, and apologies if you just haven't gotten to this one yet. No disrespect to At, but if at all possible I would like to have an official answer about whether or not gloamings have darkvision, if for no other reason than to satisfy my DM.
Bocklin 06-02-04, 03:34 AM	Dear Rich, Originally posted by ender ... about whether or not gloamings have darkvision, if for no other reason than to satisfy my DM. Actually, I would like to add the same question for the Chitine: They also got a malus from bright light, but do not seem to have any kind of improved vision (low-light or dark-). Seems strange for spider-like creatures that dwell in dark undergrounds... Was it an oversight? Bocklin
Bocklin 06-02-04, 03:41 AM	Originally posted by Srinshee The Jordain template is actually (unless they took it down) available in the books section of this website in a featyre on the Counselors and Kings series. To be precise, both the "Jordain-born" template and the "Jordain" PrC are available there: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=books/fr/jordain :) Bocklin
WotC_RichBaker 06-02-04, 12:37 PM	I talked with Gwen Kestrel (she's the designer who came up with the gloamings), and she confirmed that she'd like them to have darkvision. Also, I'm pretty sure the chitines ought to have it too. Originally posted by ender Sorry to be pesky, Rich, and apologies if you just haven't gotten to this one yet. No disrespect to At, but if at all possible I would like to have an official answer about whether or not gloamings have darkvision, if for no other reason than to satisfy my DM.
Torkwaret 06-02-04, 01:30 PM	Hello Richard I have only one, although a little bit specific question, which I sincerely hope you won't find irritating or annoying. The topic is Malkizid. Will he be mentioned somewhere, before the 2005 product with him will appear, will there be any hints to who he is, perhaps some bits of info on the WOTC site, or do you want to keep him for a cool surprise ?
jsaving 06-02-04, 02:45 PM	At the risk of repeating an earlier question: should prestige domains be considered "officially" dead with the release of Complete Divine? If so, what was the reasoning behind getting rid of them?
ender 06-02-04, 03:12 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker I talked with Gwen Kestrel (she's the designer who came up with the gloamings), and she confirmed that she'd like them to have darkvision. Also, I'm pretty sure the chitines ought to have it too. Excellent. Thanks for the answer Rich (and Gwen too). I really appreciate the time taken to answer my question.
WotC_RichBaker 06-02-04, 07:10 PM	You'll meet him briefly in my upcoming novel "Forsaken House." Ask again in a couple of months. Originally posted by Torkwaret Hello Richard I have only one, although a little bit specific question, which I sincerely hope you won't find irritating or annoying. The topic is Malkizid. Will he be mentioned somewhere, before the 2005 product with him will appear, will there be any hints to who he is, perhaps some bits of info on the WOTC site, or do you want to keep him for a cool surprise ?
WotC_RichBaker 06-02-04, 07:15 PM	I chatted with Mike Donais, who was lead developer on the book, and he confirmed that yes, prestige domains are dead. Basically, we decided that they were just not all that much different from regular domains. They just didn't offer good design space. Originally posted by jsaving At the risk of repeating an earlier question: should prestige domains be considered "officially" dead with the release of Complete Divine? If so, what was the reasoning behind getting rid of them?
TheDarkestOfAngels 06-02-04, 10:17 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker I chatted with Mike Donais, who was lead developer on the book, and he confirmed that yes, prestige domains are dead. Basically, we decided that they were just not all that much different from regular domains. They just didn't offer good design space. which is a good thing, overall. For spontaneous casters, such as the sorcerer and favored soul, using prestige classes that granted prestige domains could give those classes a colossal boost in overall power, since they added directly to spells known, adding nine additional spells each time one is gained, which is the equivelent to nine extra spell feats, one of which would hav to be taken in epic levels, on top of the other benifits the class grants.
Dargoth 06-03-04, 10:11 AM	Rich: Got an idea regarding Regional Feats for Planetouched As of PGTF we now have regional feats for most player races Now the Regional feats spring from a PCs culture ie if your raised in a culture where trade is part of the culture Silver Palm or Merchantile background are options. For planetouched this doesnt really work as there isnt a culture for most Planetouched and their ussually not accepted parts of there adapted regional culture. The Idea Instead of Regional Feats a Planetouched would choose a Outsider parent in there bloodline, each "parent" would have a list of Feats that mimic or represent a power of the PCs outsider parent. For example someone with a Vrock as one of there forebears would have "Vrock" as their region and a list of Regional Feats For Example Feat 1 Spell Like abilities: 1/day Darkness & Mirror image Feat 2 The Tiefling grows feathered wings that allow Maneuverablity Average speed 50 feet Feat 3 1/day teleport without error (self plus 50 pounds) etc *ability feats taken from The Tainted PrC in Dungeon 302 Coments?
Perun 06-04-04, 02:30 AM	I have to ask what's the reasoning for leaving the Attune Gem feat unchanged from 3.0? I believe that the feat is utterly unneccessary, since it's effects could be (without any bit of trouble) duplicated by Craft Wondrous Item (especially since the various elixirs fell into the wondrous item category in 3.5). So, leaving the feat as is simply adds more unneccessary item creation feats, giving more unneccessary options to the spellcasters. But, the real problem is that the Attune Gem is so much better than the Brew Potion feat. It does everything the Brew Potion does, and then some more, for a slightly increased price. Attune gem differences: - affects only arcane spells; - affects spells of 0-9th level, regardless of target, area, or effect, and regardless of the spell's casting time; - creation time is drastically reduced (1 hour + the spell normal casting time); - activation method is set at the time of creation (touch (or use-activated), predetermined trigger, or after a predetermined amount of time passes); - the cost is (spell level x caster level) x 50 + 50 gp/spell level; - the prerequisites are "harsher", requiring Int 13, Craft (gemcutting), and Int 13+; That means that comparable potion and attuned gem will have 25 (for a 0-level spell) to 150 (for a 3rd-level spell) gp difference. But with the attune gem feat the character can carry a whole array of trigger activated traps around the dungeon. He can also attune up to seven gems (of various levels) for the time it takes him to brew a single potion (seven is the worse number, presuming that you can spend only 8 hours a day working on gems, each gem requires 1 hour + the spell casting time, so it's 7 hours, and a couple of rounds of the 8th hour, rounded to 8 hours). Thanks in advance.
Purple Dragon Knight 06-04-04, 10:48 AM	Hi Rich, Could you give us the Dwarf, Underdark (Earthroot) region missing from p.20 of the PGtoF? Thanks!
WotC_RichBaker 06-04-04, 12:33 PM	The short answer is that it didn't change because it didn't strictly *have* to change. Ideally, the Player's Guide would have been a complete 3.5-ing of all previous 3rd Edition Realms products--but that would have been a long and very dry book, full of stuff everybody already has. So we tried to fix or repeat things only when we were pretty sure we were doing the game (or the reader) a service by doing so. Originally posted by Perun I have to ask what's the reasoning for leaving the Attune Gem feat unchanged from 3.0? I believe that the feat is utterly unneccessary, since it's effects could be (without any bit of trouble) duplicated by Craft Wondrous Item (especially since the various elixirs fell into the wondrous item category in 3.5). So, leaving the feat as is simply adds more unneccessary item creation feats, giving more unneccessary options to the spellcasters. But, the real problem is that the Attune Gem is so much better than the Brew Potion feat. It does everything the Brew Potion does, and then some more, for a slightly increased price. Attune gem differences: - affects only arcane spells; - affects spells of 0-9th level, regardless of target, area, or effect, and regardless of the spell's casting time; - creation time is drastically reduced (1 hour + the spell normal casting time); - activation method is set at the time of creation (touch (or use-activated), predetermined trigger, or after a predetermined amount of time passes); - the cost is (spell level x caster level) x 50 + 50 gp/spell level; - the prerequisites are "harsher", requiring Int 13, Craft (gemcutting), and Int 13+; That means that comparable potion and attuned gem will have 25 (for a 0-level spell) to 150 (for a 3rd-level spell) gp difference. But with the attune gem feat the character can carry a whole array of trigger activated traps around the dungeon. He can also attune up to seven gems (of various levels) for the time it takes him to brew a single potion (seven is the worse number, presuming that you can spend only 8 hours a day working on gems, each gem requires 1 hour + the spell casting time, so it's 7 hours, and a couple of rounds of the 8th hour, rounded to 8 hours). Thanks in advance.
