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| JasonOrlandoHawk02-01-08, 03:55 PM | Adventure is calling, beyond the horizon. Unknown dangers await. Unimaginable treasure, also, to those brave enough to seek it. Will mysterious gold be yours? Welcome to Hero Craftsmen #14, where you make a character and get it voted on according to all its facets by our judges, to see who can make the best character! This time our chosen theme is Trailblazers. History and Fiction are full of true adventurers, the sort who cross continents and oceans to seek out new worlds and new frontiers. We want you to create just such a trailblazer. A hero brave enough to go where no man (or dwarf, or elf... well you get the idea) has gone before. Push the boundaries. Seek the unknown. Become a legend. The required level for this competition is 8th level, which gives each character 27,000gp to spend on magic items and equipment, with no more than 9,000gp to be spent on any one item. The following section contains the specific rules of the competition, as well as the standards for how the characters will be scored, and general tips to consider when creating a submission. Contest Rules The following are rules for the Hero Craftsmen competition, and are subject to change at any time between competition periods. Do note that the Code of Conduct is in effect for all aspects of this contest, and those who break it will be disqualified, and their post will be reported. Character Creation Parameters Effective Character Level (ECL): 8th Ability Score Generation: 28pt. buy (DMG p.169) Character Wealth: 27,000gp Max. Value of any single item: 9,000gp 1) All entries must be submitted with a complete stat block of any format or length, (so long as the stat block is complete, including content like equipment, skills, special abilities etc.) accompanied by a character background also of any format or length. 2) All entries must be submitted by the date and time given by the Coordinating Judge; any entries submitted late will not be judged but they are still allowed to be commented on by other users/judges, and may provide a valuable resource to other players out there. The time given for any competition is likely to be within 2-3 weeks; the exact times and dates will be stated by the Coordinating Judge during the contest's start. 3) After submitting an entry, a 30-minute grace period is allowed to edit your work, in the case of mechanical or formatting errors, typos, and the like. Editing your work after 30 minutes is considered breaking the rules. Hence, we urge you to revise your entry thoroughly prior to submitting it, to save hassle. Making use of the preview button in the post window will help you catch most errors before posting. 4) One Entry Per Contestant, and that creator must be the submitter (meaning that all work has to be original, and not stolen from someone else.) Also, do not post an entry if you do not want it to be officially judged. 5) At the start of each competition, the coordinating judge will state a single theme around which to base your entry. There are no restrictions based on the character theme itself; it is merely a suggested guideline, but following it in a creative and interesting way will give merit to your entry. 6) There are other restrictions, however. Material in the three core books is allowed. Any material found in the following books is also permitted: Complete Adventurer, Complete Arcane, Complete Divine, Complete Warrior, Complete Mage, Complete Scoundrel, Magic Item Compendium, Spell Compendium, Tome of Battle: Book of 9 Swords, Complete Psionic, Players Handbook 2, and Expanded Psionics Handbook. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35) is permitted. For this specific contest, no other material may be used, including any other variant rules in Unearthed Arcana. 7) Additionally, the character must be created with the recommended character wealth as discussed in the DMG (note that you may not spend more than 1/3 of your entry's total wealth on any one item), with average hit points per hit die (eg-2.5hp for d4, 3.5hp for d6, 4.5hp for d8, 5.5hp for d10, 6.5hp for d12; Max hit points at 1st level), using the 28 point-buy system, as discussed in the DMG pg169. For those who do not have access to the DMG, the following sample arrays of scores have been set up for your convenience: 18, 14, 12, 10, 8, 8 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10 8) One special rule regarding Crafting: When crafting a magic item from your character, you may pay the 50% gp cost and ignore the XP cost. However, your character must still meet all prerequisites in spells, minimum level requirements, etc., or account for the cost of hiring a spell caster to cast the spells for you. 9) Judges reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not follow the above rules, as they see fit. Scoring Points will be awarded for how well the judges think the character is made and expanded on. Entries from each of the judges will be added up to give a final score. The highest-scoring entry will win gold, second-highest silver, third-highest bronze. The judges may also give a single entry each one bonus point for whatever reason; this bonus point is merely to make out an 'honorable mention' of the competition, and is not likely to make an impact on the results themselves. The judges are expected to be very stingy about their bonus point, meaning that it is possible for no entries to get one in a competition. Special awards will be given to the entry that performs the best in each of the four categories (detailed below), determined by a majority nomination among the judges and/or the highest average score in that category. These awards will have no effect on the total score of each entry. Additionally, the judges reserve the right to post comments on entries, and any contestant may ask to have their scoring (and/or comments) sent to them via PM. Each entry will be scored according to four categories: Thematic Creativity (10 points), Background Content (10 marks), Rules Use (10 points), and Clarity (5 points), for a total of 35 points. -Thematic Creativity is a measure of how well the entry fits with the theme of the contest, decided by the coordinating judge at the start of the competition. It is also a measure of how creative the entry is when fitting in with the theme, meaning that taking the most obvious class for the theme may or may not be the best idea. -Background Content measures how well-written the background of the entry is, and how creative it is. Including plot points, events that shaped your character, and so on, will earn you high points here. -Rules Use is based on how well your character is made mechanically, as well as for how well your entry follows the RAW. Is his attack bonus correct? Has she spent all her skill points? Is all the gold in the sheet accounted for? And the like. Powerful characters will earn at least some points in this category. -Clarity is a measure of how well we can read everything. This includes correct grammar (No leet über txt), and legibility of the entry's stat block. We want to be able to find what we need to judge the entry. Hints to Help This is not a competition to see who can make the most optimized character. It is a competition to find who can create the most creative and interesting character; one that you would love to see played in a gaming group. Of course, optimized characters can still be creative and interesting, but optimization is not the sole focus of the competition. Please consider your format before submitting an entry. As judges, we want to know exactly where you got that +3 in Tumble, or how you've laid out your ability scores. If we are helped in this endeavor, it reduces the chances of us (as well as you) making mistakes, and points may be earned for Clarity. For example, you could lay out your modifiers to everything, from AC to Skills to Abilities. If your +3 in Tumble came from 3 ranks, 13 dexterity and a check penalty of -1, point it out to us. If your Strength score of 16 comes from a base of 13, a +2 racial bonus, and a +1 boost at fourth level, point it out to us. Also, gold is a big hassle, so if you show how much everything costs, it saves us the trouble of going IRS on you. Consider including a chart or something that shows the complete level build-up of your entry, in case of cross-class skills, stacking class features and other such stuff that would be otherwise difficult for us judges to detect. Backgrounds are very important in this competition, worth at least 10 points. While your entry's background doesn't have to be literary genius, you are advised to cover at least the basic stuff, like parents, friends, homeland, motivation, behavior, and at least one plot point that a DM can latch onto, such as probable antagonist for your character. In this case, covering most or all of the aspects of a character is more advisable than simply focusing on one or two aspects in great detail. Don't worry, though, length is usually not an issue for us judges. The Leadership feat is quite often a wonderful choice. It offers characters a lot of power, and provides for some excellent background exploration. If you opt to give your PC the Leadership feat, we don't need a full stat block for the cohort or followers; all we need is the cohort's name, race, class(es), and level(s). You can provide the same sort of information for important followers. Note that you can provide more information - but doing so only increases your chances of miscalculating something, and therefore lowering your score. You are allowed to build characters with non-standard races, including Monster Races from the MM. However, please carefully consider this path before attempting it. You are creating a character of the appropriate ECL, and monster races have caused many contestants to stumble over the mathematics involved. Make sure you are prepared to walk this difficult road. It is also very helpful if you list the basic racial stats for such characters. Our list of Eligible Judges are Doopliss, TheChilliGod, Zherog, jennibert, JasonOrlandoHawk, Heros_Backpack, DarkKitsune, Mercurius, Haruspex, Kit_the_Odd, edwardsobel, Magus888, and wrecan. The gold-medal winner of each Hero Craftsmen competition will be added to this list as a prize. Additionally, contestants who win multiple silver and bronze medals can also earn judge status. A contestant who earns 6 points worth of medals will also be added to the eligible judges list as a prize. (Medal point values: Gold: 6, Silver: 3, Bronze: 1.5) After each competition, we will seek volunteers for the next contest from the list until we have three judges. It is a voluntary thing, so if you (as a recent gold-medal winner) feel uncomfortable with judging, or just don't have the time, that's fine with us. Our judges for this contest will be jennibert, JasonOrlandoHawk, and Mercurius. JasonOrlandoHawk will be our coordinating judge. This contest starts when this post is posted, and is due to end at 11:59pm GMT on Friday, Feb. 15th, giving you two weeks to enter your characters. If you have any concerns or suggestions to consider for the next Hero Craftsman competition, don't hesitate to post your comments in This Thread (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=621823). Finally, best of luck to all entries. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-01-08, 03:55 PM | Frequently Asked Questions 1) Also I have a question, about the special crafting rules, is the 50% gold part of regular crafting or an extra addition to balance out the xp ignoral? Let's use an example. Let's say you have a wizard with the Craft Wondrous Item feat. You want to make a headband of intellect +2 for your character. As long as you meet all the pre-reqs for the item (that is, fox's cunning is one of the spells in your spellbook), then you can pay 2000 gp for the item. If fox's cunning is not in your spellbook, you either have to pay full price (4000 gp), or pay a spellcaster to cast the spell for you. Remember that you would need to pay the spellcaster for four castings of the spell - once each day it takes to craft the item. Does that clear it up? 2) Does the 9,000gp limit only apply to magical items, or to all purchases? -The 9,000gp limit applies to all purchases, magical or mundane. 3) Can I reserve a post, and use it to post my character at a later time? -Due to the 30 minute editing time limit, please do not attempt to "reserve" a post, or progressively post your work. If a post has been edited after 30 minutes, for any reason, the entry is disqualified, even if the edit was just posting your entry. Please wait until your entry is complete, and then post normally. We will provide links to all characters with the next post on this thread. 4) Does the 9,000gp limit represent money spent (i.e.: the cost to craft an item) or the final market value? -The 9,000gp limit is the amount of money spent. As long as you did not spend over 9,000gp, the final market value is irrelevant. 5) Are characters from different planes acceptable? -Sure. If your background has you hailing from a different plane, that's perfectly acceptable. Of note, do try to keep your background consistent with your stats. If you're from the Elemental Plane of Fire, your character should have some ability to deal with fire damage. 6) May I use the NPC classes from the DMG (expert, adept, warrior)? -Any material from a source listed in the first post is acceptable, including these classes. 7) Do Psicrystals earn feats? -For purposes of judging this contest, psicrystals gain feats based on their Hit Dice. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-01-08, 03:56 PM | Grand List of Entries 1) Alvefard Morninghawk (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=14999269&postcount=25): By: Alexeduardo 2) Jake Morissimon, surfer pirate (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15042642&postcount=55): By: Orchomenos 3) Lorn il'Sabel (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15046369&postcount=58): By: Eldritch_Lord 4) Liliaque (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15053018&postcount=65): By: Heros_Backpack 5) Rya’lin (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15060482&postcount=73): By: Kimokeo 6) Kakumulani, The Cartographer (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15073962&postcount=80): By: Dragoncat 7) Jackham the “Acheronian” (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15076821&postcount=87): By: wrecan 8) Baldwin Hunt (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15084542&postcount=97): By: Endarrion 9) Marco de Soto (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15087531&postcount=100): By: Osprey 10) Victor J. Manyana (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15095831&postcount=110): By: Far_Traveler 11) Torthenar Madshaper (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15096656&postcount=115): By: happy_fuzzy 12) Erana (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15099897&postcount=123): By: Lokiyn 13) Michigan “Mitch” Smith (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15101724&postcount=128): By: Zherog 14) Eldyn Timsdale (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15102672&postcount=130): By: CheeseMan |
| Zherog02-01-08, 04:59 PM | Link added to the Master List... |
| wrecan02-01-08, 05:18 PM | Excellent. Question: The limit of 9000 gp on any one item... does that include mundane items or just magic items? |
| CheeseMan02-01-08, 05:42 PM | huzzah for HC 14! |
| Zherog02-01-08, 06:32 PM | Excellent. Question: The limit of 9000 gp on any one item... does that include mundane items or just magic items? In the past, the limit applied to any item. Whether that's the crew's intention this time, of course, is up to them to answer. |
| jennibert02-01-08, 07:09 PM | Yay! Competition is up! Huzzah! Anyway, to answer wrecan's question, I will quote which gives each character 27,000gp to spend on magic items and equipment, with no more than 9,000gp to be spent on any one item. By my reading, that's any item, magic or mundane. Thinking on it, I guess we won't have any Dread Pirates then.....oh well! |
| happy_fuzzy02-01-08, 08:27 PM | reserved for later character, Ninja:nevermind Also I have a question, about the special crafting rules, is the 50% gold part of regular crafting or an extra addition to balance out the xp ignoral? |
