Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Estalies 06-02-07, 10:41 PM	I am working on a campaign for the summer based in part on the historical/mythological trojan war. I would like to know what you out there in D&D land think about regional adjustments/ prefered skills for the different ethnicities of the Aegean. (Example: Spartans- +2 STR, -2 INT, -2 Cha. The spartans are fierce but are not well learned and socially adept.) I would like to compile a whole list of different city-states and other empires, such as the Spartans, athenians, trojans, egyptions, nubians, hitittes and anybody else anybody can think of. Here is what I dont want: Historical debate. Save it for wikipedia. I just want a GENERAL idea and steriotypical view of these ancient peoples. Any takers?
Rerecros 06-02-07, 10:52 PM	NO. humans are one race, differentiated only by cutlture. making stats for real racial sterotypes will get you into hotwater.
Estalies 06-02-07, 11:09 PM	I understand where you come from on that. I would not want to go there. But I would also say that the Iron Kingdoms rpg has humans with different and optional ability adjustments. I guess i am asking, what are the cultural differences as defined by recommended skills and ability ?
Dead_Weasel 06-02-07, 11:16 PM	I agree with Rerecros. Applying statistical differences to ethnicities, particularly factual ethnicities, is an extraordinarily good way to get a lot of people angry extremely fast. For a much better, rational, and (perhaps most importantly) inoffensive way to implement what you are thinking about, I would suggest taking inspiration from the Regional characteristics and feats of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.
Estalies 06-02-07, 11:21 PM	once again, i agree totally. Regional differences is in fact what i am looking for
darkneolink 06-02-07, 11:25 PM	Well... why don't you try something like this Trojans= elfs Spartans= half orcs Greeks= Human Itacans(the ones who are with odysseus)= +2Int +2Cha -2Str The Itacans are smart and have a strong force of personality. But they are weaker in battle than the average warrior as they relly more on skill and sheer force of personality Favoured class: Rogue and so on and so on
Rerecros 06-03-07, 12:03 AM	:rolleyes: you never learn do you? Well you'll only have your self to blame.
Estalies 06-03-07, 12:42 AM	i didnt post that. same avatar different person.
Vharuck 06-03-07, 12:47 AM	They put their abilities scores in appropriate order according to their society. Mechanical bonuses aren't necessary.
Darth Syntax 06-03-07, 12:54 AM	One thing to keep in mind when looking at the Trojan war, is that many of the participants were not fully human. Achilles was half-god, and many of the other heroes had some measure of divine blood as well. Moreover, the more important heroes, Achilles, Ajax (big and little) Hector, Odysseus, Agamemnon, and the like were (excuse the pun here) epic. What I suggest, instead of different races, is making use of a plethora of custom templates. A "hero" template might exist that gives +2 to any two stats of the bearers choice and a small selection of other perks. A "lesser god-blooded" template might exist for those like Agamemnon, and several unique templates would have to be devised for people like Achilles (I fear the LA that he would have). A few of the heroes would probably be best represented by other "races", such as Big Ajax who is more likely to be a half-giant or other powerful build race, than just a human with obscene strength. -- As to some of the heroes themselves . . . CN Human (unique god-blooded) Barbarian 20/rogue 5 with utterly mad dexterity and a movement speed beyond belief. Achilles is, after all, "swift footed" LN Human (Hero) Rogue 20/fighter 4 with maxed ranks in Diplomacy, Sense Motive, and most Knowledge skills. He would also work well as an epic Factotum, if you allowed that sort of thing. Odysseus needs to be clever, charismatic, and very very cunning, so build "The wily tactician" accordingly. LE Human (lesser god-blooded) Marshal 20 with a heavy emphasis on skills needed to make a proper "lord of men" Nestor is going to "break" the rules a bit here as he is defiantly both a bard and very very lawful. I would go with a LN Venerable Human (hero) Bard 20/Fighter 8 whose bardic "music" abilities are transformed into oratory skills. Probably the only character in The Iliad who has any right to be called good Hector might be a LG Human (hero) Fighter (or Warblade) 20 / rogue 4. Hector needs to be formidable in battle, but he is a much more balanced warrior than swift-running Achilles or skull-crushing Big Ajax