WotC_RichBaker 06-04-04, 12:35 PM	There's a tremendous amount of design space there, which really cries out for exploration at some point. However, we're not going to get to it anytime soon. Feel free to tinker with such notions for your own campaign (and have fun wrestling with the question of why someone who's part-balor isn't innately six times more powerful than someone who's part-dretch). Originally posted by Dargoth Rich: Got an idea regarding Regional Feats for Planetouched As of PGTF we now have regional feats for most player races Now the Regional feats spring from a PCs culture ie if your raised in a culture where trade is part of the culture Silver Palm or Merchantile background are options. For planetouched this doesnt really work as there isnt a culture for most Planetouched and their ussually not accepted parts of there adapted regional culture. The Idea Instead of Regional Feats a Planetouched would choose a Outsider parent in there bloodline, each "parent" would have a list of Feats that mimic or represent a power of the PCs outsider parent. For example someone with a Vrock as one of there forebears would have "Vrock" as their region and a list of Regional Feats For Example Feat 1 Spell Like abilities: 1/day Darkness & Mirror image Feat 2 The Tiefling grows feathered wings that allow Maneuverablity Average speed 50 feet Feat 3 1/day teleport without error (self plus 50 pounds) etc *ability feats taken from The Tainted PrC in Dungeon 302 Coments?
Dargoth 06-05-04, 09:08 PM	Another question for Rich Its only 4-6 weeks until Serpent Kingdoms comes out... any chance you can post the contents page? :D
At 06-08-04, 03:13 AM	Originally posted by Dargoth Another question for Rich Its only 4-6 weeks until Serpent Kingdoms comes out... any chance you can post the contents page? :D You know you wanna!
Sneaky_Eliath 06-08-04, 04:45 AM	You know mister Baker they treat you like the Wizard of Oz....so can ya give me a heart..... BTW, I wanted to know who created Pharaun Mizzrym.....if you could tell me that is. Have a good day sir. May the gods lookout for ya. :smirk:
WotC_RichBaker 06-08-04, 12:31 PM	The concepts of several of the key characters for the War of the Spider Queen came into being during a day-long story conference with Bob Salvatore, Thomas Reid, Richard Byers, Phil Athans, James Wyatt, and myself, when we were just beginning work on the series. Richard Byers got to write 'em first, though, so Pharaun's style, flourish, and sarcastic wit ought to be credited to him. I created the stats for most of the characters soon after we had the basic character sketches/concepts done. So I picked out a number of Pharaun's spells and abilities, but I wouldn't say that I created him. Originally posted by Sneaky_Eliath You know mister Baker they treat you like the Wizard of Oz....so can ya give me a heart..... BTW, I wanted to know who created Pharaun Mizzrym.....if you could tell me that is. Have a good day sir. May the gods lookout for ya. :smirk:
Sneaky_Eliath 06-08-04, 02:46 PM	Thank you....very much for you prompt response sir, you really are the Wizard. I will be watching this thread for more interesting things. Goodday
biomante 06-09-04, 07:19 AM	Hi again The "Runesmith" feat from Races of Faerun says that you can replace non expensive material components for rune foci. Exactly what is non expensive?, 5 gp tops?, 10 gp tops? Thanks for your answer
WotC_RichBaker 06-09-04, 02:52 PM	Anything that doesn't have a cost given in the spell description (generally presumed to cost less than 1 gp). For example, the bitumen and live spider you need for "spider climb"--those are non-expensive material components. Originally posted by biomante Hi again The "Runesmith" feat from Races of Faerun says that you can replace non expensive material components for rune foci. Exactly what is non expensive?, 5 gp tops?, 10 gp tops? Thanks for your answer
Sofista 06-10-04, 10:27 AM	Mr. Baker. It's very nice of you to answer so many questions. Thanks for that. I have one that I don't know if it was made before (this thread is huge and I haven't read it all). In the augmented subtype description it says that the creature gains the traits of its new type but retains the features of the old one. In the half-celestial template description it says that it gains skill points (a feature) as an outsider for its racial HD. One rule contradicts the other. I think that the half-celestial rule prevails, but this is a rather odd exception. Am I right?
Dargoth 06-10-04, 10:19 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker There's a tremendous amount of design space there, which really cries out for exploration at some point. However, we're not going to get to it anytime soon. Feel free to tinker with such notions for your own campaign (and have fun wrestling with the question of why someone who's part-balor isn't innately six times more powerful than someone who's part-dretch). It would be great material for a Races of Planetouched source book While Im not a big fan of the Races of X books (Ive already got Races of Faerun) , I would buy a races of Planetouched Source book if WOTC did one PS Regarding the Balor An easy way to expalin it would be to say that the family tree that breed with the Balor has far more Half Fiends in it than the Family tree that bred with the Dretch For example Human Breeds with Balor 1st Generation: Half Fiend child that breeds with Human 2nd Generation: Half Fiend child that breeds with Human 3rd Generation: Half Fiend child that breeds with Human 4th Generation: Half Fiend child that breeds with Human 5th Generation: Tiefling Child that Breeds with Human 6th Generation: Human Child............ Human Breeds with Dretch 1st generation: Half Fiend child that breeds with Human 2nd Generation: Tiefling Child that breeds with Human 3rd Generation: Human child.... Basicly the stronger the Outsider the longer it takes to breed out the Outsiders blood
WotC_RichBaker 06-11-04, 12:22 PM	Well, I know what the intent of that rule is... a. If you're a half-fiend or celestial with no racial HD (class levels only), you get skill points based on your class. b. If you're a half-fiend with no class levels, racial HD only, you get skill points like an outsider (8 + Int mod/HD). c. If you've got racial HD and class levels, you get skill points like an outsider for your racial HD, and normal skill points for your class levels. Does that make it clear? Originally posted by Sofista Mr. Baker. It's very nice of you to answer so many questions. Thanks for that. I have one that I don't know if it was made before (this thread is huge and I haven't read it all). In the augmented subtype description it says that the creature gains the traits of its new type but retains the features of the old one. In the half-celestial template description it says that it gains skill points (a feature) as an outsider for its racial HD. One rule contradicts the other. I think that the half-celestial rule prevails, but this is a rather odd exception. Am I right?
Sofista 06-11-04, 10:08 PM	So the one in the half-celestial template description prevails over the other in the augmented subtype. I see. But it shows a lack of consistency in the MM rules. Hope you guys in the Wizards correct it next time.;) Thanks a lot.