| Zherog02-01-08, 09:41 PM | reserved for later character, There's no point in reserving a space; if your entry was edited more than 30 minutes after the post was made, you'll be DQ'ed. This is true, for example, if you were to edit that post a week from now to add a character to it. Just make a new post when you have it done. Also I have a question, about the special crafting rules, is the 50% gold part of regular crafting or an extra addition to balance out the xp ignoral? Let's use an example. Let's say you have a wizard with the Craft Wondrous Item feat. You want to make a headband of intellect +2 for your character. As long as you meet all the pre-reqs for the item (that is, fox's cunning is one of the spells in your spellbook), then you can pay 2000 gp for the item. If fox's cunning is not in your spellbook, you either have to pay full price (4000 gp), or pay a spellcaster to cast the spell for you. Remember that you would need to pay the spellcaster for four castings of the spell - once each day it takes to craft the item. Does that clear it up? |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-02-08, 02:34 AM | Just to chime in: I agree w/ jennibert on this one. The 9,000gp limit applies to all purchases, magical or mundane. As for the magical item crafting cost, I am stealing Zherog's answer and using it in the FAQ b/c I couldn't have said it better myself. Oh, and happy_fuzzy, Zherog is correct. Don't reserve a space for characters. Due to time limits on editing, the character would get disqualified. Just post your character normally once your done. (I added this to the FAQ, even though it wasn't a question.) Finally, there has been a minor addition to the hint section. Feel free to take a look. |
| wrecan02-02-08, 08:26 AM | I know I've asked this before, but I can't remember the answer. The item value limit is 9,000 gp If you use Craft Wondrous Item to make a blessed book, which has a market cost of 12,500 gp, but costs the crafter (under the rules) only 6,250 gp. Whch is used for determining whether the item is appropriate? |
| FRRC02-02-08, 09:36 AM | <Not a Judge> According to the judge rules, it says: "...with no more than 9,000gp to be spent on any one item." So spending less on an item worth more, via crafting, would be okay. However, if it is meant to be the other way then might I suggest that it be changed to: "...with no item having a market value greater than 9,000gp." That way it becomes clear ^_^ On another note, I should be joining this comp. Been a while since I flexed my brain on some DnD crunch. |
| Zherog02-02-08, 11:44 AM | I believe I wrote the original rule, which was then slightly altered. The original intention was, indeed, cash actually spent. If that intent has changed, that's cool. And FRRC makes a great suggestion on how to re-word it going forward if necessary. |
| Talisman02-02-08, 01:05 PM | Subscribing! |
| Heros_Backpack02-02-08, 01:13 PM | :cheer: A competition! :cheer: And it's already given me an idea... :D |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-02-08, 01:26 PM | wrecan, your question has been sent out to the other judges via PM. I will give you an answer as soon as we have consensus. |
| Endarrion02-02-08, 04:36 PM | Would it be ok to submit a digital character sheet with the entry, or do you guys want us to make our own stat blocks/ layouts? |
| CheeseMan02-02-08, 05:50 PM | if they do allow it, please post where you found it, cuz that'd be soooo nice |
| Heros_Backpack02-02-08, 07:55 PM | Would it be ok to submit a digital character sheet with the entry, or do you guys want us to make our own stat blocks/ layouts? I am not one of the judges, but I suspect you'll need to make your own stat block. The two big hurdles that a digital sheet would have to overcome are: 1. It needs to be actually in the entry post rather than just linked to (so the judges can tell if your entry has been edited outside the time limit) 2. The sheet needs to survive being copied and pasted into Word. Most tables and digital formats don't. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-03-08, 02:33 AM | I'm w/ Heros on this one, it'd be better to create your own stat block. One, we do have to be stickler's about the editing rule (it's no fun, kicking people out over small issues, but rules will be rules...). Also, how well it copies over to Word is a big issue for me. I make all of my notes in Word, which allows me to post comments quickly once scores are posted. In fact, to a certain degree, Clarity (for me) is as much how well it copies over to word as how it looks when posted here. *Hint: 95% of the time, Tables copy badly. In the entire time I've judged, I've only had two tables copy well. The rest end up messy. I don't deliberately knock off points when it happens, but it makes it harder for me to find stuff. The problem does seem limited to me. Other judges rarely complain on the issue. |
| Endarrion02-03-08, 08:20 AM | I'm w/ Heros on this one, it'd be better to create your own stat block. One, we do have to be stickler's about the editing rule (it's no fun, kicking people out over small issues, but rules will be rules...). Also, how well it copies over to Word is a big issue for me. I make all of my notes in Word, which allows me to post comments quickly once scores are posted. In fact, to a certain degree, Clarity (for me) is as much how well it copies over to word as how it looks when posted here. Yeah I realized after what Hero's Backpack said that it wouldn't work. Having said that, I have another question about copying it into word: Do you mind the bold/italics/indent/etc... tags? I know that when I write up the entries in word they look super messy, but on the forum they look nice. |
| Lokiyn02-03-08, 02:55 PM | In advance, according to the rules psicrystals gain feats with hit dice will that also be the case here If/when players obtain companions (such as a druids animal companion or a wizards improved familiars may the contestants sub out the preselected feats and replace them with feats more appropriate. (of course leaving the B feats as is.) |
| Flame_Drake02-03-08, 03:27 PM | Looks cool, I'd definitely be interested in submitting a character, although I have upcoming midterms, so I may not be able to. Drake Edit: Do the characters have to from the Material Planes, or can they be from anywhere from the Great Wheel? I ask because different DMs have different opinions about how low a character can be and still survive on the planes. My personal opinion as a fan of Planescape is that anyone can as long as they are careful, but I would like to get the judges opinion on this. |
| Alexeduardo02-03-08, 03:46 PM | (pre-emptitive note: I haven’t had the chance to either play or run a game in a whole month [:=0] but I think I managed to create a decent stat block, let’s see how the judges see it) Alvefard Morninghawk Male Human 35 years old Levels: Ranger 4/Fighter 4 Abilities: Dex 18, Wis 14, Int 12, Con 10, Str 8, Cha 8 Ranger favored enemy: Humanoid (human) Skills: Hide +16 (10 ranks + 4 Dex + 2 human bonus skill points), Move Silently +16 (10 ranks + 4 Dex + human bonus skill points)), Listen +11 (9 ranks + 2 Wis), Spot +11 (9 ranks + 2 Wis), Search +10 (9 ranks + 1 Int), Survival +12 (10 ranks +2 Wis), Knowledge (nature) +10 (9 ranks + 1 Int), Knowledge +11 (10 ranks + 1 Int). Ride +14 (10 ranks +4 Dex), Knowledge (geography) +5 (10 points +1 Int), Craft (trap making) +2 (1 rank +1 Int). Feats: Point-blank Shot, Far Shot, Precise Shot, Combat Reflexes, Manyshot, Mounted Combat, Mounted Archery, Stealthy Equipment: Masterwork Longbow, Quiver, 20 Silver Arrows, 20 Normal Arrows, Small Mirror, Signet Ring, Light Horse, Backpack, Flask of holy water, Explorer’s outfit, Cold weather outfit, Magnifying Glass, Blanket, Dagger. Initiative: +4 Attack: +13 (+8 Base Attack Bonus +4 Dex +1 enhancement) +13 (+8 Base Attack Bonus +4 Dex +1 enhancement) (1d8, mwk Longbow) +12 (+8 BAB +4 Dex) (1d4, Dagger) Full Attack: +13 (+8 Base Attack Bonus +4 Dex +1 enhancement) +13 (+8 Base Attack Bonus +4 Dex +1 enhancement) (1d8, mwk Longbow) +12 (+8 BAB +4 Dex) (1d4, Dagger). Background As a kid, Alvefard would spend his evenings listening to bards sing of the glory of war, of shiny paladins in golden armors, of slayed dragons and grateful princesses. He would then go to his home, grab a stick, and murder infinite hordes of enemy ogres till his mother called him inside. When he and his friends had the chance, they would grab a stick and fight glorious battles on the nearby farms. They would run after dogs and climb the highest tree. They would dig holes in the forest and bury their treasure there. Yes, Alvefard Morninghawk was fascinated by the world of war. And he would continue to be so as an adult. It is easily inferable that he enlisted in the local lord’s army as soon as he could carry a spear. He lived in the small barracks and fulfilled his duties without hesitating, and he dreamed of one day going to war and coming back rich and famous, just like the Golden Paladin. The day the local swine, I mean, lord, finally ordered his men into battle. It was the worst day of Alvefard’s life. He, as a peasant, was put in the frontlines, were he witnessed the horrors of war firsthand. He was terrified, repulsed, by the atrocities his own comrades were willing to commit against their own kin in the name of fortune. He himself was ordered to do some unhonorable tasks that he never forgot. After his very first battle he deserted. He went into hiding in the local forest and stayed there two years. During those years he carefully studied soldier movements. He memorized their daily routine and their specific personalities. He, over the course of a year, created a masterwork longbow and trained everyday with it. Eventually, he started systematically eliminating the soldiers he had so carefully stalked. He created traps among the trees. He used the birds to know when someone was coming. He destroyed many families. He then realized that he was slowly becoming what he had run away from. And he cried. He then realized that there was no good in this world, and he decided that, if there was no good, there consequentially wasn’t anything as evil. Guided by that realization, he became what the modern man refers to as a vigilante. He took justice to his own hands and traveled town to town, eliminating evildoers and petty criminals as he went, going as far as to eliminate a corrupt king or as low as to burn a shoplifter alive. And it was that very shoplifter that made him see that he was doing wrong. The petty criminal didn’t say anything, his son's eyes did. He then went back into hiding, and for another year he trained himself, this time on the fine art of horseback riding. When he could fire and ride at the same time, he went out into the wide world with a new quest, to go to the edges of this material plane, and find, if there is such a thing, good in this world. Since then, he has learned many lessons and fought formidable enemies, but his resolve does not lose its strength. He will find good in this life, even if he has to visit the deepest hells to find it. |
| Mysteria02-03-08, 03:50 PM | *sigh* *grumbles something about how the character concept she submitted to hero craftsman 12 would fit in here too and how she can't get rid of that idea now to get a new one* :rolleyes: |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-04-08, 12:38 AM | Ok, several issues to deal with here, and forgive me if I overlook one of the questions floating around out there. wrecan, I did some digging, and (long story short) the precedent for Rule #8, both from the perspective of other judges and myself, is that the 9,000gp limit is money spent, not market value. I had never paid that much attention, so your question threw me off. However, in keeping with the intent and precedent established, the 9,000gp is the limit for money spent, not final market value. Endarrion, the only that copies poorly for me is tables. Italics, Bold, etc... copies perfectly fine (since copy/paste doesn't copy code). Those always help Clarity, at least for me. I don't know what other judges experiences are. (For example, I have a world of trouble w/ tables, but I've never heard another judge mention any such problems. If they have a secret technique that they're not telling me...) Lokiyn, 1) I can't find anything to indicate that Psicrystals earn feats. For purposes of HD effects, it uses it's Master's total, and it has 1/2 it's Master's HP. To me, that indicates it doesn't have any actual HD of it's own, and since it doesn't have HD, it can't earn feats (beyond Alertness, which is automatic). Personally, I'd say that a Psicrystal does not earn feats, but if anyone can point me to material that says otherwise, I'll gladly take a look at it. 2) By the strictest interpretation of the wording available in the PHB, you can't switch out the feats that a familiar/companion starts w/ because a familiar is a "normal animal." Personally, I hate that idea b/c I consider most of the feat selections for animals, and even most magical beasts, to be pathetic. And, honestly, I feel like it's straining for gnats to figure out what "normal" means, anyways. I know this question has come up before, but I haven't had a chance to go back and hunt for the precedent. This is my answer, and does not reflect any consensus among the judges. I couldn't care less if switched out a familiar/companion's starting feats. It's just plain practical. I won't dock points if you do so. However, I'd probably wait for the other judges to chime in before doing so. Flame_Drake, IMO, it's very reasonable for low-level characters to adventure on various planes. You probably couldn't go everywhere, say The Infinite Layers of the Abyss or The Negative Energy Plane, but there are places where low level character can easily survive. Besides, if a level 9 Cleric can Plane Shift, then it's probably reasonable that a level 8 Cleric (or other class) can probably survive on a plane. Just make sure your stats match your claims. If you're adventuring on the Elemental Plane of Fire, with absolutely zero ability to deal with Fire Damage... I'd knock off points under "Rules Use." Even if you can't cast Plane Shift, Gates, Portals, and other such phenomena make for great background material. Alexeduardo, Welcome. Thanks for entering. Your entry has been added to the main list. |
| Lokiyn02-04-08, 04:15 AM | I can't find anything to indicate that Psicrystals earn feats. For purposes of HD effects, it uses it's Master's total, and it has 1/2 it's Master's HP. To me, that indicates it doesn't have any actual HD of it's own, and since it doesn't have HD, it can't earn feats (beyond Alertness, which is automatic). Personally, I'd say that a Psicrystal does not earn feats, but if anyone can point me to material that says otherwise, I'll gladly take a look at it. Not quite accurate Hit Dice: For the purpose of effects related to number of Hit Dice, use the master’s character level or the familiar’s normal HD total, whichever is higher. Versus A psicrystal’s characteristics depend on its master. Its Hit Dice are equal to its master’s Hit Dice As for feats Feats The line gives the creature’s feats. A monster gains feats just as a character does. Sometimes a creature has one or more bonus feats, marked with a superscript B (B). Creatures often do not have the prerequisites for a bonus feat. If this is so, the creature can still use the feat. If you wish to customize the creature with new feats, you can reassign its other feats, but not its bonus feats. A creature cannot have a feat that is not a bonus feat unless it has the feat’s prerequisites. It's generally not necessary, but by the rules, feats not marked with the B are simply preselected choices, much the same as pregenerated barbarians in the dmg aren't the only possible barbarians, the rules never hard limit creatures to specific feat choices outside of the tagged B feats, All other feats are optional. (as an additional note, the psicrystal gains alertness, not because of any special ability or trait, but does so as the standard filler feat, not marked with B) I simply wanted to do some tweaking on some familiars and companions to make them more worthy of a "trailblazer's" companion |
| Endarrion02-04-08, 07:57 AM | the only that copies poorly for me is tables. Italics, Bold, etc... copies perfectly fine (since copy/paste doesn't copy code). Duh. |
| Zherog02-04-08, 03:04 PM | In advance, according to the rules psicrystals gain feats with hit dice will that also be the case here I'd be interested in seeing some quotes and such that delve further into this topic. I looked through the FAQ and didn't see anything that clarifies the issue. Aside from the book quotes you've already provided, is there anything else? |
| Eldritch_Lord02-04-08, 04:35 PM | I'd be interested in seeing some quotes and such that delve further into this topic. I looked through the FAQ and didn't see anything that clarifies the issue. Aside from the book quotes you've already provided, is there anything else? Look here (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=9178120&postcount=10). |
| Lokiyn02-04-08, 04:41 PM | Its Hit Dice are equal to its master’s Hit Dice Feat Acquisition and Ability Score Increases: A monster’s total Hit Dice, not its ECL, govern its acquisition of feats and ability score increases. Other Statistics for Monsters Creatures with Hit Dice of 1 or less have normal, class-based Hit Dice and features. They get skills and feats appropriate to a 1st-level character (even if they have a level adjustment). Those with 2 or more Hit Dice have statistics based on these Hit Dice plus Hit Dice for class levels (if any). Monster Advancement Table (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/improvingMonsters.htm#tableCreatureImpro vementbyType) Psicrystal Basics Use the statistics for a psicrystal, but make the following changes. {see the above quote for hit dice}, however from psi crystal stat blockFeats: Alertness Also from the stat block the psicrystal is listed as being the crystal of a 1 HD manifester, which is conveniently the same number as the example crystals hit dice However just to save time, the psionic community faq has the basic summary presented here (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=9178120&postcount=10) As for if you can pick different feats for your creatures/constructs/familiars/etc It's basically contingent on the rules text that states "If you wish to customize the creature with new feats, you can reassign its other feats, but not its bonus feats" A Teh Ninja'ed |
| CheeseMan02-04-08, 05:51 PM | NPC classes allowed? (not considering it particularly seriously, i've just been wondering for the past few competitions) |
| wrecan02-04-08, 06:08 PM | From Rule Six: "Material in the three core books is allowed" As long as you use a NPC class from the DMG, you should be fine. And Expert's not a bad dip for the customizable Class Skill choices and 6+Int skillpoints. Sometimes, it's the quickest way to meet the skill requirements for some Prestige Classes. |
| Zherog02-04-08, 06:25 PM | Look here (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=9178120&postcount=10). I'll preface this by saying: I'm not a judge for this contest, so what I say may not match up with what Jason, jenni, and Mercurius have to say. Based on Tempest's post (a member I trust when it comes to rules interpretation), I guess it really comes down to whether you want to go with "rules as written" or "rules as intended." It seems quite clear to me that the RaI is that psicrystals do not gain hit dice; it also seems fairly clear that RaW is that they do. As an occasional judge in these contests, I don't particularly care which way we go - RaW or RaI - but I do care about consistency. With that in mind, I'm going to offer up a suggestion that whatever the three judges for this contest decide upon becomes precedent for future contests. |
| Lokiyn02-04-08, 06:35 PM | ::shrugs:: Thats why i asked first, i know the issues hadn't come up before so i wanted to clear the feat substitution and crystal feats first, rules as written their both legal, but their use is variable from game to game, so rather than assume i wanted to clear it first. while i fiddle with a version using either ruling. |
| Zherog02-04-08, 06:39 PM | In regards to familiar feats: I'll take this opportunity to remind everybody that the Monster Manual errata changes Weapon Finesse to a bonus feat for all the animals - because they don't meet the pre-reqs for the feat otherwise. They also have a little chart that then adds another feat to the animal. The most common, as I recall, are Alertness, Improved Initiative, and Stealthy. For those who don't have the errata, you can download all the errata from this page (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/errata). |
| jennibert02-04-08, 11:37 PM | A couple of quick responses.... I have no problems with reassigning non-bonus feats for animal companions, etc. Works fine for me....even if it means I do have something else to check.... NPC classes: what wrecan said. (Just to make it official from one of the current judges.) As for psicrystals.....I'll admit freely, despite currently playing a psion in an online game, my knowledge of the system in general is pretty minimal. I don't have time tonight to look over everything posted above, but will try to look at said stuff as soon as I can so that when Jason inevitably asks me for my opinion, I'll have an informed one:). We'll get back to you on the final official ruling. Now off to bed..... |
| Mercurius02-04-08, 11:52 PM | Considering I've selected desired feats for both an animal companion and a fiendish mount, I'm inclined to say that, yes, you may select different feats for your character's familiars, animal companions, etc. Especially since it was never specifically called out in my rules use that this was frowned upon, it means that either 1) this is the precedent or 2) no one noticed. Either way, my personal ruling is the same: your mount/animal companion/familiar can trade out feats that aren't bonus feats, because not all animals are created equal. As for psycrystals, I know the general discussion on the Psionics boards (I frequent them more than most anywhere else here, because I love the system), and I have heard the general comments about RAW and RAI. My inclination is that we are going with RAW for this contest, which pretty much means that, as far as I am concerned, psycrystals get feats. Considering a psycrystal actually costs a feat to obtain, rather than being a class feature like every other familiar-style critter, I think it's really only fair. Bear in mind that we should probably come to a consensus regarding this before you go giving your psycrystal power attack or whatever. |
| Endarrion02-05-08, 10:24 PM | Why isn't Races of Destiny allowed? *pout* |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-06-08, 02:16 AM | Why isn't Races of Destiny allowed? *pout* Specifically to annoy you. :cool: And now to the question of the night: Psicrystals & Feats. After deliberation, a consensus has been reached, and for purposes of judging this contest: Psicrystals do earn feats. |
| wrecan02-06-08, 09:44 AM | I feel your pain Endarrion. I've been waiting for Miniatures Handbook to be allowed because Marshal is my favorite non-standard base class. And heck, it's even listed on the D&D website!!! But noooooo.... I've had to make do with bard/fighters. |
| Mercurius02-06-08, 10:46 AM | I feel your pain Endarrion. I've been waiting for Miniatures Handbook to be allowed because Marshal is my favorite non-standard base class. And heck, it's even listed on the D&D website!!! But noooooo.... I've had to make do with bard/fighters. Or, y'know, Warblades or Crusaders with White Raven maneuvers. They work exceptionally well for marshals (some would say better, even). |
| wrecan02-06-08, 11:08 AM | I don't have Tome of Battle :( |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-07-08, 06:35 PM | I have a divided opinion about Tome of Battle. I own the book, and the classes are fairly well designed, but the design is in a direction that I personally don't like. Tome of Battle continues the trend that I noticed a few years ago: For some reason, Heavy Armor just isn't that good anymore. The last book that gave Heavy Armor any real acknowledgment was Races of Stone, and that's solely because Dwarves specialize in Heavy Armor. I like Tome of Battle decently enough, but I really wish there were more supplements that made Heavy Armor a statistically advantageous tactic. I know, it's a pointless rant, but Heavy Armor should be, I don't know... good or something. So... anyways, Tome of Battle is a good book, it's just more material of a type I find mildly annoying. Stealth Bump |
| CheeseMan02-07-08, 07:24 PM | i cant remember if its 'legal' to do this, but could someone post the mechanics and page number of Complete Divine's Extra Wild Shape feat please? i dont have the book, but from what i've read on the feat it'd be very useful for my concept. |
| Far_Traveler02-07-08, 09:12 PM | I've been sitting on this character concept for a while, so this should be good. |
| Mercurius02-07-08, 09:20 PM | I have a divided opinion about Tome of Battle. I own the book, and the classes are fairly well designed, but the design is in a direction that I personally don't like. Tome of Battle continues the trend that I noticed a few years ago: For some reason, Heavy Armor just isn't that good anymore. The last book that gave Heavy Armor any real acknowledgment was Races of Stone, and that's solely because Dwarves specialize in Heavy Armor. I like Tome of Battle decently enough, but I really wish there were more supplements that made Heavy Armor a statistically advantageous tactic. I know, it's a pointless rant, but Heavy Armor should be, I don't know... good or something. So... anyways, Tome of Battle is a good book, it's just more material of a type I find mildly annoying. Stealth Bump The Crusader, at least, is well served with full plate. But, with 3rd edition and the focus on tactical movement, slower speeds are generally bad. This, at least, does make some sense. But heavy armor at least is the easiest way to get higher AC, which is handy in several circumstances. |
| inthesto02-08-08, 12:50 AM | I personally dislike Tome of Battle because it makes non-casters into casters. :rolleyes: But anyways, I've got a fledgling idea for the contest, but for the love of god I can't make it interesting. :censored: Oh well, I'm sure something will hit me within he next week. |
| Zherog02-08-08, 07:49 AM | i cant remember if its 'legal' to do this, but could someone post the mechanics and page number of Complete Divine's Extra Wild Shape feat please? i dont have the book, but from what i've read on the feat it'd be very useful for my concept. Posting all the mechanics of the feat is generally considered a no-no on the forums. That doesn't mean somebody can't send you a PM or e-mail, of course; it just means it probably shouldn't be posted in public. |
| Cartigan02-08-08, 09:49 AM | I have a divided opinion about Tome of Battle. I own the book, and the classes are fairly well designed, but the design is in a direction that I personally don't like. Agreed. Tome of Battle is good, but it isn't D&D 3.5. It's like our games DM trying to adopt D20 adventures straight to D&D, it just isn't working. ToB would be great in a system where everything is like it, but that isn't D&D 3.5 so it just overshadows everything and is constantly the 800 pound gorilla in the room. |
| Cartigan02-08-08, 09:52 AM | i cant remember if its 'legal' to do this, but could someone post the mechanics and page number of Complete Divine's Extra Wild Shape feat please? i dont have the book, but from what i've read on the feat it'd be very useful for my concept. You can find the page number on the WotC feat index. The Crystal Keep Index gives you the mechanics. And it isn't like it is hard to guess, look at all the other "Extra [class feature]" feats. |
| CheeseMan02-08-08, 11:10 AM | thanks Cartigan and Z (didnt even know about Crystal Keep, that thing's pretty handy) |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-08-08, 11:57 AM | Just to state it where everyone can see it, I really don't feel comfortable giving out information, either on this thread or via PM. If you can find it via another site, such as Crystal Keep (I've seen a few others as well), that's fine. Please don't ask me, however, because I don't feel comfortable passing that information out. |
| Orchomenos02-08-08, 02:01 PM | Jake Morissimon, surfer pirate. Jake Morissimon is a tall human man with pale skin. He usually wear thight pants, and prefer to remain shirtless. He has long curled black hairs, about shoulder height. Wild Child Jake Morissimon is the son of an admiral in the Royal Navy Float. He has one brother and one sister, both older. A rebellious mind, he never wanted to follow his father's footsteps and join the Royal Navy Float. Instead, he had less commendable associations. He past his time in the lower docks, amongst smugglers and thugs. He eventually started a carreer of petty thief and con artist, more to displease his strict father than as a true taste of wronging people. The Crystal Ship This carreer didn't last long. The city watch had seen other rogue childs. In a well synchronized strike on a few hideouts, more than half of their band was caught in one evening. Morissimon escaped with three buddies: Kay Manzanni, Ronny Krekker and Jonas Densless. Together, they embarked clandestinely a merchant ship, the Crystal Ship. But once in the open sea, they realized this merchant ship was in reality a pirate ship. Luckily for them, the captain decided to throw the four guards who missed them to the shark, and keep the sneaky thieves. Light my Fire It's after a few days that Morissimon understood why his father loved the sea so much. Whereas his friends kept on struggling to stay on their feet or keep their dinner in their stomach, Morissimon was in constant ecstasy. His emotion was so intense that weird stuff starts happening close to him. Jake was especially found of firing rays of fire in all directions. Rider on the Storm These uncontrolled powers got him the hire of the captain, but his popularity with the crew saved him many times. But one day he accidentally set some sails on fire, and it was too much. Morissimon was to be thrown in the sea, let to the shark... But weirdly enough, he didn't sank in the water. Still more surprisingly, he started running on the water, behind the ship. So amazed by this special power, the captain threw him a rope and let him return to the crew. The Unknown Soldier Whenever the Crystal Ship attacks a merchant ship, Morissimon has a special mission. He jumps on the water and, running on the surface, circles the prey. While most of the crew is captivated by the pirate ship, Morissimon silently climbs on board and deal as much damage as possible to the ship's defenses. It is then a piece of cake for the pirates to seize the prey... ------------------ Jake Morissimon: Male Human Rogue 3/Wilder 3/Elocater 2: CR 8; Medium Humanoid; HD 8d6+16; HP 44; Init +3; Spd 40' (8 squares); AC 20 (+3 Dex, +5 (+1 Chain Shirt), +2 (+1 buckler)), touch 15 (+3 Dex, +2 Elude Touch), flat-footed 14; BAB/Grapple +5/+5; Atk +9 melee (1d6+1+1d6 cold 18-20, +1 frost rapier) or +9 range (1d6+1 x3, +1 shortbow); SA Sneak Attack +2d6, psionic powers, wild surge +2; SQ Trapfinding, Evasion, Trap sense +1, Psychic Enervation, Elude Touch, Scorn Earth, Sidestep Charge, Opportunistic Strike +2; AL CG; SV Fort 4, Ref 10, Will 6; STR 10, DEX 16, CON 14, INT 12, WIS 8, CHA 14. Skill Points: Rogue 80 (Maximum 6/skill, 10 skills maximized) Wilder 18 (Maximum 9/skill) Elocater 16 (Maximum 11/skill) Skills: Autohypnosis +9, Balance +8*, Bluff +13, Climb +4, Concentration +13, Diplomacy +4*, Disable Device +8, Disguise +4*, Escape Artist +10, Gather Information +9, Hide +18**, Intimidate +14*, Jump +7*', Listen +2, Move Silently +10, Sleight of Hand +5*, Spot +3, Tumble +14. Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Finesse, Spring Attack. *Includes the +2 synergy bonus. **Includes Cloak of Aquatic Elvenkind 'Includes the Boots of Striding and Springing Languages Spoken: Common, Elven. Psionic Powers Known (17+4+3=24 Power Points): Control Light, Demoralize, Energy Ray. Equipment: 27 000 gp. Armor: +1 Chain Shirt 1250 gp, +1 Frost Rapier 8320 gp, +1 shortbow 2330 gp, +1 buckler 1165 gp, Cognizance Crystal with 3 PP 4000 gp, Cloak of Elvenkind 2500 gp, Boots of Striding and Springing 5500 gp, Necklace of Fireballs Type I 1650 gp. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-08-08, 07:55 PM | Contestant List Updated. Welcome back, Orchomenos. When it comes to Tome of Battle, and similar material, I can put up with just about anything. However, there is a plethora of "Tumble, Dodge, Duck, etc..." AC increasing techniques. It just seems like Heavy Armor isn't very useful when you start stacking up all the rules available. It may be awesome armor, and in fact, it should be, but I just have a burning hatred of Mithral Chain Shirt. Practically everyone, even the fighters, end up wearing!!! (And don't get me started on the Twilight enhancement...) I can appreciate tactical movement rules to a certain degree, but my "Knight in Shining Armor" image has become a sitting duck. That's why, in my current campaign, I pulled out the "Class Bonus to Defense" and "Armor as DR" rules. I suspect I won't be as annoyed this time around. |