biomante 06-12-04, 01:37 PM	Hi there again Are there any plans to release any time soon a PGtF's errata file? and When you use the "Claws of Darkness" spell, it says in the mechanics that any magic items on your hands stop working for the duration of the spell (rings, etc); does this includes bracers?, I ask because in the description of the effect it is stated that your hands and forearms elongate into claws of inky darkness... Thanks for your time
gustav 06-12-04, 11:13 PM	Hi Rich I have long been frustrated about the lack of logic in the trade system in FR. I have to admit there has been improvements like the trade map in the FR campaign setting and the different sections on portals and trade in the Unapproachable east book. I know it is very timecomsuming to build a trade system and that there would be an increadible amount of manhours for each page of text. Currently I have the time to build a consistent trade system for my own campaign, because I am having a two month vacation which I am spending visiting my girlfriend in China (I am living in Denmark in Europe). I am wondering if you would be interested in hearing my considerations. I could post them in this thread when I return to Denmark 6 weeks from now. Usually I do quality Assurance Engineering work spotting logical inconsistencies and mistakes in technical documents. I have to log out for now, because I finally managed to find an internet cafe and I have lots of letters to write Regards Gustav
The Simbul 06-13-04, 02:04 AM	Hi Rich, Here be several questions: 1) Does the Netherese Arcanist gain an increased caster level per level of the class, such information is not in the class description. 2) Does the Initiate of Mystra feat likewise allow spell-like and supernatural abilities to function in Dead Magic/Antimagic via the stated caster level check. Likewise, are spells and magical effects cast prior to entering the Antimagic/Dead magic area able to likewise resist supression if a caster level check is made, or does the ability of the feat only apply to spells cast whilst in that area. 3) Why isnt their any increase or extrapolation of the maximum spell level stored in the Simbul's Spell Matrix line of spells? (i.e. even a minor increase, like the sequencer storing 4th level spells and the trigger storing 5th level ones), IMO the revised added options for unleashing them just dont seem to be alluring enough to warrant a character taking them instead of just keeping the 5th level version. I can understand why the MoF versions may not be balanced in 3.5, however having no improvement at all in the maximum spell level stored does make the higher level versions of the spell less desirable. If one wanted three contingent spells, they would probably be better off using Chain Contingency instead, since the duration is 1/day per level instead of 10 min/level, and the maximum spell level stored is much higher. Likewise, if you simply wished to use those spells to be able cast low level spells as Quickened Spells, then one would be better off just taking the lowest level version (the Spell Matrix) and using up their 5th level spell slots (and higher level spell slots if they run out) to store 3rd level spells as quickened spells. :( 4) Do Shadow Weave spellcasters loose the bonuses to their DC's and similar alterations to their spellcasting when they leave Toril for another plane. Given that the Shadow Weave, like the Weave, doesnt exist outside of Toril, and that the alterations and boosts to casting of certain types of spells seems to be derived from that Weave, does this mean a Shadow Adept on another Plane would loose those benefits, and likewise be unable to use Shadow Magic Feats which give them a bonus vs. Weave Spellcasters? 5) Does the existance of the Blessed of the Seven Sisters feat inherently make the Seven Sisters "exalted" heroes, since a roleplaying connection to them confers an exalted benefit? Specifically in light of the fact that some of their actions and alignments may not necessarily be too exalted (i.e. the Simbul is Chaotic Neutral). Likewise, does the existance of the Favored of the Zulkir's feat inherently make the Zulkirs of Thay "vile" characters, specifically in light of the fact that a Neutral or Lawful Neutral Red Wizard could easily become a Zulkir, or perhaps all of them being replaced by Non-evil (but obviously non-good) counterparts. 5) Given that innate powers like Psionics do not require a weave to function, is it worth revisting the notion that Supernatural powers are in fact dependent upon a Weave? It seems silly to me that Mystra can decide to turn off a Dragon's Breath or a Ghosts ability to manifest itself like turning off a light switch, yet no Weave controlling deity can touch a Psions 'inner' powers. 6) Are their any plans to revise NPC's in light of the addition of new gaming content, such as new prestige classes, feats, and spells that didnt officially exist when the said NPC's were first printed in previous 3E sources. I.E. such as Larloch and Telemont not being Netherese Arcanists, the Initiate of Mystra feat having Elminster's name virtually written all over it, Caladnei not being a War Wizard of Comyr, Taern Thunderspells not being a Spellguard of Silverymoon, many multiclassed spellcasters not having access to PrC's like Mystic Theurge or Eldritch Knight, and pre-Epic S.R.D. NPC's not being able to have more than 10 levels in a given PrC (i.e. the Shade Princes, Zalathorm (sp?), Lady Yhelbruna, etc). 7) Will we be seeing Eltab any time soon? and will he be more powerful than his listing in the 2nd edition Spellbound boxed set ? Presumeably he fought the God-Kings of Mulhorand for the Red Wizards, and could have been the tool for Szass Tams supremacy over Thay and the surrouding regions, yet a direct conversion of his abilities would only yield Damage Reduction 50/magic, SR of 48 or so, and a Death Gaze once every 10 rounds, which doesnt seem too potent for a being who considered himself to be a "god". 8) Did anyone realize that the Supernatural Spell class feature of the Complete Divine Web Enhancement version of the Dweromerkeeper effectively allows free Wish spells, including Wish spells above and beyond the normal 5,000 XP cost, such as wishing for +5 Tomes or any other item you can name....and that is just using the standard options for what a Wish can grant. 9) Speaking of Wishes, is it reasonable for players and/or DM's to take the examples of how Wishes are used by various NPC's in the Realms (Telemont extending his lifespan, Larloch gaining spell immunities and spell-like abilities, the Simbul gaining supernatural powers and swapping out known sorcerer spells) as viable and reproduceable by player characters, i.e. as if they were within the standard boundaries of what a Wish can acomplish?
Silmarien Aldalome 06-13-04, 02:39 AM	Hi Ho Simbul & Co. G'day Rich, Was wondering if you would enjoy or have the time to use the thread here to engage us in discussions about some Faerunian Cosmo-Babble? :) To explore, build and elaborate on several comsmological themes? I.e. a dialectic, with us - more than just a Question-Answer thing? warm regards stav
Cunning Linguist 06-14-04, 08:26 AM	The spell: Greater Ironguard from MaoF, does it still grant immunity to Magical iron up to +3 bonus in 3.5? Or would it just grant a total immunity to all metal weapons? Or just to normal metal weapons, where magical metalweapons get past the spell?
WotC_RichBaker 06-14-04, 04:23 PM	Hi, folks -- I'm super-busy this week and next, so hang on to those questions and comments for a few days. I'll return as soon as I clear my desk a bit.
Cassius Harkanor 06-17-04, 07:25 AM	Dear Richard Are there any plans to redo Undermountains. I was thinking of updating the Ruins of Undermountain boxed sets (both of them) and if you guys where going to do it, i won't bother.
Zanan 06-17-04, 03:53 PM	Hello Mr. Baker! I scanned the Player's Guide and the random height and weights table gives the drow males as females as equally tall and the males as "heavier", which is a change to what is listed in "Underdark" and what is always given in other sources (as in: drow females are taller and more strongly build than males). Does the Players' Guide refer to surface drow (drow players) whereas "Underdark" focuses on the more traditional NPC drow?
Raven Dark 06-22-04, 02:53 PM	Thanks for answering my questions Mr. Baker! Now I have a new one: ARCANE SCHOOLING [Regional] Can a specialist wizard use this feat to regain access to spell trigger items from his prohibited schools? If he chooses wizard or sorcerer, it seems that he can bypass part of the drawbacks of a specialist wizard through the use of this feat. Is that the case?
WotC_RichBaker 06-23-04, 01:45 PM	Keep the questions to just a couple at a time, por favor. 1. Yes. 2. No and no (it's a good feat, I would read it as literally as possible). 3. Dunno. (Andrew Finch developed the book, and I don't know what his specific reasoning was.) 4. No. (Don't let flavor text imply the overturning of rules unless absolutely necessary.) 6. No. 7. Yes. Originally posted by The Simbul Hi Rich, Here be several questions: 1) Does the Netherese Arcanist gain an increased caster level per level of the class, such information is not in the class description. 2) Does the Initiate of Mystra feat likewise allow spell-like and supernatural abilities to function in Dead Magic/Antimagic via the stated caster level check. Likewise, are spells and magical effects cast prior to entering the Antimagic/Dead magic area able to likewise resist supression if a caster level check is made, or does the ability of the feat only apply to spells cast whilst in that area. 3) Why isnt their any increase or extrapolation of the maximum spell level stored in the Simbul's Spell Matrix line of spells? (i.e. even a minor increase, like the sequencer storing 4th level spells and the trigger storing 5th level ones), IMO the revised added options for unleashing them just dont seem to be alluring enough to warrant a character taking them instead of just keeping the 5th level version. I can understand why the MoF versions may not be balanced in 3.5, however having no improvement at all in the maximum spell level stored does make the higher level versions of the spell less desirable. If one wanted three contingent spells, they would probably be better off using Chain Contingency instead, since the duration is 1/day per level instead of 10 min/level, and the maximum spell level stored is much higher. Likewise, if you simply wished to use those spells to be able cast low level spells as Quickened Spells, then one would be better off just taking the lowest level version (the Spell Matrix) and using up their 5th level spell slots (and higher level spell slots if they run out) to store 3rd level spells as quickened spells. :( 4) Do Shadow Weave spellcasters loose the bonuses to their DC's and similar alterations to their spellcasting when they leave Toril for another plane. Given that the Shadow Weave, like the Weave, doesnt exist outside of Toril, and that the alterations and boosts to casting of certain types of spells seems to be derived from that Weave, does this mean a Shadow Adept on another Plane would loose those benefits, and likewise be unable to use Shadow Magic Feats which give them a bonus vs. Weave Spellcasters? 5) Does the existance of the Blessed of the Seven Sisters feat inherently make the Seven Sisters "exalted" heroes, since a roleplaying connection to them confers an exalted benefit? Specifically in light of the fact that some of their actions and alignments may not necessarily be too exalted (i.e. the Simbul is Chaotic Neutral). Likewise, does the existance of the Favored of the Zulkir's feat inherently make the Zulkirs of Thay "vile" characters, specifically in light of the fact that a Neutral or Lawful Neutral Red Wizard could easily become a Zulkir, or perhaps all of them being replaced by Non-evil (but obviously non-good) counterparts. 5) Given that innate powers like Psionics do not require a weave to function, is it worth revisting the notion that Supernatural powers are in fact dependent upon a Weave? It seems silly to me that Mystra can decide to turn off a Dragon's Breath or a Ghosts ability to manifest itself like turning off a light switch, yet no Weave controlling deity can touch a Psions 'inner' powers. 6) Are their any plans to revise NPC's in light of the addition of new gaming content, such as new prestige classes, feats, and spells that didnt officially exist when the said NPC's were first printed in previous 3E sources. I.E. such as Larloch and Telemont not being Netherese Arcanists, the Initiate of Mystra feat having Elminster's name virtually written all over it, Caladnei not being a War Wizard of Comyr, Taern Thunderspells not being a Spellguard of Silverymoon, many multiclassed spellcasters not having access to PrC's like Mystic Theurge or Eldritch Knight, and pre-Epic S.R.D. NPC's not being able to have more than 10 levels in a given PrC (i.e. the Shade Princes, Zalathorm (sp?), Lady Yhelbruna, etc). 7) Will we be seeing Eltab any time soon? and will he be more powerful than his listing in the 2nd edition Spellbound boxed set ? Presumeably he fought the God-Kings of Mulhorand for the Red Wizards, and could have been the tool for Szass Tams supremacy over Thay and the surrouding regions, yet a direct conversion of his abilities would only yield Damage Reduction 50/magic, SR of 48 or so, and a Death Gaze once every 10 rounds, which doesnt seem too potent for a being who considered himself to be a "god". 8) Did anyone realize that the Supernatural Spell class feature of the Complete Divine Web Enhancement version of the Dweromerkeeper effectively allows free Wish spells, including Wish spells above and beyond the normal 5,000 XP cost, such as wishing for +5 Tomes or any other item you can name....and that is just using the standard options for what a Wish can grant. 9) Speaking of Wishes, is it reasonable for players and/or DM's to take the examples of how Wishes are used by various NPC's in the Realms (Telemont extending his lifespan, Larloch gaining spell immunities and spell-like abilities, the Simbul gaining supernatural powers and swapping out known sorcerer spells) as viable and reproduceable by player characters, i.e. as if they were within the standard boundaries of what a Wish can acomplish?