| Endarrion02-08-08, 08:10 PM | That's why, in my current campaign, I pulled out the "Class Bonus to Defense" and "Armor as DR" rules. I suspect I won't be as annoyed this time around. That'll really help, but it seems like it'd throw low-level gaming totally outta whack. Especially with monks. According to the rules (as far as I can see anyway) they still get the class defense bonus along with their wis and dex and eventually AC bonus. Definitely helps them out (the monk needs SOMETHING). I tried my own armor as DR rules, but it didn't work out too well... A fight with a low CR creature lasted twice as long b/c, although the PCs could hit it, they couldn't deal it much damage. But I did whacky stuff like add its Fort as DR or something... yeah, I was pretty inexperienced. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-08-08, 10:20 PM | Lorn il'Sabel Interplanar Surveyor and Explorer Extraordinaire Grax’ur, a large and angry vrock, roared in triumph as he ripped the head off his archrival. He finally would ascend to become a different type of demon, and he looked forward to punishing those who had wronged him. He was just about to look for one of those rivals when a human flashed into existence a few dozen feet away. Fresh meat, he chuckled, and maybe some treasure too; he moved in for the kill. As he drew closer, the human pulled a quill and piece of parchment out of his voluminous robes and began scribbling, seemingly oblivious to the demon approaching. Grax’ur could hear him mumbling: “Next stop, the Abyss; and here we are. Let me see, we have Type II and III down, and I don’t think I could handle a Type IV or above today, but we’re still looking for a Type I; they just keep getting disemboweled before we arrive. Type Ones are…hmm hmm hmm…ah yes, those are vrocks.” The human squinted and began looking around: “No demon, no demon, quasit, no demon, no demon, no demon, imp—that’s strange, I thought those were devils?—no demon, no demon, AHA!” The human stopped scribbling and exchanged the piece of parchment for another. He donned a pair of spectacles and looked cheerfully at Grax’ur. “My good sir, madam, and/or other: I’m from the Order of Prime Material and Interplanar Surveyors. Would you be so kind as to answer a few questions for me?” Grax’ur tried to lunge at the puny creature, but found that he couldn’t make himself do it. After a few more tries, while the human looked at him expectantly, Grax’ur figured he might as well stall while this human’s protections, whatever they were, wore off. Yes, mortal, I will answer, but you will pay for this indignity! “Oh, don’t worry; all subjects will be reimbursed by our Treasury. Now…may I have your name please? Not truename, I don’t need that, just your common name?” Grax’ur. “Thank you. Is that with one apostrophe, or two?” ... “You know, the hacking sound in the back of your throat when you say it?” One. “Very good. Now I understand that, to use your signature ability—” ??? “—the ruin dance, the one that tells adventurers invading the Abyss that you’re a vrock and not something else, you need to join with…two? Three?” Two. “Two other vrocks. How would you classify your working relationship with your colleagues?” I will rend their flesh and drink their blood to ascend to a more powerful type of demon! “Loathing and contempt, I see, fairly expected…I know you have a sort of sound-based ability, which I assume you used in the fight with your…distinguished colleague in two pieces over there, else you would have used it on me. On average, about how long would you say it takes your vocal cords to recover from that?” Five tides of the oceans of this layer. “That would be…about an hour on the Prime, I suppose?” I do not know your inferior measurements, mortal. “Quite, quite. Next…on average, with about what regularity would you say other demons answer your summonses?” In the past twenty-two battles of the Blood War, only nine times did my lessers answer my call to slaughter the hated baatezu! “Nine out of twenty-two…forty percent…well, I wouldn’t say only; you seem to have more luck than others of your kind, probabilistically speaking. Would you mind opening this for me?” The human passed Grax’ur a small wooden box engraved with red symbols. ??? “You’ll be fine.” Grax’ur opened it, and was immediately engulfed in flames. When the smoke cleared, he was revealed to be burned, but not too severely. What trickery is this!? He tried once again to attack the human, to no avail. “Hmm, resistant, not immune, interesting….On to some more personal questions: On a scale of 0 to 666, how evil would you say your immediate superior is?” !!! I have no superiors! “Rephrased: the closest demon to you above Type I?” ... “…that you have not attempted to kill?” ... “…that you have not attempted to kill recently?” 483. “Good, good….On a scale of chartreuse to fireball, how chaotic would you say your immed—er, the same demon, is?” Squirrel. “One last question for right now: Do you know how your, ah, ‘spores’ work?” I will not tell you, mortal. “Ah, well; worth a try. Well, thank you for your time. Here’s my business card if you have anything else you’d like to let us know; I’ll probably be back in a few days for a follow-up. If you’d give me your rank, layer, age, area of residence, and closest balor, we’ll send you the standard subject fee, or you can send that information later if you wish.” ??? “Later, then. Farewell! Good luck with the rending of your enemies!” The human removed a scroll from his robes, read it, and disappeared. Grax’ur crumpled the arcane marked parchment in his hand; he’d almost recovered from his last summoning attempt and would have enjoyed mutilating the stupid human. Perhaps next time…. ------------------------- The human arrived back on the Prime in one piece, his expression significantly less absentminded and naïve than the one he had presented while in the Abyss. He checked an hourglass placed conveniently on a nearby table and gave a cynical grin. “Still hours of sanctuary left when I finished,” he mused, “and the vrock obviously almost regained his summons, if his bloodthirsty look was anything to go by. So close, and yet so far.” He chuckled. “Every single time…I’d do it just for the look on their faces.” He found a wand and several other trinkets on a nearby shelf and secreted them on his person. “And now, to record it…” he muttered; making a particular gesture with the wand, he sent his scroll of notes off to the distant library where his order was headquartered. The human sighed. “One more, then it’s quits for the day.” He put on his silly grin again, read another scroll, and vanished. ------------------------- Anthas’caldak’airoxus, a regal copper dragon, reclined leisurely on his treasures, counting coins one by one. Though a very young dragon, he dreamed of the day when he finally would control his own territory and extract tribute from surrounding nations. He was just about to begin counting his jewels—again—when a human flashed into existence a few dozen feet away. <Oho, a brave one>, he hissed in Draconic, <maybe it will have some treasure!>. He moved in for the kill…. Wizards pore over musty tomes, bards learn songs and legends, archivists study holy texts, and clerics are inspired by their deities. There are many people in the world who specialize in knowledge, and the pursuit of knowledge is a worthy calling. You might wonder, however, how that knowledge is first gathered. Who was the first person to realize that black dragons breathe acid? Who was the unlucky soul who discovered that demons are resistance to magic? Who first found out there are nine Hells? Who named the xill and the barghest? The answer to those questions, and many more, is the Order of Prime Material and Interplanar Surveyors. The OPMIS, as its members call it, is a group of like-minded arcanists, psychics, and priests of all faiths united by their common purpose: to gather knowledge of the outer planes and the Prime Material, the creatures that live on it, and record this knowledge in perfect detail for future generations. A few who join the order become priests of the founder of the Order, a long-ago-ascended mortal whose name has been lost to history, and who now is referred to as the Truth and the Way; her priests gain powers over travel, magic, knowledge, and planning. One such priest is Lorn il’Sabel, explorer extraordinaire. An adventurous fellow, Lorn liked to tag along with his father, the renowned wizard Aloran il’Sabel, on his information-gathering trips for the Order. From the age of eight, he traveled from the heights of Celestia to the depths of Hades, always protected at his father’s side. He enjoyed these excursions not just because of the excitement—thought he certainly enjoyed that—but because he was able to escape his home city for a while, where the local children would taunt him and bully him because their parents told them Lorn’s father was strange and different and that Lorn didn’t fit in. He couldn’t understand why they feared what they didn’t understand; he was just glad that he could occasionally escape from them. Although he was very perceptive and intelligent, he put up a front of ignorance and naiveté to drive away his tormenters, though this rarely worked. His father always insisted that his little adventures would help Lorn learn to better himself and protect himself against the ignorant, but Lorn didn’t believe him. As the years wore on, and he came no closer to staving off the taunting and bullying, Lorn came to despise his adventures, and would take more and more risks to convince his father that he shouldn’t be brought along. One trip, he angered a formian and was chased through many gears of Mechanus. When he could run no longer, and was about to be captured, when he cried out in anger: “‘Learning will help you,’ he says! ‘Truth will set you free,’ he says! The truth was supposed to help me, not get me killed!” The Truth, the Patron of the Order, heard his call. When Lorn opened his eyes and looked up, he found that the formians could not attack him, for some reason finding themselves unable to touch him no matter how hard they tried—Lorn had performed his first miracle in service to the Truth and the Way. When he told his father, he was immediately inducted into the Order and was given training and missions. Finally those who haunted his past could no longer touch him—literally; his most common prayer was to protect him from his enemies’ assaults, and if he happened to summon a fiendish creature or two dozen for payback…well, that was one Way to do things, wasn’t it, and that’s the Truth. His childhood enemies resented his getting out from under their power, and did what they could to make life difficult for Lorn and the Order. Even after he grew in power, Lorn found his stupid-and-naïve act to be very useful. Dragons and demons found him less threatening and were more inclined to cooperate if they saw him as a bumbling fool. He rose quickly through the Order, and eventually received assistance from other priests of the Truth and the Way to armor him in faith before his missions; he could face down the most fearsome archdevil without flinching, knowing that the power of his faith and his drive for knowledge outweighed the infernal powers. To this day, he travels to every plane, constantly searching for knowledge, constantly questioning creatures—at last, he has found where he belongs. Lorn il’Sabel Human Cleric 8 (Planning, Travel) Hit Dice: 8d8-8 (31 HP) AC: 17 (+7 half-plate; Touch 10; Flat Footed 17 Abilities: Str 8, Dex 10, Con 8, Int 12, Wis 20 (+2 ioun stone), Cha 18 (+2 cloak) Alignment: Lawful Good Languages: Common, Draconic Initiative: +0 Speed: 20 ft encumbered) Fort Save: +5 (-1 Con, +6 base); Ref Save: +2 (+0 Dex, +2 base); Will Save: +11 (+5 Wis, +6 base) BAB: +6; Grapple: +5 Attack: Quarterstaff +6 (BAB +6, +1 masterwork, -1 Str), 1d4-1 bludgeoning; Full Attack: Quarterstaff +0/-4, 1d4-1/1d4-1 bludgeoning Special Attacks: Turn Undead (7x/day), spellcasting Special Qualities: Spontaneous casting of cure spells, Travel domain power (freedom of movement, 8 rounds/day) Feats: Extend Spell (B), Persistent Spell, Divine Metamagic (Persistent Spell), Heighten Spell, Cooperative Spell Skills: Diplomacy +15, Knowledge (the planes) +12, Knowledge (religion) +12; -7 armor check penalty to appropriate skills scholar’s clothing—free masterwork quarterstaff—600 gp half-plate—600 gp silver holy symbol—25 gp cloak of charisma +2—4000 gp 9x scrolls of plane shift—11250 gp ring of sustenance—2500 gp incandescent blue ioun stone—8000 gp Total: 26975 gp Lorn is not a direct attacker by any means. His main tactic is to summon creatures to fight for him, as he does not want to interrupt his divine protection. Lorn’s main defense is a sanctuary spell, Cooperatively cast with other priests of the OPMIS to decrease the chances that any can resist it. Before any Cooperative metamagic effects, Lorn’s heightened sanctuary has a save DC of 19, and quite often he will enlist the help of other priests to raise it above 30. On top of that, he persists it with Divine Metamagic to last all day for constant protection. On an average adventuring day, of course, when Lorn is taking a break from official missions and is just joining an adventuring party to see what he can see, he won’t have the assistance of the OPMIS. He might go weeks at a time with a weaker defense, during which time he is even more careful to stay out of trouble. He only asks for assistance when he is officially assigned a mission to see an archdevil, demon prince, or other formidable opponent. Otherwise, Lorn has a fairly good spread of defensive and summoning spells prepared. His typical repertoire is as follows: Orisons (6)—detect magic, read magic, light x2 1st level (5+1)—endure elements, hide from undead, summon monster I x3, D: longstrider 2nd level (4+1)—calm emotions, zone of truth, augury, summon monster II, D: locate object 3rd level (4+1)—speak with dead, magic circle, wind wall, summon monster III, D: clairaudience/clairvoyance 4th level (3+1)—heightened sanctuary, tongues, lesser planar ally, D: dimension door |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-09-08, 12:17 AM | Eldritch_Lord, your work has been added to the master list. That'll really help, but it seems like it'd throw low-level gaming totally outta whack. Especially with monks. According to the rules (as far as I can see anyway) they still get the class defense bonus along with their wis and dex and eventually AC bonus. Definitely helps them out (the monk needs SOMETHING). I tried my own armor as DR rules, but it didn't work out too well... A fight with a low CR creature lasted twice as long b/c, although the PCs could hit it, they couldn't deal it much damage. But I did whacky stuff like add its Fort as DR or something... yeah, I was pretty inexperienced. Well, to be honest, tonight was my second full gaming session for my new campaign, so these rules are in the "test" phase. However, I think that I'm going to like them. To give you some background, I'm running a heavily house-ruled game based off the show Avatar: The Last Airbender. I have a very large gaming group, 6 players, with 1 more possibly joining, so anything that makes the monsters harder typically doesn't phase the group much (since they have a lot more resources on hand). Tonight, they found themselves battling a Barbarian/Earthbender, who had a low AC, but DR from armor (which, really, in my mind, makes a lot of sense for a Barbarian). Due to his armor, the Barbarian took 5 hits before dropping, which really was about the right time frame for the fight. His bear didn't last that long... but then again, katana + crit + max damage = red mist. So far, from the perspective of the PC's, the rules are working out nicely. The class bonus to Defense has really improved the survivability of the characters at low levels, without having to triple their hit points (sorry, Stars Wars stab...). It's allowed me to pull of some larger than normal fights, w/o the party suffering too much, or increasing the party's damage output too greatly. I really like the rules, so far. I need to spend some more time testing them, but early results are promising. Also, if these house rules become standard, I think I've found a Fighter-fix that works beautifully. I need to see how it does at higher levels, but I think that the Class Bonus to Defense + Armor as DR + Weapon Group Rules (also from Unearthed Arcana), plus about 4 house ruled feats, and the Fighter class is almost perfect. Again, early showing, but I like how things are turning out. One question that I still need to answer is about Monks. As you said, they get their normal bonuses, plus the new class bonus to defense. I don't know how that is going to play out, because my no one in my gaming group decided to play a Monk in an Oriental setting... (I don't understand them sometimes). Still, early results, very positive. My group seems to have adapted to the alternate rules easily, which is also a positive. |
| Talisman02-09-08, 12:24 AM | It may be awesome armor, and in fact, it should be, but I just have a burning hatred of Mithral Chain Shirt. Practically everyone, even the fighters, end up wearing!!! (And don't get me started on the Twilight enhancement...) I don't suppose I should tell you about Fighter 2/rogue 10 - mithral chain shirt Sorcerer 4/cleric 3/mystic theurge 5 - mithral chain shirt Rogue 3/paladin 9 (me) - mithral chain shirt Fighter/rogue/soulknife/duelist - no armor (although we threaten to force him into the team uniform) Bladerager troll fighter 2 (...) full plate! I should also note that the mystic theurge's familiar is a flying monkey (don't ask), and the MT wanted a Tiny-size mithral chain shirt made for the monkey. The GM's response was...colorful. |
| Mercurius02-09-08, 01:24 PM | Past level 3, there are only two armors worth anything in 3.5... Mithral Chainshirts and Masterwork Fullplate, possibly Adamantine MW Fullplate when you can afford it. Unless you you really focus on DEX, fullplate is exceptionally good, and I do rather like that. Lightly armored characters ducking and weaving are sort of the de-facto in most fantasy and action these days, so I can appreciate that they're working to make the mechanics actually allow for it (unlike in 2nd edition...). On the other hand, fullplate wearers have been typically the best defended, longest surviving characters in most of my 3.5 campaigns so far, which may just be because none of us really knows how to cheese out AC the way so many people seem to. I dunno. |
| Zherog02-09-08, 02:29 PM | Past level 3, there are only two armors worth anything in 3.5... Mithral Chainshirts and Masterwork Fullplate, possibly Adamantine MW Fullplate when you can afford it. I tend to agree, and that's a failing of the system. You can sometimes make a case for some fringe armors (a barbarian, for example, can sometimes make good use of mithral full plate - if you go with the rules interpretation in the FAQ that says the classification of such armor changes from heavy to medium). But overall, going with an armor other than mithral chainshirt or regular fullplate is more a style decision than a "this is the best armor possible" decision. I'm wondering, actually, if that's something that'll be fixed in 4e. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-09-08, 06:01 PM | I just checked the list and found that I'm only the 3rd entrant. While I'm not upset that at this point I'm almost guaranteed a medal (;)) I'm curious if it is common to have few entrants until very close to the deadline. I've only entered HC #13 before, and in that one there were 3-4 entries before I even found the thread. |
| Heros_Backpack02-09-08, 07:38 PM | I just checked the list and found that I'm only the 3rd entrant. While I'm not upset that at this point I'm almost guaranteed a medal (;)) I'm curious if it is common to have few entrants until very close to the deadline. I've only entered HC #13 before, and in that one there were 3-4 entries before I even found the thread. Some competitions are busier than others, but it is quite common for the first week of the competition to be quiet and then get entries flowing in the second week. My guess is that most people spend the first week building their character. :D |
| Heros_Backpack02-09-08, 09:04 PM | While I'm not upset that at this point I'm almost guaranteed a medal (;)) Sorry, I have to nullify that guarantee... :) Liliaque AKA: Lily, Laki, Yakki, Cutie, Little Devil, Radox the failed Wizard, The Harlequin Girl and That :censored: who ran off with my money! Liliaque (pronounced Lill-ee-ahkk) Female tiefling Rogue 6/ Sorcerer 1 CN medium outsider (native) Initiative +2 (+2 Dex), Senses: Listen +1, Spot +10 Languages: Common, Elven, Goblin, Infernal Age 19, Height 5’ 7”, Weight 130 lb Deity: Olidammara AC 17 (+2 armor, +1 shield, +2 dex, +1 nat armor, +1 deflection) Touch 13, Flatfooted 17 HP 33 (6d6 + 1d4 + 7) Fort +4 (+2 Rogue, +1 Con, +1 Resistance) Ref +8 (+5 Rogue, + 2 Dex, +1 Resistance) Will +6 (+2 Rogue, + 2 Sorcerer, +1 Wis, +1 Resistance) Resistance to fire 5, electricity 5 and cold 5, evasion, uncanny dodge Speed 30’ Melee: +1 Dagger (1) +5, 1d4+1 (Sneak Attack +3d6), 19-20 x2 Or: +1 Dagger (TWF) +3/+3, 1d4+1 (Sneak Attack +3d6), 19-20 x2 Ranged: +1 Dagger, +7, 1d4+1, 19-20 x2, Range 10ft BAB +4 (+4 Rogue) Grapple +4 Base Abilities (28 pt array - 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10) Str 11 Dex 15 Con 12 Int 13 Wis 10 Cha 14 Current Abilities (modifier) Str 11 (+0) Dex 15 (+2) Con 12 (+1) Int 15 (+2) (+2 race) Wis 12 (+1) (+2 race) Cha 13 (+1) (-2 race, +1 level) Special Abilities Darkness 1/day Darkvision 60' Evasion Resistance to cold 5 Resistance to electricity 5 Resistance to fire 5 Sneak Attack +3d6 Summon familiar (none at present) Trapfinding Trap sense +2 Uncanny Dodge Feats: Skill Focus: Sleight of Hand, Two weapon defense, Two weapon fighting Skills: Appraise +2 (+4 with alchemical items) (+2 int, +2 synergy - Craft (alchemy)) Bluff +13 (+1 Cha, 10 ranks, +2 race) Concentration +8 (+1 Con, 7 ranks) Craft (alchemy) +13 (+2 Int, 9 ranks, +2 circ - alchemist's lab) Diplomacy +5 (+1 Cha, +2 synergy - Bluff, +2 synergy - Sense Motive) Disable Device +13 (+2 Int, 9 ranks, +2 circ - mwk thieves' tools) Disguise +12 (+14 to act in character) (+1 Cha, 9 ranks, +2 circ - Disguise kit (+2 synergy - Bluff)) Gather Information +10 (+1 Cha, 9 ranks) Hide +4 (+2 Dex, +2 race) Knowledge (local) +3 (+2 Int, 1 rank) Listen +1 (+1 Wis) Open Lock +13 (+2 Dex, 9 ranks, +2 circ - mwk thieves' tools) Sense Motive +10 (+1 Wis, 9 ranks) Sleight of Hand +18 (+2 Dex, 9 ranks, +3 feat, +2 circ - mwk tools, +2 synergy - Bluff) Spot +10 (+1 Wis, 9 ranks) Use Rope +4 (+2 Dex, +2 circ - silk rope) Spells: (Arcane Spell Failure 0%) Sorcerer - 0th: 5/day, 1st: 5/day Spells known - 0th (DC11): Mage Hand, Open/Close, Prestigitation, Read Magic 1st (DC12): Charm Person, Comprehend Languages Possesions: (On self) 2 Dagger +1 (4604gp) 10 mwk daggers (3020gp) (2 in each boot, 2 inside her coat, 1 up each sleeve, 1 between her shoulder blades, 1 in the small of her back) Bracers of Armor +2 (4000gp) Ring of Protection +1 (2000gp) Amulet of Natural Armor +1 (2000gp) Spell Component Pouch (5gp) Hat of disguise (1800gp) Boots of the Winterlands (2500gp) Cloak of Resistance +1 (1000gp) Entertainer's Outfit (free at creation) Belt Pouch (1gp) Containing: Flint & Steel (1gp) Wand of Cat's Grace (5 charges remaining) (450gp) Wand of Invisibility (10 charges remaining) (900gp) Mwk thieves tools (100gp) 1 potion Cure Light Wounds (50gp) (In Heward’s Handy Haversack (2000gp)) 2 Silversheen (500gp) 20 Tindertwigs (20gp) 5 flasks alchemist’s fire (100gp) 2 vials antitoxin (100gp) 3 flasks acid (30gp) 4 Tanglefoot bags (200gp 3 Thunderstones (90gp) 5 Sunrods (10gp) Disguise kit (50gp) Bedroll (0.1gp) Winter Blanket (0.5gp) Tent (10gp) 1 day’s fuel (0.01gp) Cooking pot (0.5gp) 1 vial ink (8gp) 2 ink pens (0.2gp) 6 sheets parchment (1.2gp) Shovel (2gp) 50’ silk rope (10gp) Traveller’s Outfit (1gp) 10 empty flasks (0.3gp) 3 empty vials (3gp) Clay mug (0.02gp) Grappling hook (1gp) Hammer (0.5gp) 5 pitons (0.5gp) 2 empty sacks (0.2gp) Alchemist's lab (500gp) 10 days rations (5gp) Stage magician's kit (mwk sleight of hand tools) (50gp) Sewing needle (0.5gp) Soap (0.5gp) Small steel mirror (10gp) 1 potion Cure Light Wounds Scroll case (1gp) Containing: 4 scrolls of Identify (500gp) 4 scrolls Expeditious Retreat (100gp) 2 scrolls Mount (50gp) 2 scrolls Animate Rope (50gp) Cash: 112gp, 1sp, 5cp TOTAL OWNED: 27,000gp Level breakdown Level 1 - Rogue 1 Feat: Two Weapon Fighting Skill Ranks (32 class pts + 8 Int): Bluff 4, Concentration 2 cc, Craft (alchemy) 4, Disable Device 4, Disguise 4, Gather Information 4, Open Lock 4, Sense Motive 4, Sleight of Hand 4, Spot 4. Level 2 - Rogue 1/Sorcerer 1 Skill ranks (2 class + 2 Int) bought (Total): Bluff 1 (5),Concentration 3 (5). Level 3 - Rogue 2/ Sorcerer 1 Feat: Skill Focus: Sleight of Hand Skill Ranks (8 class + 2 Int) bought (Total): Bluff 1 (6), Craft (alchemy) 1 (5), Disable Device 1 (5), Disguise 1 (5), Gather Info 1 (5), Knowledge (local) 1 (1), Open Lock 1 (5), Sense Motive 1 (5), Spot 1 (5) Level 4 - Rogue 3/ Sorcerer 1 +1 Cha Levels 4-7 (Rogue 3-6/Sorcerer 1) Skill ranks (8 class +2 Int) bought each level: Bluff 1, Concentration 0.5, Craft (alchemy) 1, Disable Device 1, Disguise 1, Gather Information 1, Open Lock 1, Sense Motive 1, Sleight of Hand 1, Spot 1. Background Liliaque was born in a circus troupe to a half-elven mother (Dazzling Darienne, tightrope walker) and a human father (Georgi, the Hand that Never Misses!, knife thrower). SHe had her father's ears, her mother's face, and her very own bright red eyes. She grew up very fast, absorbing the unwritten circus code of "never look back, never go back" before she was two years old. By the time she was three and talking coherently she was working like everyone else. Sometimes she spent days wandering through the crowds listening to them talk about their hopes and expectations and reporting back to the fortune-tellers and the ringmaster. Sometimes she was put up as the 'target' for her father's knives, or sat on her mother's shoulders during a tightrope walk. Sometimes she just worked backstage, fetching and carrying for the elderly circus alchemist. At five, she earned her own sideshow and her very own title of "Little Devil". She learnt to slip on costumes and disguises that emphasised her pointed canines and red eyes, add a false tail and horns and dye her fair hair and skin lurid, devilish shades. Her father taught her to handle and juggle knives for her "devilish display", and she also learnt to bluff her way past the paladins that came hunting down the "devil" every so often. "I'm not a real devil," she would say, looking up at them with innocent, tear-filled eyes. "I'm only an albino quarter-elf. Do you like my costume?" Her bluffing allowed the circus to keep the sideshow for nearly six years, until a particularly stubborn paladin burst in for the third time. After that, the ringmaster decided that it was too dangerous and assigned her to be the alchemist's helper instead. She learnt how to make the various items for stage smoke and thunder, lighting and darkness. She also became the "magician's assistant" in the alchemist's clown sideshow about a bumbling wizard. When her natural magic manifested for the first time, she saw it more as just one more tool in her pocket than as something she needed to improve. After all, why bother to work at real magic when stage magic is better at conning marks out of their coin? As time went by and the alchemist grew closer to retiring, Liliaque began to do more and more of the work, evenually taking over the sideshow completely and earning her second stage name - Radox the failed wizard. She was a month short of her sixteenth birthday when a real wizard took exception to one of the circus acts and blasted the place apart. Snatching up as much of her equipment as she could, she bolted for the cover of night and safety. She didn't look back, but she smelt the fire and heard the screams. She did go back when the sun came up, but if there were any survivors, they had also packed and left. After a quick rummage, she also followed the circus code, plying a solo show through small towns and villages, juggling her knives, making and selling minor alchemy, bluffing her way in and out of problems and gradually becoming more adept at producing a coin from someone's ear with one hand while swiping several from their pocket with the other. She has talked up her elvish heritage to get past centaurs, talked it down to evade orcs, clowned for minotaurs, juggled for winter wolves and even pilfered from pegasi. Still, while she boasts that she has never been to the same place twice, she misses the camaraderie of the circus troupe and would gladly join a group of like minded souls for a longer or shorter time just for the company. Seeing new places in safety would be a bonus. Description and Personality Liliaque is slender and around average height, depending on how thick the soles on today's shoes are. When made up as a clown, her hair is dyed in streaks of green and blue to match her blue and green harlequin entertainer's outfit. When she is taking on the role of a sensible alchemist, she mutes her hair to a light brown and/or confines it under a headscarf. Either way, her hair is no more than collar length, with a tendancy to frizz out around her head. Her natural coloring is blonde haired and fair skinned, with bright red eyes and pointed canine teeth - the rest of her teeth are normal. Her favourite bluff to explain her eyes is still "I'm a natural albino", and she would much rather talk her way out than fight. If forced to fight, she will draw a dagger in each hand and shift around looking for an opening, while trying to stay out of reach - she has been known to hurl daggers from both hands at once and produce more out of nowhere. If pressed hard, she will try to feint and then sneak attack. Contacts Dazzling Darienne (Dari) (CN Half elf Expert 4) - Liliaque's mother survived the fireballing of the circus and rescued her husband from the wreckage of their caravan. The pair have since started up their own, smaller, circus and would love to have their daughter rejoin them, although any searching is done on the quiet so that no rivals realise and snap her up first. Georgi, the Hand that never Misses! (George) (TN Human Warrior 5) - Liliaque's father went back to retrieve his daggers and was trapped under his wagon for several hours. He survived, but received severe burns and scars that have left him less accurate than before. His new act is as the circus wildman. Sir Ranulf de Harringen (LG Human Paladin 8) - Having failed to find the little devil in his youth, he has recently heard that the devil has resurfaced and is bound and determined to redeem his failure by finding and destroying it once and for all. Archmage Rardyx (NE Grey Elf Wizard 12) - Rardyx has an attitude that makes all other elves look humble and absolutely no sense of humor. He half heard the name of Liliaque's act, heard the crowd laughing at what appeared to be himself and wiped out the lot of the insulting vermin in a fit of ire. If he heard that the act was still being performed (and under the same stage name) he would be furious and no doubt order the recurring vermin arrested and brought to his laboratory so that he could dispatch the creature in the manner it has so vilely earned. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-09-08, 11:10 PM | :ahem: Curse you, Heros_Backpack! Curse you! *shakes fist* Well, I did say "at this point"....At least now things are getting interesting. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-10-08, 12:27 AM | Eldritch_Lord, I'm sorry to break this to you... I've added Heros_Backpack's entry to the master list. I know it's frustrating, with such promising early results, but I'm afraid that the truth of the matter is: there are 4 contestants now. It seems like our usual turnout is 12 entries anymore, typically with 2 new contestants each time around. Granted, those statistics are entirely off the top of my head. Well over half of the entries occur in the 2nd week, and typically you can expect 2-3 entries on the last day of the competition. Mercurius, I agree w/ your assessment of armor. Statistically, there are only three armors in D&D: Mithral Chain, MW Fullplate, Adamantine Fullplate. I have, however, found that Mithral Breastplate occasionally fits in well enough. For me, it's more a flavor issue than anything. Monks & casters shouldn't wear armor (and yes, IMO, Clerics just don't seem right in armor to me, though I don't actually house rule my opinion on that one). Stealth characters (rangers, rogues, etc...) should be walking around in light armor. However, combat characters should be decked out. I've studied martial arts, and I'd much rather rely on a sheet of metal, as opposed to my natural reflexes, to protect me (one of the reasons I do like the Flat Footed Mechanic). Sure, I can dodge and parry with the best of them (ok, maybe not the best, but with the average contender, I stand a chance), but having something to absorb the blow just seems like a common sense in melee, and especially in melee w/ more than one individual. |
| Endarrion02-10-08, 08:22 AM | One thing that must be taken into account in this armor discussion is the fact that these characters in the D&D world aren't combatants, they're adventurers. An adventurer needs to be able to do a lot of different things, some of which are hindered by heavy armor. This competition is a great example because the theme is "Adventurers" and it's pretty hard to imagine someone walking the ends of the earth in plate mail (just try jumping across that chasm, or swimming up that river, or climbing that cliff face). |
| Mercurius02-10-08, 09:25 AM | On the subject of entrants, considering both jennibert and myself are judges this time around, and that we almost always enter the contest when we're not judging, I'm curious to see if we'll have less entries overall. T'would be rather interesting if I've been helping increase the quantity of entries all this time... |