WotC_RichBaker 06-23-04, 01:47 PM	I think the Underdark numbers are right; I have no idea why they changed. Originally posted by Zanan Hello Mr. Baker! I scanned the Player's Guide and the random height and weights table gives the drow males as females as equally tall and the males as "heavier", which is a change to what is listed in "Underdark" and what is always given in other sources (as in: drow females are taller and more strongly build than males). Does the Players' Guide refer to surface drow (drow players) whereas "Underdark" focuses on the more traditional NPC drow?
WotC_RichBaker 06-23-04, 01:51 PM	A strict reading would seem to indicate that you're correct. I don't think it's broken; you're paying a feat to use wands and staffs from a barred school, and that seems OK. Wands generally aren't too bad because the save DCs and caster levels are usually well under your own. The staff is a little more worrisome, but again--you paid a feat for it. Originally posted by Raven Dark Thanks for answering my questions Mr. Baker! Now I have a new one: ARCANE SCHOOLING [Regional] Can a specialist wizard use this feat to regain access to spell trigger items from his prohibited schools? If he chooses wizard or sorcerer, it seems that he can bypass part of the drawbacks of a specialist wizard through the use of this feat. Is that the case?
Cunning Linguist 06-25-04, 03:15 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker A strict reading would seem to indicate that you're correct. I don't think it's broken; you're paying a feat to use wands and staffs from a barred school, and that seems OK. Wands generally aren't too bad because the save DCs and caster levels are usually well under your own. The staff is a little more worrisome, but again--you paid a feat for it. Does this also apply to Shadow Weave magic and items that cast spells that have the light discriptor?
Raven Dark 06-28-04, 12:29 AM	Thanks yet again Mr. Baker! Aganazzars's Scorcher from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, when cast by a 3rd level wizard does it do 1d8 damage, or 2d8 damage? What is the progression? I think its 1d8, but one of my players thinks its 2d8 at 3rd caster level. Who is right and why? We have used the wording in the Snilloc's Snowball Swarm spell to help solve the argument, but it doesn't seem to have helped much.
WotC_RichBaker 06-28-04, 12:43 PM	I believe it goes like this: CL 3 1d8 CL 4 2d8 CL 5 2d8 CL 6 3d8 CL 7 3d8 CL 8 4d8 etc., etc. Originally posted by Raven Dark Thanks yet again Mr. Baker! Aganazzars's Scorcher from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, when cast by a 3rd level wizard does it do 1d8 damage, or 2d8 damage? What is the progression? I think its 1d8, but one of my players thinks its 2d8 at 3rd caster level. Who is right and why? We have used the wording in the Snilloc's Snowball Swarm spell to help solve the argument, but it doesn't seem to have helped much.
Cthulhudrew 06-29-04, 08:34 PM	Hello, Mr. Baker- just curious if there is any word on a possible errata for the PGtF, specifically those regional entries for the various races that are missing? Thanks for all the excellent answers so far, btw. This thread is really informative! :)
Ty 07-01-04, 10:48 AM	Mr. Baker, Minor, obscure question. I seem to recall in 2ED that the rulers/guardians of Mezro in Chult were Paladins worshipping Ubtao. Is that a "variation" special to Ubtao given the different nature of that specific pantheon or should they merely be treated as fighters now with specific PrC levels such as divine champion, etc. Thanks for the time.
WotC_RichBaker 07-01-04, 12:07 PM	We hope to get that done in the next week or two. Sometimes it takes us a while to clear some schedule time to really pore over an errata file, but I know that Chris Perkins (our design manager) has been collecting errata points for some time now. If you have anything specific you want to make sure we take a look at, send it our way. Originally posted by Cthulhudrew Hello, Mr. Baker- just curious if there is any word on a possible errata for the PGtF, specifically those regional entries for the various races that are missing? Thanks for all the excellent answers so far, btw. This thread is really informative! :)
WotC_RichBaker 07-01-04, 12:10 PM	I'd just go the divine champion route. Ubtao's whole "king of the jungle/survival of the fittest" shtick isn't really all that paladin-friendly, in my opinion. Originally posted by Ty Mr. Baker, Minor, obscure question. I seem to recall in 2ED that the rulers/guardians of Mezro in Chult were Paladins worshipping Ubtao. Is that a "variation" special to Ubtao given the different nature of that specific pantheon or should they merely be treated as fighters now with specific PrC levels such as divine champion, etc. Thanks for the time.
Cthulhudrew 07-01-04, 05:24 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker We hope to get that done in the next week or two. Sometimes it takes us a while to clear some schedule time to really pore over an errata file, but I know that Chris Perkins (our design manager) has been collecting errata points for some time now. Great! Looking forward to seeing this. :) If you have anything specific you want to make sure we take a look at, send it our way. The only things I noticed, really, were the missing regions. To be specific: Human: Nimbral, Samarach, Thindol, Underdark (Old Shanatar) Dwarf: Underdark (Earthroot) Elf: The Outer Sea Half-Elf: The High Forest Halfling: Amn, Calimshan, The North Planetouched: Impiltur, The Silver Marches, The Western Heartlands Other Races: Cormanthyr (centaurs), The Far Hills (kir-lanans), The High Forest (centaurs) Oh, and this isn't really a major issue (ie, I've already "house ruled" it with no problems myself) but wouldn't Daylight Adaptation be better served as a General feat, rather than having to take it at 1st level? Anyway, thanks again!
Cunning Linguist 07-01-04, 07:16 PM	Might also want to erreta the Summon Undead spell, since you copy pasted the 3.0 version of undeads in there, and now you get much more powerful undeads then you should. Might also have a look at the Seering Ray of the Lathander PrC, should say Seering Light. (seen atleast 4 posts about people who can't seem to understand that) Then you might want to fix the typos of the races. (gold dwarf, gray dwarf, Illuskan, mulan and so on) In the Epic part, you might want to fix the problem with Netherese Arcanist, first off by fixing Improves spellcasting (no such feat exists) and putting in Improved Spell Capacity x 4. Also seems kinda stupid that you need 25 ranks in Spellcraft to get the class, but 30 ranks to get a feat (Improved Metamagic), that is also required. (so perhaps you should just dropp the spellcraft requirement) Now, I don't own the new psions book, but I hear that the Psion PrC you had in PGtF does not match the new rules for psions, so cognition thief should be updated somehow. Thats all the problems and typos I can remember at the moment..