| Eldritch_Lord02-10-08, 10:38 AM | On the subject of entrants, considering both jennibert and myself are judges this time around, and that we almost always enter the contest when we're not judging, I'm curious to see if we'll have less entries overall. T'would be rather interesting if I've been helping increase the quantity of entries all this time... Well, by definition there will be two fewer entries than there would have been, had you not been judging, so in that respect you've been increasing the number of entries. But as for the overall turnout...we'll have to see. |
| Cartigan02-10-08, 10:57 AM | I have an idea for this one that is better than my idea for the last one I didn't enter, but I may not do it anyway. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-10-08, 01:20 PM | I have an idea for this one that is better than my idea for the last one I didn't enter, but I may not do it anyway. Oh, c'mon, give it a shot. What do you have to lose? Besides the contest against mine, I mean? :D |
| Kimokeo02-10-08, 09:33 PM | “Hi, my name is Rya’lin.” Her voice is so seducing as is the beautiful, young woman sitting beside you. “Welcome to my boudoir. It’s not often I am asked for an interview. Perhaps you’d like some cha or perhaps sake?” She makes you feel comfortable with soft silk and lace – both worn by her apartment and herself. She leans back, knowing you’ve been provided all the delicacies she has to offer. A few loose strands of hair fall upon her face. She pushes them back under the ferroniere and notices you have been watching her every, slightest move. The warmth in the room grows as you spend more time with her. “It’s a long story, but you have time to spend with me, right?” Her smile melts you and you lie still, your headed propped under robes you once wore. “It was my mother…” “Swear to me you’ll do it!” Donné cried, grasping Rya’lin’s hand, “you must do this to save my honor.” “No, I forbid it. She can’t – you won’t, please…” Ka’pec pleaded, Donné’s knife still deep in his chest. “You will destroy all I’ve lived for. Please Rya’lin.” Rya’lin pushed the knife a bit deeper. “Hush, father. Let mother speak. I love you for the moment, still.” “Daughter, dearest. You must swear first to carry out my final request. First!” she demanded of her, taking Rya’lin’s hand firmly, “I cannot tell you the task until you swear. Don’t let me die without…without your…” “Very well, mother. I swear. Please explain to me why father is entertaining your blade in his chest than in his back. That is the usual place, is it not?” “No, Rya’lin, please. Don’t. I like you as I always have. How could anyone not? But, but you choose a desperate path. A doomed one. You will not succeed.” “Yes, she will, husband, scum. You will die as did your friend,” and Donné’s finger points to the Quasit chained and gagged in the corner, scorched almost beyond recognition. “Father, you never loved me. Even now, you still can’t say it?” Her palm pressed down further on the protruding handle. “I will do as you ask, mother.” “Thank you, dear, for making your promise. Those three books on the table. Bring them to me.” Rya’lin left her parents’ side to the old, wooden table. On the table were three clean tomes. The books were labeled, covering four decades. Her father’s hand noticeable in the writing. Her father whimpered, but now only blood, not words, came from his mouth. Rya’lin ignored him, partially. To her mother, she sat, the books in her lap. “Rya’lin,” her mother began, “In your hands is the beginning and end of a deal the Quasit and your father made. In your hands are the most devilish plots and schemes designed. It is testimony of your father’s disgrace to me. To you and our family. Our name. You will defend our honor? Then, read these tomes. I already have.” “My dream, Rya’lin,” her father sputtered, “My dream. So close…so close…” “A nightmare, Kap’ec. Not a dream. But, soon you will awaken and discover that is all it ever was. Your daughter, your only daughter that you didn’t know about, will end all you’ve created.” “Didn’t know about?” Rya’lin asked, “What does that mean? You mean I have sisters?” “No, Rya’lin,” Donné answered with a spit at her dying husband, “You had sisters. He killed them all. Or, it did. Does it really matter? The deal was for sons, not daughters. The Quasit demanded sons so your father sired many. Those tomes contain his disgusting accomplishments. I’ve read them. You will find details about your brothers. Their locations, how to find them, how old they are.” “Mother. I must kill my brothers?” Rya’lin asked, realizing what she had just sworn to do. “Yes. But, once you’ve read the books, I don’t think you’ll mind. But, you must kill ever single one.” “Mom, how many are there?” “Many, Rya’lin. Very many, so you will need to prepare yourself. You’ll have to be constantly on the move. You must understand. This is why you’ve been taught so much about the lands and the people. Why I’ve trained you so much – by interacting with people, finding secrets and stories and learning how to use it to your advantage. Because, I knew that one day, you’d have to complete this if I could not.” “Why can’t you, mom? Oh, MOM!” Rya’lin hadn’t even noticed that her mother’s skin was turning blue and green. “It’s too late for me, Rya’lin. The poison is going to kill me soon. Quick, bring the glove on the table, the gauntlet you’ve asked me about for so long.” Returning with it and handing it to her mother, her mother held it close to her breast. “With this, I will remain with you, daughter. To be a voice of hope and reminder. To protect and to help you. Goodbye, my …” Rya’lin cried, holding the now, life-less body of her mother. She turned, red faced and angry to her father, but he, too, was dead. She went to the body, drew out the knife. She looked at the knife, wiped it clean on her father robes, and placed it in her sash. It would be two weeks, before she began to read the horrible books that would guide her. “I’ve killed many brothers through seduction: my voice, my song, and my body. I have practiced my craft and I am most exquisite, am I not?” She smiles at you, running her fingers along the sashes holding your wrists and legs. “I must say, though, that you are quite handsome. Some of our other brothers: like the Ogre, the Ethereal Filcher, the Slaad. They were all so disgusting. You, sir, have been a nice difference, for a change. You are far better than the last! Ugh! The grey ooze. I don’t even want to think about how dad did that one.” She leaves your side, to her side table and gathers a gauntlet and draws forth a knife. “Yes. It’s the same from the story. They’re my mother’s.” She places the gauntlet upon her hand and places the knife in its palm. “Yes, mother. I know. Another one. Another….I’m so sorry but a promise is a promise.” You are too mesmerized to scream as Rya’lin takes your life – but you do have the pleasure of tasting her lips once last time. “Time to go mother. Another land and another brother awaits. Let’s go.” Rya'lin; Gnome Brd5/Asn3: CR 8; ECL 8; Size S; HD 8d6+8; hp 38; Init +0; Spd 20 ft; AC 11, touch 11, FF 11; BAB +5; Grapple -1; Atk: +5 melee (1d2 - 1, Small Gauntlet +1), +3 melee (1d3 - 2, Whip MW), +5 melee (1d2 - 2, Small Whip MW); SA +1 to attacks vs kobolds and goblinoids; SQ Low-light vision, +4 dodge vs giants, Speak with Animals, +2 saves vs illusion, spell-like abilities; AL NE; SV Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +5; Str 6, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 20. (Racial: Str -2 Con +2. Level 4 & 8, add 2 to CHA) Languages spoken: Common, Gnome, Draconic, and Elven Skills and Feats: Craft (Alchemy) +12, Diplomacy +17, Disguise +9, Gather Information +15, Hide +12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +7, Knowledge (Geography) +7, Knowledge (Local) +7, Knowledge (Nature) +7, Move Silently +8, Perform (Sing) +10, Perform (String) +10.5, Profession (Lady of the Willow World) +10, Sense Motive +5; Diplomacy & Profession increased by 5 (magic items). Although not added, Masterwork tools provide a +2 circumstance bonus - but she only uses the toys for special boys. Armor Proficiency (Light), Open Minded, Jack of All Trades, Quick Draw, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency. Special Abilities: Bardic Knowledge, Bardic Music, Bardic Spellcasting, Death Attack, Low-light Vision, Poison Use, Save Bonus against Poison, Sneak Attack, Uncanny Dodge. Asn Spells Known (-1/3/1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1): 1--Disguise self, Obscuring mist, Sleep, 2--Alter self, Invisibility. Brd Spells Known (3/5/2/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1): -1--Detect poison, Endure elements, Ghoul touch, Touch of fatigue, 0--Daze, Detect magic, Ghost sound, Light, 1--Disguise self, Expeditious retreat, Sleep, 2--Detect thoughts, Locate object. Possessions: 116 pp, 710 gp, Her pet rabbit, Typical foodstuff and poisons when available, Small dagger of venom, Small gauntlet +1 intelligent*, Heward's handy haversack, 3 Royal outfit, 3 Noble's outfit, 3 Cleric's vestments, 3 Courtier's outfit, 2 Explorer's outfit, 3 Scholar's outfit, 3 Entertainer's outfit, 3 Masterwork tools:Profession , Focus Ferroniere +5 diplomacy, Lady's Lingerie +5 profession, Traveler's outfit, Small whip mw. *The +1 Gauntlet is named Donné. Her mother's spirit resides in this Intelligent weapon. 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha Speech: Gnome, two lesser powers: Bless 3/day & Faerie Fire 3/day 120 ft vision & hearing. Ego: 7. Because only a part of her mother's spirit resides, she doesn't have the same power over her daughter as she did when alive. But, she is still capable of guiding her daughter in completing her quest - even nagging her to complete it when she needs the nudge. Her mother's dagger is only used to kill a brother. She won't use it any other time. Due to Jack of all Trades, all skills usable. Open Minded added 5 skill points APPRAISE (INT) 2=0+2-0 BALANCE (DEX)0=0+0-0 BLUFF (CHA) 5=0+5-0 CLIMB (STR) -2=0-2-0 CONCENTRATION (CON)6=0+1+5 CRAFT (ALCHEMY) (INT)12=8+2+2 CRAFT (OTHER) (INT)2=0+2-0 DECIPHER SCRIPT (INT)2=0+2-0 DIPLOMACY (CHA) 17=5+5+7 DISABLE DEVICE (INT) 2=0+2-0 DISGUISE (CHA) 9=4+5-0 ESCAPE ARTIST (DEX) 0=0+0-0 FORGERY (INT) 2=0+2-0 GATHER INFORMATION (CHA)15=8+5+2 HANDLE ANIMAL (CHA)5=0+5-0 HEAL (WIS) 0=0+0-0 HIDE (DEX)12=8+0+4 INTIMIDATE (CHA)5=0+5-0 JUMP (STR)-2=0-2-0 KNOWLEDGE (DUNGEONEERING) (INT) 7=5+2-0 KNOWLEDGE (GEOGRAPHY) (INT) 7=5+2-0 KNOWLEDGE (LOCAL) (INT) 7=5+2-0 KNOWLEDGE (NATURE) (INT) 7=5+2-0 KNOWLEDGE (OTHER) (INT) 2=0+2-0 LISTEN (WIS)2=0+0+2 MOVE SILENTLY (DEX)8=8+0-0 OPEN LOCK (DEX) 0=0+0-0 PERFORM (CHA) 5=0+5-0 PERFORM (SING) (CHA)10=5+5-0 PERFORM (STRING) (CHA)10=5.5+5-0 PROFESSION (LADY OF THE WILLOW WORLD) (WIS)10=5+0+5 RIDE (DEX)0=0+0-0 SEARCH (INT)2=0+2-0 SENSE MOTIVE (WIS)5=5+0-0 SLEIGHT OF HAND (DEX)0=0+0-0 SPEAK LANGUAGE (NONE)0=0+0-0 SPELLCRAFT (INT) 2=0+2-0 SPOT (WIS)0=0+0-0 SURVIVAL (WIS) 0=0+0-0 SWIM (STR)-2=0-2-0 TUMBLE (DEX) 0=0+0-0 USE MAGIC DEVICE (CHA)5=0+5-0 USE ROPE (DEX) 0=0+0-0 |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-11-08, 12:43 PM | Kimokeo, your entry has been added to the master list, much to Eldritch_Lord's increasing terror (I assume). And as the entries pile up, I tell myself, I should get a head start on judging the entries this time. I'll get started on it sometime tomorrow... |
| Eldritch_Lord02-11-08, 02:28 PM | Kimokeo, your entry has been added to the master list, much to Eldritch_Lord's increasing terror (I assume). And as the entries pile up, I tell myself, I should get a head start on judging the entries this time. I'll get started on it sometime tomorrow... "Increasing terror"? :rolleyes: You make it sound as if I'm panicked, but I haven't even reached shaken yet. I was just hoping I'd have an easy time in this contest, because up to this point I've never made it higher than 3rd in a "Make Your Own _____" contest on the boards. Obviously I was mistaken. |
| jennibert02-12-08, 07:54 AM | Judging in advance, huh? Since we've got a Snow Day today (or, rather, an Ice Day, for if it were mere snow the roads would be clearer:P ), maybe I should do that....But probably I won't, cause I'm lazy.... Poor Mercurius still has to go to work...there is only one university open in the Greater Cincinnati Area as near as I can tell, and he works at it...:grumble grumble: |
| Eldritch_Lord02-12-08, 08:01 AM | Judging in advance, huh? Since we've got a Snow Day today (or, rather, an Ice Day, for if it were mere snow the roads would be clearer:P ), maybe I should do that....But probably I won't, cause I'm lazy.... Poor Mercurius still has to go to work...there is only one university open in the Greater Cincinnati Area as near as I can tell, and he works at it...:grumble grumble: Well, down by us it's the state primary today, which normally means we have off school, but noooOOOooo. We still have to go. So I feel for Mercurius, and hope you enjoy your day off. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-12-08, 11:24 AM | As much fun as a snow day should be for me, I must say that today is probably going to be annoying. Go figure, I finally get some snow, and the furnace at my apartment breaks... And all of my classes (for the moment) are on-line, which means I never get a snow day. :mad: |
| JackSnape02-12-08, 01:41 PM | :eek: I didn't see this contest til now :( I'm going to try to slap something (someone) together. Is there any chance the deadline will be extended now, even tho you have 5 entrants? |
| Dragoncat02-12-08, 02:21 PM | Kakumulani The Cartographer Truly, the serenity of a wind-swept plain in summer is truly unrivaled. Avians danced on the wind, a young fawn ventured forth from a copse of birch, flowers opened to the heavens above. The world sighed, compelling all to relax a moment, reflect, ponder. Partaking in a particularly poignant pomegranate, the young deer gazed across the field with a fondness born only of… *CRASH* Serenity shattered. A bolt from the heavens struck the hillside, a peal of thunder breaking across the plain. Birds fled, deer bolted, nature cringed. Then for a moment, silence. A smoldering pile of charred debris, formerly a birch, took a moment to emit a pitiful plume of smoke. Before nature's eyes, a dust-encrusted figure rose stumbling the ashes, coughing madly. Regaining his composure, he patted himself down, sweeping the dirt and grime away from his coat. Striking out with long, sure strides, he hiked to the top of a small hill to survey his surroundings. Gazing across the not-quite-as-tranquil plain, he sighed happily. His hand brushed his arm, flipping a switch on an eclectic gauntlet strapped to his left wrist. Stretching his arms, he whispers out to the sky. "Well hello there, Prime Material. I'm back." Kakumulani, he was once called, an old word for horizon. Born of the dust, to the dust he will no longer return. Raised in entropy, eternity is now his friend. Time is his enemy, time is his companion. Across the worlds, he rides the weave, charting the world as the Cartographer, ever seeking, ever discovering. Picture for a moment, the Quasi-Elemental Plane of Dust. All things succumb to the sweeping sands, crumbling into fine powder before time's grasp. It's people, the Dust Genasi, watch the world unfold and fall into decay, ever reminded that history is all that remains. See one of the Lorekeepers of the Eroding Sands, as these genasi of this desolation call themselves, preparing to journey from his plane. Physically unworthy of note in this place of entropy, his mind is nonetheless sharp and refined. Wrapping a desert robe around his shoulders, he rustles his own hair, flecks of sand cascading from his head. He sighs, knowing that no manner of movement will ever discard all the debris, and sets out to join the astral caravan, off to chronicle some measure of the history of the world as events slide into the omnipresent past. Picture for a moment, an odd band of planewalkers. A duergar gazes across the valley, chatting with an air genasi, the shorter scowling as the taller hides a grin behind her hand. A half-elf shakes his head, returning to the convoluted map they rely upon. Off to one side, a dust genasi converses with a thri-kreen, discussing navigational techniques. The five travel across the multiverse, a strange band from the far corners of the multiverse, drawn together by coincidence as much as friendship. A wizard, a seer, a wilder, an erudite, and a rogue, the group were confident they could go anywhere, find anything, discover all. They were known as the Pilot, the Navigator, the Pathfinder, the Cartographer, and the Waverunner, planewalkers all. Picture for a moment, the group relaxing in their temporary home. The thri-kreen and duergar bicker, as always. The half-elf fiddles with a strange contraption of lenses, determined to get it right. The arguing pair assist him, of a sort, between bouts of banter. And off to the side, the two genasi sit