Dargoth 07-01-04, 08:46 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker We hope to get that done in the next week or two. Sometimes it takes us a while to clear some schedule time to really pore over an errata file, but I know that Chris Perkins (our design manager) has been collecting errata points for some time now. If you have anything specific you want to make sure we take a look at, send it our way. Dwarves of the Dalelands ie Glen etc and Refugees from the Mines of Tethyrmar. More Deep Gnome regions There are at least 3 known Deep Gnome cities One under the Galena Mountains near Bloodstone Pass (it appears in the old H2 Mines of Bloodstone module) Theres another under the Moonshae islands (it appears in one of the novel trilogies set there) The 3rd one is under the Pirate Isles in the Sea of Fallen stars
Cthulhudrew 07-02-04, 12:26 AM	Originally posted by Dargoth More Deep Gnome regions There are at least 3 known Deep Gnome cities The one listed (Underdark: Northdark) should be sufficient. Under the text entry for the region, it notes that: "A deep gnome from any city similar to what Blingdenstone was before its ruin could choose this region." So anyone from the cities you mention should just choose "Underdark (Northdark)" as their region. The entries for Elves: Menzoberranyr and a couple under Dwarf have similar "footnotes", as well.
Raven Dark 07-03-04, 11:10 PM	Wow! You are the greatest Mr. Baker! Thanks! Q) Does the Lutzaen's Frequent Jaunt spell from Magic of Faerun keep a character from acting when he casts the spell (like Dimension Door)? Or after each time he teleports? Does he have to cast the spell (a standard action) and then use a move-equivalent action to teleport? Or is the first port a free action? Could you please elaborate on this spell? The description is vague and open to wide interpretation.
Dargoth 07-04-04, 06:03 AM	Originally posted by Cthulhudrew The one listed (Underdark: Northdark) should be sufficient. Under the text entry for the region, it notes that: "A deep gnome from any city similar to what Blingdenstone was before its ruin could choose this region." So anyone from the cities you mention should just choose "Underdark (Northdark)" as their region. The entries for Elves: Menzoberranyr and a couple under Dwarf have similar "footnotes", as well. YEah and I Strongly disagree with it After all the people of the Pirate isles, Damara and Moonshae islands arent the same so why should Deep Gnomes from those regions? Infact Im almost certain that Deep gnomes where the only subrace that are avaiable as Player Races in the FRC that only got 1 region in PGTF, Hell even Arctic Dwarves got 2 regions
Dargoth 07-06-04, 11:23 PM	Hey Rich Can you find out if any of the realms undead (Such as Banelichs and Alhoons) will be reprinted in Andy Colins Libris Mortis: The Book of Undead?
gustav 07-07-04, 08:22 AM	Dear Rich I noticed your reply about the shadow weave and other planes a few pages ago, were you answered gamemasters should not change rules in order to explain flavor text. That makes a lot of sense to me, but it leaves a problem explaining why the shadow weave can be used on planes were Shar is not worshipped. Is the following a good solution? The shadow weave was created at the same time as the weave and with the global physical properties 1) Being of the same strength as the current weave which explain why Mystra's changes to the weave also affect shadowmagicusers 2) The strength of the weave is affected by it's shadownature, which explain the differences between the weave and the shadowweave 3) The weave and the shadowweave can be destroyed indepently of each other which explain why there is dead magic areas only affecting the weave Mystra is the weave on Toril, which explain why her rules is also valid in Kara-Tur?, Maztica?, Al-Quadim? Shar discovered the shadowweave in Faerun and seized the right to ban shadowweave users the right to use the shadowweave in Faerun. The Shadowweave is present on the other planes, but in some planes has the shadowweave not been seized and in some planes has it been seized by local deities. The concequence is that the shadowweave is accessable on other planes and that a person banned from using the shadowweave in Faerun probably still has access to the Shadowweave on other planes. I lack a good explanation to why the magic rules is also valid on other planes. Any good ideers?
BobROE 07-07-04, 08:59 AM	Player's Guide Question The Divine Disiple PrC grants an extra domain at 4th level and in the discription of the ability it says that Divine Disiple levels stack with cleric levels to determine the granted power for the domain. Does this apply to all the characters domains or just the extra one? Thanks. Oh and PG errata, there's no skill points of the Morninglord of Lathander.
Damador 07-07-04, 11:09 AM	to all
richieb666 07-08-04, 03:03 PM	Hello Mr Baker, Just a quickie, The fourth level domain spell for the Moon Domain is the spell 'Emotion', this of course no longer exists, what is the correct replacement, or could the player choose one of the replacements when they start the PC. (have searched for the answer on the boards and in the eratta but have had no joy) Ta very much, Rich B.
WotC_RichBaker 07-08-04, 06:12 PM	The basic rule is that your prestige class levels and class levels don't stack for class features unless it specifically states otherwise. So, if you were a cleric with the Death domain, and you took on a death-happy clerical prestige class, your Death domain death touch ability does not get better unless the prestige class specifically cites it as a class feature. So I would read this as literally as possible. Originally posted by BobROE Player's Guide Question The Divine Disiple PrC grants an extra domain at 4th level and in the discription of the ability it says that Divine Disiple levels stack with cleric levels to determine the granted power for the domain. Does this apply to all the characters domains or just the extra one? Thanks. Oh and PG errata, there's no skill points of the Morninglord of Lathander.
WotC_RichBaker 07-08-04, 06:15 PM	Yeah, we caught that in the Player's Guide to Faerun. Good hope is now the 4th-level spell in the Moon domain. Originally posted by richieb666 Hello Mr Baker, Just a quickie, The fourth level domain spell for the Moon Domain is the spell 'Emotion', this of course no longer exists, what is the correct replacement, or could the player choose one of the replacements when they start the PC. (have searched for the answer on the boards and in the eratta but have had no joy) Ta very much, Rich B.
Daevaron 07-08-04, 08:10 PM	Dear Mr. Baker, The new description of the Divine Shroud ability of the Arcane Devotee explains this ability functions like the spell spell resistance and the caster level equals the arcane devotee level. This would mean that Divine Shroud would always give a spell resistance of 17, since there are only five levels of Arcane Devotee and you gain Divine Shroud at 5th level. Is this really true or this some kind of mistake? For someone of at least 12th level SR 17 isn't really that much, let alone someone of even higher level. As something you gain at the final level of a prestige class, you'd expect it to have a little more 'oomph'. The 3.0 version of Divine Shroud granted SR 12 + caster level, as if the Arcane Devotee cast spell resistance at the appropiate cleric level. There was not much imbalanced about the Arcane Devotee in the first place, so this changed seemed a little 'weird' in my eyes. By the way, I do like the new Divine Synergy ability which adds more flavour to the prestige class by increasing the religious aspect.
gustav 07-10-04, 05:24 AM	Is there a distance limit upon new portals? The FRCS says a portal is like a teleportation spell from a 17.th level spellcaster with the exception travel between planes is allowed. As far as I remember has teleportation been reduced to 100 miles per level in version 3,5
gustav 07-10-04, 11:38 PM	I am very muvh hoping there is now a distance limit upon new portals, because the possibility to create very long distance portals is seriously disrupting to Faerun. Trade portals is the most profitable if used to transport luxury items from far away. It is too profitable to establish a portal from Faerun to Kara-Tur in order to import Silk + spices + rare herbs + foreign items of historical value and it is too profitable to establish a portal from Faerun to Maztica in order to import tropical wood, coffee, herbs, tropical fruit. Long distance portals is also too valuable for countries with imperial / colonial amibitions like Amn, because they can rapidly and easily deploy forces from the motherland to the colony and withdrawn them again when they have stopped a native riot. A distance limit upon new portals means I can make a Marco Polo like adventure from Faerun to Kara-Tur and a Columbus like adventure from Faerun to Maztica. A limit on portal distance makes it possible to argue it is worthwile for Thesk to send all the Caravans across the endless waste as they do and for Amn to send all the ships to Maztica as Amn is doing. I know there is portals from the past with a long distance like the portal from the great dale to Kara-Tur, but I will just say Mystra has imposed limits on portals at some point in time in the past. A limit on the portal distance of new portals also makes it valuable to try to find old long distance portals
gustav 07-10-04, 11:46 PM	I have been considering why Mystra's ban on 10.th level spells also affects the planes connected to Faerun and I have created this explanation. I would like to hear if it a good one "First Ao created Toril / the material plane. Ao then decided to permanently shine Toril in rays of divine energy, because this makes the planes exist, because Toril acts as a prism creating a spectrum of planes just as a prims creates a spectrum of colours if it hit by rays of white light. The spectrum of planes has individual planar abilities as seen by the different planar traits just as red and green is too different colours. There is some traits from Toril like the basic nature of magic which is also valid to the planes due to the way the planes has been made from the interaction between Toril and divine light
Cernunnos 07-11-04, 02:26 AM	As far as portals go, in my campaign some unseen force (possibly the Maztican pantheon) causes Faerun-Maztica portals to malfunction at such a high rate that no sane person would think about using them. That, or there are subtle differences in the Weave that tend to cause the portals to go off target, etc. Now Kara-Tur would be another matter. There I see there being more pressure from the Kara-Turan end of the portal (since, as far as they know, somebody is opening up a big invasion route around the Dragonwall, and the Shou emperor MIGHT take exception to this). What the local governments can't control, they don't want, and I imagine most of them would almost never allow a permanent portal to be built on their end (or if it was, it would be under incredibly heavy guard, used for official business, etc.). Even if it was for trade, imagine rival organizations trying to sabotage the portal, attack those making it, etc.
WotC_RichBaker 07-12-04, 01:02 PM	It'll be in the PGtoF errata file. (I think it's 12 + character level). Originally posted by Daevaron Dear Mr. Baker, The new description of the Divine Shroud ability of the Arcane Devotee explains this ability functions like the spell spell resistance and the caster level equals the arcane devotee level. This would mean that Divine Shroud would always give a spell resistance of 17, since there are only five levels of Arcane Devotee and you gain Divine Shroud at 5th level. Is this really true or this some kind of mistake? For someone of at least 12th level SR 17 isn't really that much, let alone someone of even higher level. As something you gain at the final level of a prestige class, you'd expect it to have a little more 'oomph'. The 3.0 version of Divine Shroud granted SR 12 + caster level, as if the Arcane Devotee cast spell resistance at the appropiate cleric level. There was not much imbalanced about the Arcane Devotee in the first place, so this changed seemed a little 'weird' in my eyes. By the way, I do like the new Divine Synergy ability which adds more flavour to the prestige class by increasing the religious aspect.
BobROE 07-12-04, 01:16 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker It'll be in the PGtoF errata file. (I think it's 12 + character level). Any sort of ETA on that errata file? (next month, some time in the fall? etc) And is there going to be a web enhancement for Serpent Kingdoms?
Pystian 07-13-04, 10:29 PM	Mr. Baker, we can't thank you enough for all the help. I'll keep it short. Any word on if the Saurial web enhancement for the Serpent Kingdoms is going to go through?
Constatine 07-14-04, 02:55 AM	Hello Mr. Baker, I was directed to this forum from the spell & magic item forum under the d&d general area. Recently I was reading through the Players Guide to the Forgotten Realms and looked over the level 5 sorc/wiz spell "Fleshshiver". Its wording has caused me to ask two questions. A) The spell has no listed maximum damage cap. Is this intended? Will this 5th level spell eventually be capable of dealing 20d6 damage or more? B) The damage type specifically notes 'bludgeoning' which is a physical damage type (peircing, slahing, bludgeoning). This has made me somewhat confused. I know spells and spell damage are not effected by damage reduction, but I cannot recall a spell which so specifically delt a physical damage type (which are normally prone to damage reduction). Is this spell then intended to be effected by dr (which mayhaps explains its damage dice potential) or not (which just makes it a truely viscious spell).
Kuje31 07-14-04, 03:31 AM	Originally posted by Pystian Mr. Baker, we can't thank you enough for all the help. I'll keep it short. Any word on if the Saurial web enhancement for the Serpent Kingdoms is going to go through? You mean like this one that's been on the wotc site for at least 2 yr's. :) http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frx/20030528a
cryptictravler 07-14-04, 06:54 PM	Are there going to be any Forgotten Realms mega-adventures like City of the Spider Quenn coming out? Will any of them track the novels, perhaps more so than CotSQ??
Pystian 07-14-04, 10:16 PM	Originally posted by Kuje31 You mean like this one that's been on the wotc site for at least 2 yr's. :) http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frx/20030528a I meant more like the article that got cut from Serpent Kingdoms, but thanks anyhow. Your efforts are appreciated.
Kuje31 07-14-04, 11:18 PM	Originally posted by Pystian I meant more like the article that got cut from Serpent Kingdoms, but thanks anyhow. Your efforts are appreciated. That is pretty much the same article. There wasn't much they added to that, hence one of the reasons it got cut. :)
WotC_RichBaker 07-15-04, 05:02 PM	We don't have any immediate plans for any more epic adventures, but I think there's an excellent chance we'll get a couple of shorter adventures published in the 2005-2006 timeframe. They probably won't be tied to the novels. Originally posted by cryptictravler Are there going to be any Forgotten Realms mega-adventures like City of the Spider Quenn coming out? Will any of them track the novels, perhaps more so than CotSQ??
jsaving 07-16-04, 12:05 PM	Here's a question that hasn't been asked yet. Will Wizards be releasing fewer FR products over the next few years so that more resources can be devoted to Eberron? Or will FR products continue to be released at the current pace, with Eberron products coming on top of that?
WotC_RichBaker 07-16-04, 12:33 PM	From what I've seen of our long-term product planning, we're still planning on turning out 3-4 FR game products per year for the next couple of years (we don't plan much past that timeframe). Eberron isn't impacting the FR schedule, really. Originally posted by jsaving Here's a question that hasn't been asked yet. Will Wizards be releasing fewer FR products over the next few years so that more resources can be devoted to Eberron? Or will FR products continue to be released at the current pace, with Eberron products coming on top of that?
Dargoth 07-16-04, 07:27 PM	Originally posted by Richard Baker We don't have any immediate plans for any more epic adventures, but I think there's an excellent chance we'll get a couple of shorter adventures published in the 2005-2006 timeframe. They probably won't be tied to the novels. Any chance you'd do an Uber Adventure for the FR for its 20th Birthday? Also a suggestion for PGTF Errata how about adding a Royal Charter as an option for bonus equipment?
Constatine 07-17-04, 01:15 AM	Mr. Baker, I posted a question in this thread some days agoa nd since then you have answered some questions that were posted after mine. I was wondering if my question was not appropriate? Should I repost it? If it helps, it was the one dealing with fleshshiver. Thank you for your time.
Garen Thal 07-17-04, 01:43 AM	Unless I've missed it somewhere, Player's Guide to Faerûn (to say nothing of other sources) makes no account for the changes in weapon sizes that accompanied v3.5. as they relate to deities. While this is hardly an issue for most gods, the gnome and halfling pantheons create a bit of a problem. Would it be fair to say that the following should be the new favored weapons of the following deities (assuming the explanations are appropriate)? Baervan Wildwanderer--shortspear (from halfspear) Arvoreen-- longsword (since his favored weapon is only a shortsword to mirror a human wielding a longsword) Yondalla-- longsword (as Arvoreen) There are also deities that have the battleaxe (Callarduran Smoothhands, Garl Glittergold) as favored weapons, suggesting that perhaps the greataxe--as the two-handed axe of v3.5--might be more appropriate. The same goes for club/greatclub. Am I wrong here? Or should at least certain of these deities have their favored weapons changed (esp. Arvoreen)?