together, talking quietly. Their behavior is comfortably nervous, ever dancing around issues, ever alighting on smalltalk, never meeting the others gaze for long. The duergar spots them smiling for a moment, and grins to himself, murmuring a quick word to the half elf. One of these days, those two will get around to admitting it. Picture for a moment, the crew at work. The thri-kreen opens the door to the outside, complaining in jest about strange requests. The half elf and duergar finally contort their contraption into the desired configuration. The two genasi move towards the door, speaking in earnest. They pause awkwardly at the threshold, one to remain behind, another to leave for a time. On a whim, the air genasi dances forward, wrapping her slender arms around her dirt-encrusted friend. A quick peck on the cheek later, and she is away, off to help the others. The dust genasi drifts away with wistful grin and humming tune, catching up to the thri-kreen in the street, the eye-ridge of his insect friend raised in bemusement. Picture for a moment, a scene seven minutes later. The thri-kreen and dust genasi freeze in their walk as crackling thunder fills the sky. The entire block hums with power, the cobbles cracking away from their dwelling, a sapphire shard of scintillating light stabs straight through the roof. The Cartographer and Waverunner dash back, but are swept off their feet by cascading energy. The entire building collapses, rending a rift in the world, a gash in the fabric of the multiverse that hangs gaping for an instant, howling into eternity, before sealing up again, leaving only a crater. Picture for a moment, three years later. Thri-kreen and dust genasi fall through the Elemental Plane of Air, hurtling through a blizzard. Shielded from a thousand shards of jagged ice by only the lightest barrier of ectoplasm, the two tumble downwards, waiting. A crack in reality takes hold, ghastly light reflecting off of the whirling windstorm's snowflake swarm in a million directions. Through the breach, the two planeswalkers see three figures, barely aged minutes since they last saw them, all in a state of panic. Across the unearthly light, the eyes of two genasi meet for a fraction of a second. Then the rift is closes, and the mantis and dustling drop down into the infinite air. Picture for a moment, the dust genasi kneeling beside his thri-kreen friend. Although bright beings in their own right, the lives of the insectoid shine only for a short time. Grasping the genasi's hand in three of his limbs, his claws shaking slightly under cracking chitin, the thri-kreen slips away into entropy. There is no funeral, for only one friend stands in mourning. Over the Waverunner's grave, the Cartographer's ever-dust clad face is mired in watery grit. Whispering to the heavens, he makes a single vow. He will find his friends, he will save the one who holds his heart, and not even time will stand in his way. Now he is only called the Cartographer, the last of those who know his real name dead or lost. He has seen the worlds, traveled their expanses, charted their lands, discovered their secrets. He climbed the peak of Mount Celestia, stood atop the gears of the Clockwork Nirvana, delved the depths of the endless earth, and danced atop the shifting plain of Limbo. He held his own against an abyssal army, saved a kingdom in Kara-tur from disaster, found the single largest fire agate the Brass City has ever seen, and even saved reality itself from an artifact of ultimate, unstable power, giving it to the one being who would never use it, the Lady of Pain. Through his travels across the multiverse, he discovered the time and place to pull his friends out of the rift, and learned of the power he would need to accomplish it. ………..Maybe. He's pretty sure that's how it went. Ever since the transition to become an Elan, things have been a bit….fuzzy. Things seem inconsistent, memories play false, faces become distorted. Against the flow of time, perhaps not even memory can stand forever. A single date, inscribed on the inside of a gauntlet. Beneath it, a place, coordinates triangulated between the Abventia River, Mount Yehn, and Gadrin's Point, names he has never seen elsewhere. At the end of the day, that's all he really has, and the longing within his heart, a memory of memory, the single truth that there is somewhere, somewhen he must be. -----A less narrative telling----- On an ordinary day, the experiment of three planewalkers failed catastrophically. They were tossed into the void, a rift that stretched beyond ordinary time and space, where a single minute lasted a decade in the real world. Left behind were two friends, who worked on a way to pull them out of the schism the next time it opened. It would require immense power, practically the revision of reality itself, but it was possible. They also divined the next time and place the rift would open. A land neither had heard of. A time one thousand, two hundred and thirty three years, six months, nineteen days, two hours, forty two minutes and eight seconds in the future. Give or take three seconds for margin of error. They tried to find another way. But after years of searching, the flow of time caught up to one of them, a short-lived race but a brilliant soul. On his friend's deathbed, the other vowed never to give up seeking the others. He traveled the multiverse, accomplished heroic deeds, tapped into great and powerful forces. But inevitably, his opponent remained time. Not even the psionic arts could sustain him for sufficient time, and he at last turned to the only remaining possibility. He became an Elan. Forsaking his knowledge, his power, and a good portion of his memory, Kakumulani became an abberation, altering himself to stop time's hand. In a way, not much has changed. The Cartographer still travels the plains, charting the world, discovering its secrets, mapping its ways. But now he is alone, his eyes lingering on the heavens, constantly in a sense of waiting. Becoming an elan restructured his entire psyche, leaving him wondering if he is still the individual he was before. If the one he thought he was before really existed. That's not to say he has no purpose. He seeks three things in this multiverse, the triad of locations that form the coordinates he will have to use. He's got twelve hundred years to find them, but the multiverse is a pretty big place. And so he travels, searches, quests, discovers. Mapping out the plains has been more difficult since his transition. Plane shifting, he vaguely recalls, was much simpler than this astral caravan nonsense he utilizes in this day and age. Much more accurate, too, with far less probability of appearing a hundred feet above the ground. He has far too many embarrassing stories of late relating to falling into trouble, literally speaking. The lack of ultimate destructive power is also a tad annoying. If he ever truly possessed it. In his darkest days, however, he sometimes wonders if it was all real. His memories before his transition are unreliable at best. Little details seem false, minor inconsistencies keep appearing. There are moments where he asks himself if they were ever real. The Waverunner's simple tombstone is gone, the city they lived in has changed, the deeds the Cartographer might have accomplished lost to time. Perhaps his exploits were mere fantasy, his travels all a lie. Some of them seem like the could have been, or maybe they were different, or maybe never were. Or worse yet, has he himself changed, will his friends, his love, even recognize him, care about him, know him? There are days he simply doesn't know. All that remains is a gauntlet of adamantium, etched with a few simple words and numbers. Yet in the deepest corners of his heart, when thought and mind fail him, he always finds a single memory; a laughter on the breeze. The joyous voice of the one who caught his heart, blew his mind, and lifted his soul. The air beneath his spirit's wings. And so his mind rises from despair. He will be there to get her back. He will find the place, acquire the power, and stand the test of time to return her to this world. And nothing in this multiverse will stop him. Kakumulani, the Cartographer Elan Nomad 8 (aberration), formerly a dust genasi Age uncertain, estimated around 327 Hit Dice: 8d4+8 (28 hp) AC: 19 (+8 armor, +1 deflection) ; Touch 11; Flat Footed 19 Abilities: Str 8, Dex 10, Con 12 (+2 amulet), Int 22 (+2 with level, +2 headband), Wis 12, Cha 10 (-2 from elan) Alignment: Neutral Good Languages: Common, Celestial, Auran, Terran, Sylvan Initiative: +0 Speed: 30 feet Fort Save: +5 (+1 Con, +2 base, +2 cloak); Ref Save: +4 (+0 Dex, +2 base, +2 cloak); Will Save: +9 (+1 Wis, +6 base, +2 cloak) BAB: +4; Grapple: +3 (+4, -1 strength) Attack: +3 Dagger, 1d4-1. Generally uses no weapons. Special Attacks: None Special Qualities: Naturally psionic, Elan Resistance, Elan Resilience, Elan Repletion Feats: Power Penetration, Overchannel, Empower Power, Extend Power, Expanded Knowledge: Astral Construct Skills: Concentration +12 (11 ranks, +1 Con), Knowledge +17 (Geography, the Planes, Psionics, 11 ranks, +6 int), Psicraft +17 (11 ranks, +6 Int), Survival +12 (11 rank, +1 Wis). Extra skill point from increased INT at level 8 used to purchase ½ rank in Speak Language: Ignan. Power Points: 80 (58 class, 20 INT, 2 Racial) Powers: 1st- Astral Construct(ExKw), Crystal Shard, Detect Psionics, Far Hand, Skate, Vigor, 2nd- Detect Hostile Intent, Energy Stun, Psionic Levitate, Thought Shield, 3rd- Astral Caravan, Dispel Psionics, Telekinetic Force, Telekinetic Thrust, 4th- Correspond, Energy Adaptation, Psionic Dimension Door, Psionic Freedom of Movement Naturally Psionic: Elans gain 2 bonus power points at 1st level. This benefit does not grant them the ability to manifest powers unless they gain that ability through another source, such as levels in a psionic class. Resistance (Su): Elans can use psionic energy to increase their resistance to various forms of attack. As an immediate action, an elan can spend 1 power point to gain a +4 racial bonus on saving throws until the beginning of his next action. Resilience (Su): When an elan takes damage, he can spend power points to reduce its severity. As an immediate action, he can reduce the damage he is about to take by 2 hit points for every 1 power point he spends. Repletion (Su): An elan can sustain his body without need of food or water. If he spends 1 power point, an elan does not need to eat or drink for 24 hours. Explorer's outfit Masterwork Dagger, 302 Skin of Ectoplasmic Armor (CompPsi)- +8 armor, ACP -6, Max dex +2, 25% ASF, no speed penalty, inert for 1d4 rounds if dispelled. 3000 gp. Headband of Intellect +2 4000 gp. Cognizance Crystal (3 pp) 4000 gp Boots of Landing 1000 gp Ring of Protection +1 (2000 gp) Cloak of Resistance +2 (4000 gp) Amulet of Health +2 (4000 gp) Handy Haversack (2000 gp), contains various explorer gear. Rope, bedroll, candle, canvas, chalk, maps, mirror, oil, parchment, rope, more rope, shovel, tent, torches, vial of ink. Custom Item- Gauntlet inscribed with time and date of next rift. Attached are a compass, as well as several other navigational and surveying tools. Capable of manifesting Know Direction and Location at will. 2000 gp. Total: 26302 gp + misc gear cost, which I'm deeming well under the remaining 698 gp. Notes, thoughts, musings- I'm quite pleased to see a trailblazer theme, as this character is actually one I have run in the past. If it seems unfitting for heroic deeds to have already been accomplished, then they are merely false memories, fantasies of a mind transformed. I've left that note in there, however, purely as homage to the campaign in which the Cartographer did, in fact, save reality from unraveling, although mostly by circumstance. Dust genasi, of course, aren't in any of the required material. Because of his transformation into an Elan, however, no stats are necessary, merely the idea, the notion that they exist somewhere. Part of the "fuzzy" transition is the fact that Aku(shorten name, very helpful) was an erudite, and became a nomad after loosing class levels due to elan transformation. Just wanted to note that the shift was intentional. And finally, the introduction is the standard scene by which he enters a campaign(although the first time was over water). Thank heavens for Vigor. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-12-08, 02:45 PM | Dragoncat, welcome to the contest. Your entry has been added to the master list. Also, Jack, sorry but the deadline won't be extended. Several competitions back, there was some discussion among the active judges, and it was decided that the deadline could not be extended in that case (I think it was HC#5, but I honestly can't remember for sure). With that precedent in mind, and with enough entries to cover all medals, we can't extend the deadline. Also, at the moment we have 6 entries, and as a very experienced judge, I can tell you that we'll definitely have more than that on the way. |
| CheeseMan02-12-08, 03:00 PM | yea my 'zilla is about halfway done with mechanics, so i'll have that in for sure, and with the other 2-3 last day submissions, thats 9-10 entries at least |
| Zherog02-12-08, 03:39 PM | I'm pondering an entry as well, and if I get it posted it'll be a last minute thing. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-12-08, 06:28 PM | All the more reason to try and get a head-start on judging. (Why do the voices in my head keep saying "pipe dream?"). No, can't wait to see all the entries. Z, it's been a while since you competed, but I remember your entry as being very high quality. Looking forward to see what you come up with this time. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-12-08, 06:34 PM | As much fun as a snow day should be for me, I must say that today is probably going to be annoying. Go figure, I finally get some snow, and the furnace at my apartment breaks... And all of my classes (for the moment) are on-line, which means I never get a snow day. :mad: Well, that makes me feel a bit better. Hope your heater gets fixed soon. But not too soon. ;) |
| Zherog02-12-08, 06:58 PM | All the more reason to try and get a head-start on judging. (Why do the voices in my head keep saying "pipe dream?"). No, can't wait to see all the entries. Z, it's been a while since you competed, but I remember your entry as being very high quality. Looking forward to see what you come up with this time. And yet, I continue to be the only eligible judge who has never medaled. :) |