Devo001 07-17-04, 02:15 AM	Hi Rich, I dont know if its been asked or not, the thread is becoming quite long, but I was wondering about the Shadow Weave Magic feat revision from PGtF. The line that says saves are increased had the "and spells with the darkness descriptor" removed from the feat. I was wondering if it was intended you no longer gain the bonus for those spells, as the Shadow Adept PrC still gains a bonus to his DCs to resist spells of the darkness descriptor I was only curious. Thanx
CtrlFrk 07-18-04, 03:55 PM	First of all, thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions. Your effort is appreciated. I hope this hasn't been answered already, but I couldn't find it using search. In the Unapproachable East accessory there is a sidebar on p16 titled "Orcs of the East," which contains the racial information for Gray Orcs. I couldn't help but notice that according to those stats, Gray Orcs have Light Sensitivity, but no Low-Light Vision or Darkvision. I was curious if this was an error, since otherwise I would feel quite sorry for their plight ;) . ControlFreak
FriendOfReligion 07-18-04, 11:13 PM	I have searched for "Jannath" here, and the consensus in threads is that Chauntea is Jannath -- not a reincarnation, not an a Greater Aspect, but the original real deal. If this is true, when and why did Jannath change her name to Chauntea? If it's not strictly true, what happened to Jannath after the fall of Netheril, and where is She today? This is an important question to me because one of my characters had all of his followers slaughtered and he was yanked bodily from a campaign after he and his followers found an old chapel to Jannath and began planting trees and worshipping Her. If Jannath is Chauntea, I can't see why this gross reaction was necessary unless someone else decided to step in and soak up some of that "Jannath" worship. (Which would make for a very cool adventure hook!). Later, I found the answer on the "Answers from authors" thread: akhovas: Wait, aren't there some simple basic questions we could ask that should have fixed dates? What was the date (in Dalereckoning) that Beshaba started granting spells to her first cleric? What was the date Amaunator stopped granting spells? When did Jannath tell her clergy that she wanted to henceforth be known as Chauntea? Eric Boyd: There most certainly was a specific date when a cleric first identified himself/herself as a cleric of Beshaba, not Tyche, and received spells. (The exact date has not been pinned down to my knowledge.) However, this event may have occurred before, during, or after Tyche was split into two gods. There most certainly was a date when the last cleric claiming to be a cleric of Amaunator received his last spells. (The exact date has not been pinned down to my knowledge.) However, this event may have occurred before, during, or after the death of Amaunator (assuming he actually died). There most certainly was a date when a cleric first claimed that she venerated Chauntea, not Jannath. (The exact date has not been pinned down to my knowledge.) However, this event may have occurred before, during, or after the time Chauntea decided her name had changed. I'm not trying to be smart here ... I'm simply trying to illustrate that there is no 1-to-1 correlation between the mortal realm and the godly realm. There also is no clear cause-and-effect relationship. For instance, did Araushnee rebel and Corellon banish her because the drow rebelled against their kindred or was it the other way around? Probably both and neither are true. Perhaps another way to explain it is as follows: The Dawn Cataclysm was a pantheonic transformation, not a historical event. (snip)
WotC_RichBaker 07-19-04, 01:27 PM	Sorry, just overlooked it. You're right; the cap should be 15 dice, and you should strike the word "bludgeoning." I'll send this along to the errata fairies. Originally posted by Constatine Hello Mr. Baker, I was directed to this forum from the spell & magic item forum under the d&d general area. Recently I was reading through the Players Guide to the Forgotten Realms and looked over the level 5 sorc/wiz spell "Fleshshiver". Its wording has caused me to ask two questions. A) The spell has no listed maximum damage cap. Is this intended? Will this 5th level spell eventually be capable of dealing 20d6 damage or more? B) The damage type specifically notes 'bludgeoning' which is a physical damage type (peircing, slahing, bludgeoning). This has made me somewhat confused. I know spells and spell damage are not effected by damage reduction, but I cannot recall a spell which so specifically delt a physical damage type (which are normally prone to damage reduction). Is this spell then intended to be effected by dr (which mayhaps explains its damage dice potential) or not (which just makes it a truely viscious spell).
Another Gnome 07-19-04, 03:24 PM	Rich, the ice storm spell in PH deals bludgeoning damage (in addition to cold damage). Is your note on striking out the bludgeoning referring to fleshshiver specifically, or on the issue physical spell damage types may have with damage reduction?
WotC_RichBaker 07-20-04, 12:38 PM	Here's the deal: I think most of the time when we state a damage type in a spell description, we're making a mistake. What we really ought to say is something like this: "This spell is affected by damage reduction. It strikes as a magic bludgeoning weapon." That would make it crystal-clear. But when we just say "the spell deals bludgeoning damage" it doesn't mean anything, because spell damage isn't normally subject to DR. Going forward, we're trying to make sure we're more precise about that (precision by omission, as it were!) unless we really mean that DR works on that spell. So, in the case of fleshshiver, we errata'd it so that you wouldn't be confused by that word "bludgeoning." But I don't know that *all* such spells will be errata'd that way. Specifically, I don't know off the top of my head what our latest thinking on "ice storm" is.
orinbalenovic 07-20-04, 05:03 PM	Sorry everyone, I posted the same question earlier in the wrong place :embarrass Anyhow, here is the copy/paste of the whole thing (hopefully, where it should be this time): Hello Mr. Baker, What I'm about to ask has some relation to Condemnation novel (I hope that I don't get into any trouble for that), but there's something that's caught my eye. In the Underdark, on the map of Gracklstugh, the Laduguer's Furrow basically divides the city into northern and southern part. While reading Condemnation, page 127 (paperback), two characters were having a conversation from which I got the impression that the Furrow divides the city into the eastern and western part. Which is it then?
The Simbul 07-20-04, 11:38 PM	Complete Divine vs. Faiths and Pantheons. The Complete Divine Sourcebook, along with it's web enhancement, took many prestige classes from Faiths and Pantheons and made them more generic allowing them to apply to virtually any campaign world and pantheon. In addition several of their deity specific powers, prerequisites, or abilities were either removed or replaced in this conversion. My questions are: 1) Does this mean that formally deity specific PrC's in the FR are now available to any FR divine spellcaster who meets the domain prerequisites for the 3.5 versions of these prestige classes? I.E. can anyone with access to the Darkness domain become a Nightcloak, as opposed to only clerics of Shar? 2) Should any future Forgotten Realms NPC's with levels in these classes be given full official write-ups, either in a 3.5 sourcebook, web article, or other official medium, would they (or should they) be required to use the Complete Divine versions of those prestige classes if such versions exist? 3) Is it overly ECL imbalancing to allow one or more of the former PrC version's lesser Deity-specific abilties be retained in exchange for requiring the character to fufill the former more stringent prerequisites (i.e. a Complete Divine Web Enhancement Dweomerkeeper of Mystra retaining the Weavefocus and Nystul's Magical Aura abilities from F&P in exchange for having to adhere to the original and more stringent class prerequisites with regard to casting ability, feats, domains, and patron deity in F&P, while still possessing the new class features)?
The Simbul 07-20-04, 11:38 PM	Complete Divine vs. Faiths and Pantheons. The Complete Divine Sourcebook, along with it's web enhancement, took many prestige classes from Faiths and Pantheons and made them more generic allowing them to apply to virtually any campaign world and pantheon. In addition several of their deity specific powers, prerequisites, or abilities were either removed or replaced in this conversion. My questions are: 1) Does this mean that formerly deity-specific PrC's in F&P which have new Complete Divine versions, are now available to any FR divine spellcaster who meets the domain prerequisites for the 3.5 versions of these prestige classes? I.E. can anyone with access to the Evil domain become a Nightcloak now, as opposed to only clerics of Shar? 2) Should WoTC create or publish any future Forgotten Realms NPC's with levels in these classes be given full official write-ups, either in a 3.5 sourcebook, web article, or other official medium, would they (or should they) be required to use the Complete Divine versions of those prestige classes if such versions exist? 3) Is it overly ECL imbalancing to allow one or more of the former PrC version's lesser Deity-specific abilties be retained in exchange for requiring the character to fufill the former more stringent prerequisites (i.e. a Complete Divine Web Enhancement Dweomerkeeper of Mystra retaining the Weavefocus and Nystul's Magical Aura abilities from F&P version in exchange for having to adhere to the original and more stringent class prerequisites with regard to casting ability, feats, domain access, and patron deity in F&P, while still possessing the new class features?)
WotC_RichBaker 07-21-04, 12:44 PM	I'd presume that the game product map is correct, and that I managed to get turned around a little (or wrote a sufficiently confusing passage) in the novel. It wasn't my intent in Condemnation to turn Gracklstugh 90 degrees for no particular reason. Originally posted by orinbalenovic Sorry everyone, I posted the same question earlier in the wrong place :embarrass Anyhow, here is the copy/paste of the whole thing (hopefully, where it should be this time): Hello Mr. Baker, What I'm about to ask has some relation to Condemnation novel (I hope that I don't get into any trouble for that), but there's something that's caught my eye. In the Underdark, on the map of Gracklstugh, the Laduguer's Furrow basically divides the city into northern and southern part. While reading Condemnation, page 127 (paperback), two characters were having a conversation from which I got the impression that the Furrow divides the city into the eastern and western part. Which is it then?
WotC_RichBaker 07-21-04, 12:51 PM	If you have both Faiths & Pantheons and Complete Divine, I'd suggest that you use the Complete Divine versions of those prestige classes, with one exception: Retain the specific deity requirements/connotations of the class in question for a FR campaign. For your question 2, I'm not sure; it hasn't come up yet. Complete Divine is 3.5 and Faiths & Pantheons isn't, so I would lean toward using Complete Divine. Regarding question 3, you're mixing and matching features from two prestige classes, really. I am certain that a sound and playable class could be built from such a process, but I'm not going to try to do it without really doing it, if you take my meaning. (In other words, there's no reason you can't design the dweomerkeeper you like for your own campaign.) Originally posted by The Simbul Complete Divine vs. Faiths and Pantheons. The Complete Divine Sourcebook, along with it's web enhancement, took many prestige classes from Faiths and Pantheons and made them more generic allowing them to apply to virtually any campaign world and pantheon. In addition several of their deity specific powers, prerequisites, or abilities were either removed or replaced in this conversion. My questions are: 1) Does this mean that formerly deity-specific PrC's in F&P which have new Complete Divine versions, are now available to any FR divine spellcaster who meets the domain prerequisites for the 3.5 versions of these prestige classes? I.E. can anyone with access to the Evil domain become a Nightcloak now, as opposed to only clerics of Shar? 2) Should WoTC create or publish any future Forgotten Realms NPC's with levels in these classes be given full official write-ups, either in a 3.5 sourcebook, web article, or other official medium, would they (or should they) be required to use the Complete Divine versions of those prestige classes if such versions exist? 3) Is it overly ECL imbalancing to allow one or more of the former PrC version's lesser Deity-specific abilties be retained in exchange for requiring the character to fufill the former more stringent prerequisites (i.e. a Complete Divine Web Enhancement Dweomerkeeper of Mystra retaining the Weavefocus and Nystul's Magical Aura abilities from F&P version in exchange for having to adhere to the original and more stringent class prerequisites with regard to casting ability, feats, domain access, and patron deity in F&P, while still possessing the new class features?)
Purple Dragon Knight 07-22-04, 12:29 AM	Originally posted by Richard Baker If you have both Faiths & Pantheons and Complete Divine, I'd suggest that you use the Complete Divine versions of those prestige classes, with one exception: Retain the specific deity requirements/connotations of the class in question for a FR campaign. <snip> Regarding question 3, you're mixing and matching features from two prestige classes, really. I am certain that a sound and playable class could be built from such a process, but I'm not going to try to do it without really doing it, if you take my meaning. (In other words, there's no reason you can't design the dweomerkeeper you like for your own campaign.) 1. What about the F&P PrCs that haven't been ported to Complete Divine? Is a web-enhancement planned for these or is it to be three-point-fived at the DM's discretion? 3. Hmm... your answer has me wondering if "added non-crunch requirements" are still a valid reason to add "crunch class features." I mean, for the longest time in D&D, paladins were a little bit "better" than a regular fighter because you had to accept the Lawful Good "price." But now if Complete Divine (which I don't own, hence my lack of clue here) has nerfed F&P classes AND decreased the "requirements price", then I'd be tempted to say to that gentleman to go ahead and add the old F&P features if you make it FR-specific...
The Simbul 07-22-04, 01:51 AM	Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight I mean, for the longest time in D&D, paladins were a little bit "better" than a regular fighter because you had to accept the Lawful Good "price." But now if Complete Divine (which I don't own, hence my lack of clue here) has nerfed F&P classes AND decreased the "requirements price", then I'd be tempted to say to that gentleman to go ahead and add the old F&P features if you make it FR-specific... Actually the Complete Divine version of the Dweomerkeeper (in the web enhancement, free download) is actually better than the version in Faiths and pantheons, and it's requirements are far less that those of it's previous form. My concern isnt with the power of the PrC, but rather the loss of many minor abilities that gave flavor to a class, one example being Weave Focus ability which prevents the Dweomerkeeper from turning to the shadow weave, or several powers attuned to a deities name and their favored weapons.
smashthedean 07-23-04, 04:12 PM	Rich, I know the Elemental Savant is going to get made over in Complete Arcane (due to the fact that it gives spell DC bonuses and the current trend is to turn tose into spell power) and I have a character who I am aiming towards that prestige class. Are any of the requirements going to change so that I can just plan towards the new version instead of the old one? Thanks, KC
Isthramir 07-23-04, 05:05 PM	When a druid uses wild shape while wearing armor it "melds into form and becomes nonfunctional". What exactly does non-functional mean? Will the druid still suffer from Armor check penalties or Arcane spell failure? If the Armor has bonuses on it such as fortification do these also no longer function? If the armor has the Wild enhancement the druid will gain the benifit from the Armor Bonus and enhancement bonus, but will anythign else change (Check Penalties, Spell Failue, Fortification)? Thanks, James
WotC_RichBaker 07-23-04, 05:32 PM	The requirements appear to be virtually the same, but I don't have the final, developed and edited manuscript handy. That was a class I didn't work on myself--instead, I marked it for the developers to update, and just sent some recommendations their way. Originally posted by smashthedean Rich, I know the Elemental Savant is going to get made over in Complete Arcane (due to the fact that it gives spell DC bonuses and the current trend is to turn tose into spell power) and I have a character who I am aiming towards that prestige class. Are any of the requirements going to change so that I can just plan towards the new version instead of the old one? Thanks, KC
WotC_RichBaker 07-23-04, 05:35 PM	Your +4 leather armor used to give you +6 AC. Now it gives you +0 AC. It's like it just vanished from the face of the earth when you wildshaped. No armor check penalties, no spell failure, no nothing. I would say that wild armor keeps all its properties, even though the description doesn't imply that when you read it literally. You paid a +3 bonus for the armor, I think you should get the benefit. Originally posted by Isthramir When a druid uses wild shape while wearing armor it "melds into form and becomes nonfunctional". What exactly does non-functional mean? Will the druid still suffer from Armor check penalties or Arcane spell failure? If the Armor has bonuses on it such as fortification do these also no longer function? If the armor has the Wild enhancement the druid will gain the benifit from the Armor Bonus and enhancement bonus, but will anythign else change (Check Penalties, Spell Failue, Fortification)? Thanks, James
Jindl 07-23-04, 06:06 PM	Rich - Thanks for helping clear up the "melds into form" thing. One more question, though. Would a wildshaped druid wearing +1 Wild hide armor suffer from the hide armor's armor check penalty, max dex, encumbrance, or spell failure (if he was a multiclassed arcane caster)? In other words, does the Wild enhancement bring back the negative parts of wearing armor in addition to preserving the armor bonus? Thanks! -Jindl
Cernunnos 07-23-04, 11:36 PM	Just wanted to say thanks for all your help with the PGtF errata stuff Rich. Just saw they posted the official errata file!
TurtlePower 07-24-04, 12:13 AM	Hey Richard! First of all, you're doing a stand up good job, as are all the other designers. Second of all, I was wondering if there is a revised version of the Mindbender coming up in Complete Arcane. It was my favorite class from TaB, and I was hoping it got a revision! Thanks!
TurtlePower 07-24-04, 12:15 AM	Haha, I don't post for a while, and my signature gets all messed up. Oops. Pardon the ugliness.
Moonfall 07-24-04, 07:56 PM	Mr Baker, I was wondering if you could answer a question of mine. I've noticed that in the PGTF errata you've added a new half-elf entry, that has automatic languages Elven and Illuskan, and bonus languages Chondathan,Giant, Goblin, Orc and Sylvan. This is different from the Elven High Forest region, which only has automatic language Elven and bonus languages Gnoll, Goblin, Halfling, Illuskan and Sylvan. Is the new half elf high forest region meant override the elf region? Or do Elves and half elves learn different languages? (Btw, this doesn't make much sense. I can understand half elves knowing human languages where elves wouldn't, but why would they know orc and giant while elves learn gnoll and halfling? Surely the Elves ought to get Orc as a bonus language, considering orcs are their racial enemy.) I hope the new region does override the old one, as IMO it makes more sense than the previous selection. I was also rather bummed to lose Draconic, which my wood elf used to get and was a really cool language to know. What made you decide to remove it? It always seemed to me that a lot of elves would know Draconic, and thus having it as a bonus language made sense. (Confused) Nandrin
CtrlFrk 07-25-04, 11:06 AM	I guess my question got lost in the thread ... Do the Grey Orcs detailed in Unapproachable East get any Dark Vision or Low-Light Vision? They are currently shown with none, but they do have Light Sensitivity. Thanks, CF
WizO_BigSister 07-26-04, 04:25 AM	I'm closing this thread down and moving it to the FR FAQs and Information Forum as it is getting very long. I'll start a new one now :)