| wrecan02-12-08, 07:23 PM | Jackham the “Acheronian” Middle Age NG Human Expert 1/Fighter 4/Honorable Dread Pirate 3 Description: Jackham appears to first glance to be rakish pirate, with his long brass-buttoned coat and salt-matted hair under a three-cornered hat. His unkempt beard cuts a striking figure. His body, however, is lean and light and he moves with a nimbleness unexpected for a man in his late 30’s. Two short cutlasses grace his belt alongside his spyglass, and a longbow and quiver are strapped to his back. But most striking are his eyes, dark orbs whose silent plea communicates an abiding loneliness, even as he stands on the prow of the Wrack surrounded by his loyal crew. Jackham became an officer in the shipyards of the Royal Navy because his father and his father’s father had been officers in the shipyards of the Royal Navy. Due to this long tradition, there wasn’t a ship in the fleet that hadn’t had a board laid or a post hoisted by someone from Jackham’s family. While other men sailed off to war, Jackham,in the family tradition, stayed behind. Other naval officers pored over maps. Jackham pored over blueprints. He had no desire to see the world. As far as was concerned, the sea had been seen. The maps were full and the only true realm for discovery was improvements to shipbuilding. His skill was unmatched, thanks to a potent magic item that his grandfather had first owned, and which had been passed to Jackham’s father and finally to him. And then the Archipelago was discovered. About 500 leagues to the Southeast of the kingdom, a ship blown of course and thought lost returned with tales of undiscovered lands. A chain of islands, a thousand miles long, rich with gems and spices and the ruins of some long-lost civilization. New land piqued Jackham’s interest in a way that dreary talk of naval warfare ever had. He needed to see this new land. He needed to be a part of the new discovery. The Royal Navies were abuzz with excitement. Jackham had certainly earned a commission on a seafaring vessel, and he was well-liked by his superiors, so he was appointed lieutenant to the famed Captain Hetry Merriwether and his ship the HMS Foundation. Aboard a functioning ship, he soon realized that what appears in paper does not always translate well to reality. The Foundation’s mandate was to seek out and stop pirates who would be trying to pillage the native peoples of the islands and loot the ruins before Royal Expeditions could be mounted. During his five years on the Foundation, Jackham was able to develop his fighting skills, battling pirates and delving into the great undiscovered lands he desired. In reality, Merriwether was little more than a pirate himself, though one with official sanction. Merriwether would not protect the villagers. Instead, he would let the pirates loot the villagers and then when the pirates set sail, laden with gold, he would seize the pirates, hang them, scuttle their ships, and take the gold as salvage. Merriwether passed most of the gold on to the Royal Treasury, which kept investigators far away from his activities. Lieutenant Jackham was not happy with this development. He was still an idealist and he knew Merriwether’s activities violated every principal that he, his father and grandfather had always cherished. A handful of other sailors clearly felt the same way, including one of his best friends from childhood, Yeoman Lumley, who served as the ship’s workman. Jackham had actually brought Lumley with him from the shipyards, where Jackham had been Lumley’s supervisor. But they were easily outnumbered by Merriwether’s loyal retinue. But every man has his limits. Jackham’s limits came when Merriwether decided to do away with the pretense of waiting for pirates to raid a settlement. Merriwether had found a native village laden with emeralds, but there were no pirates to be seen and the Foundation was scheduled to return to the Kingdom for maintenance. By the time Merriwether returned, the village may already have been looted and that just wouldn’t do. So Merriwether decided to dress some of his men as pirates and do the looting themselves form a pirate ship the Foundation had recently captured but had not yet scuttled. Jackham brought his concerns to Merriwether privately, giving him an opportunity to voluntarily desist from this horrific plan. Merriwether refused and then accused Jackham and Lumley – and those sympathizers of whom Merriwether was aware – of mutiny. Merriwether rounded up the “mutineers”. Although Merriwether could have hung the mutineers, he knew that some sympathizers might still be aboard, and a summary execution would bring unwelcome scrutiny. So instead he placed Jackham, Lumley and the sympathizers on a small dinghy and stranded him on a distant atoll in the Archipelago, one surrounded by reefs and shipwrecks, with little of value. Jackham and his compatriots were stranded on that small island for twelve years. There was plenty of fish and native fruits to eat, but little else. Jackham and Lumley divided their time between survival and building a ship for them to sail. During this time, Lumley and the other men became fanatically devoted to Jackham, who mature so much that his own family would no longer recognize him. Jackham built his ship with care from native trees and the wreckage of ships. (Fortunately, Merriwether did not know about Jackham’s magical gloves and allowed him to take them with him into exile.) The ship had to be seaworthy, for the nearest island was through the open ocean. He used all of his expertise and, with Lumley’s help, they christened their sailing ship the “Wrack.” Jackham knew he and his men would have been branded traitors and mutineers. He could never show himself in civilized society again. But the Archipelago was a lawless place of native tribes, fledgling colonies and, most of all, pirates. Jackham renamed himself the “Acheronian” and turned to piracy. However, Jackham will not attack innocent vessels. Instead, he commissions adventurers to accompany him into the dangerous ruins found throughout the Archipelago for treasure and bounty. He has gained a reputation as an honorable pirate, who does not attack an unarmed enemy or unprovoked, respects the flag of truce, and has even had a hand in exposing some of the Navy’s more corrupt captains (some of whom used to serve with Jackham on the Foundation). In addition, Jackham discovered that Merriwether had been appointed the Royal Governor of all the colonies in the Archipelago. Jackham knew that Merriwether was too powerful to confront… for now. Jackham bides his time, taking refuge in the anonymity of being just another pirate in a lawless land. Jackham knows that it is only a matter of time before he will reveal himself to Merriwether at last, clear his name and have his revenge. He just doesn’t yet know how. JACKHAM the “ACHERONIAN” Middle Age NG Human Expert 1/Fighter 4/Honorable Dread Pirate3 Hit points: 57 Initiative: +6 Move: 30 ft. (6 squares) Armor class: 19 (10 + 6 (armor) + 2 (dexterity) +1 (deflection)), touch 13, flatfooted 17) Abilities: Strength 10, Dexterity 14, Constitution 14, Intelligence 13, Wisdom 10, Charisma 16 Saves: Fort +7, Reflex +6, Will +4 Class Abilities: Rally the Crew (2/day, +1 morale bonus to all allies to saving throws against charm and fear effects, attack rolls and weapon damage rolls) Feats: Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Leadership, Quick Draw, Two-Weapon FightingB, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (short sword), Weapon Specialization (short sword) Skills: Appraise +10 (+12 for items made with Craft (shipwright)), Balance +11 (+14 to remain balanced when taking damage), Climb +0 (+2 when climbing with ropes, +3 to remain climbing when taking damage), Craft (shipwright) +17 (+19 with masterwork tools), Diplomacy +5, Escape Artist +2 (+4 when escaping from ropes), Jump +9, Profession (sailor) +14, Swim +7, Tumble +11, Use Rope +9 Attack: +1 short sword +11 melee d6+3 damage or +1 longbow +10 ranged d8+1 Full attack: 2 +1 short swords +9/+9/+4 melee d6+3 damage or +1 longbow +10/+5 ranged d8+1 Languages: Common, Aquan Possessions (27,000 gp total) On the water (Please note that I am assuming the sailing ship is fully equipped with sails, galley, barrels, ropes, tar, hammocks, footlockers and everything one would expect to find on a sailing ship.) Sailing ship (3,333.33 gp, crafted) 1 spare quiver, 20 arrows (1 gp) Food supplies to keep 10 men fed with common meals for thirty days, based on the ship’s cook “Crafting” meals. (30 gp = 3 sp (common meal) × 30 (days) × 10 (men) ÷ 3 (crafting)) Chest with amazing lock (152 gp) 2 inkpens (2 sp) Map case (1 gp) 100 pages parchment (20 gp) 5 vials of ink (40 gp) Masterwork artisan’s tools (shipwright) (55 gp, kept on ship) 250 gp On his person (carrying a total of 24.62 lbs., which is a light load) Explorer’s outfit (free) Key to the chest (on chain around his neck under his chain shirt) 1 quiver, 20 arrows (1 gp, 3 lbs.) Belt pouch (1 gp, ½ lb.) 20 gp, 4 sp, 7 cp (20.47 gp, .62 lbs.) Spyglass (1000 gp, 1 lb.) Ring of protection +1 (2000 gp) Longbow +1 (2375 gp, 3 lbs.) Gloves of competence +5 (2500 gp) (see below) 2 short swords +1 (4620 gp, 4 lbs.) Mithral chain shirt +2 (5100 gp, 12½ lbs.) Wind fan (5500 gp) Progression by Level: Starting abilities: Strength 11, Dexterity 14, Constitution 15, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 9, Charisma 14 Expert 1: (32 skill points, 2 feats, Will +2, 6 hp): Four ranks each in Appraise, Balance, Craft (shipwright), Jump, Profession (sailor), Swim, Tumble and Use Rope. The feats are Improved Initiative and Combat Reflexes Fighter 1-4: (16 skill points, 4 feats, BAB +4, Fort +4, Reflex +1, Will +1, 1 ability increase, 22 hp): 1 cross-class rank each in Appraise and Profession (sailor). The feats are, in order taken, Quick Draw, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (short sword), and Weapon Specialization (short sword). The ability increase is in Charisma Honorable Dread Pirate 1-3: (24 skill points, 1 feat, BAB +3, Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +1, 1 ability increase, 13 hp): 3 ranks each in Balance, Jump, Profession (sailor), Swim, Tumble and Use Rope. 6 ranks in Craft (shipwright). The sixth level feat is Leadership. As class abilities, he also receives Seamanship, Two-Weapon Fighting as a bonus feat, and Rally the Crew. The ability increase is in Dexterity. Age Increase: While stranded on the island, Jackham increased an Age Category to Middle Age. This increased his mental abilities by one and decreased his physical abilities by 1. Skill synergies and other bonuses: +2 to Appraise items made with Craft (shipwright), +2 to Balance, +2 to Climb when using ropes, +3 to Balance and or Climb checks to remain balancing or climbing when he takes damage, +2 to Escape Artist when escaping from ropes, +2 to Jump, +3 insight bonus to Profession (sailor), +2 to Tumble New Item: Gloves of Competence These sturdy, well-made workmen’s gloves look like any other ordinary pair of gloves. However, when worn, they grant the wearer a +5 competence bonus on Craft checks. Faint transmutation; CL 2nd; Craft Wondrous Item, creator must have 5 ranks in a Craft skill; Price 2,500 gp. The price of this item is determined using the standard rules for pricing items that grant competence bonuses to skills, as set forth in the Dungeon Master’s Guide: bonus squared × 100. Leadership Explained 13/14F = 8 (level) + 3 (cha) + 2 (great renown)P + 2 (stronghold)F -1 (moves around)F F This applies to the Leadership score for followers only. P I submit a Dread Pirate should get great renown as part of his 2nd level class ability. Note: While I think Jackham is fair and generous, I decided not to give him a bonus for that, as it is really a judgment call. Cohort: Lumley, Middle age human Expert 2/Ftr 4 Constant Followers: One 2nd level and seven 1st level Expert sailors. Other Followers: Eight 1st level commoners in various ports who render aid and comfort when needed. Rackham is always looking for more followers in new ports. A note on how Jackham Crafted his ship. At the time that Jackham crafted his ship, he was 5th level (4 ranks in Craft (shipwright)) with a +1 Int bonus, wearing his gloves of competence +5, but using improvised artisan tools (-2 circumstance penalty), for an aggregate bonus of +8. Fortunately, he was also aided by his junior officer (and future cohort), Lumley. I am assuming that the DC to build a ship is 20. The price of the ship is 100,000 sp, but required him to contribute 3,333.33 gp of materials (which he gathered from the shipwrecks around the island and the mahogany trees native to the island). Jackham would Take 10 on his weekly Craft checks so as to make sure he does not have to reinvest materials. Even so, he would only make progress on his ship when Lumley made a successful Aid Other check. Assuming a +5 bonus (5 ranks in Craft and no Int bonus) on the roll, Lumley would succeed on this roll 80% of the time. Each success results in Jackham making 400 sp worth of progress. Thus, the expected progress (80% of 400 sp) is 320 sp/week. This means it would take about 312½ weeks (6 years) to complete the ship. Assuming he and Lumley had to spend as much time surviving as they did shipbuilding, I doubled the time required to 12 years, which is how long I had them stranded on the island. (This also pushes Jackham and Lumley into the Middle Age age category.) Citations: The Dread Pirate prestige class is located in Complete Adventurer. All other features are located in the Player’s Handbook or Dungeon Master’s Guide. Final Note: Yes, I know a level in Rogue would have been better, mechanically, than a level in Expert. He would have gotten Trapfinding and Sneak Attack +1d6 and more skill points. But it made no sense to me that his first level would be as a Rogue. Expert fits the story so much better. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-12-08, 09:02 PM | Wrecan: I like the entry, but why the "Acheronian"? Not that it's bad; I just thought I missed something in the background. Or is it an arbitrary designation totally unrelated to Acheron the plane? |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-12-08, 11:18 PM | Welcome back, wrecan. The master list has been updated. |
| wrecan02-13-08, 09:20 AM | Wrecan: I like the entry, but why the "Acheronian"? Not that it's bad; I just thought I missed something in the background. Or is it an arbitrary designation totally unrelated to Acheron the plane? "Acheronian" has a colloquial meaning of "dark and dismal", which I thought well described Jackham's mood. I also think a pirate who wants to put fear into the hearts of corrupt naval officers might choose a name that will remind those officers of the LE plane they might find themselves in after death. I was going to put something in about that, but the background was already long enough. |
| Zherog02-13-08, 10:31 AM | A background is never too long. Well, except jenni's. |
| CheeseMan02-13-08, 12:16 PM | should i take a stab at usurping jenni's record this time? nah...i'll save it for HC 20: Epic Epicness |
| Mercurius02-13-08, 12:52 PM | A background is never too long. Well, except jenni's. Hey! I think I might have actually beaten Jennibert's record once or twice (or at least come very very close to it). |
| wrecan02-13-08, 01:05 PM | As have I. I'm trying to avoid that. |
| Zherog02-13-08, 02:43 PM | If I were really bored and/or looking to avoid doing actual work, I might actually go back through past competitions and figure out the record holder for A) most words and B) most words per character level (because you would think a high level character would have a longer background, figuring out a "per level" word count might be an interesting way to look at it). Unfortunately at the moment I can't avoid doing actual work, because I have something due tomorrow. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-13-08, 04:31 PM | "Acheronian" has a colloquial meaning of "dark and dismal", which I thought well described Jackham's mood. I also think a pirate who wants to put fear into the hearts of corrupt naval officers might choose a name that will remind those officers of the LE plane they might find themselves in after death. I was going to put something in about that, but the background was already long enough. Hmm. I forgot about the colloquial meaning entirely; I guess I've just been so accustomed to thinking of Acheron the plane that I miss its other contexts. |
| Endarrion02-13-08, 05:15 PM | Baldwin Hunt Physical Description and Personality Baldwin Hunt is a little over average height and slim. He has long brown hair that he usually wears in a ponytail and a full beard. His eyes are a clear and bright blue and his skin is a dark tan. Baldwin is almost always jittery and even when trying to sit perfectly still, one of his legs is bouncing up and down. Baldwin’s demeanor is usually calm despite his fidgety appearance. He can carry a completely calm conversation, leg bouncing the whole while. Though a fairly nice person, Baldwin is a fierce individualist and has no respect for those who would limit one’s freedom, or those who cannot, or refuse to, stand up for their own. Most people who have met Baldwin would describe him as aloof and restless. Background Baldwin was born to a mother and father in a small fishing village. His father lived there for his entire life, as did his father, and so on for as many generations as Baldwin Sr. could remember. Janice, Baldwin’s mother, moved to the village from a larger town when Baldwin Sr. traveled there to sell his catch and caught her eye. Janice was an over protective mother who constantly worried over her son, and Baldwin Sr. started his son towards a fishing life from the time Baldwin could hold a reel. As happens with most families, things changed once Baldwin became a teenager. Baldwin’s thoughts turned from fish to frontiers and he became consumed with feelings of being trapped. He constantly wondered at what life outside the village was like, and knew deep in his soul, in an inexplicable way, that there was something else he should be doing. Baldwin often wandered out into the wilds and once had to be saved from a hungry mountain lion by one of the hunters from town. Around Baldwin’s fifteenth birthday, the fishing village began seeing much more traffic because of the expansion of Janice’s hometown. Baldwin’s fate was sealed when a cleric of Fharlanghn stopped for a few days. Many of the local children were going to hear tales of the cleric’s journey across the continent and Baldwin soon joined them. The cleric, named Xanden, knew right away that Baldwin was the reason Fharlanghn sent him to the fishing village. The two talked in private and soon became inseparable: the old mentor and the eager young student. Baldwin’s parents balked at this new friendship and tried to turn him away from an adventuring life, but to no avail. Baldwin trained under Xanden’s tutelage and, though his skills took a more martial bent, Baldwin excelled. One day, after about a month, Xanden’s time in the village had come to an end. “Baldwin,” Xanden said, “the decision you make today, will determine your tomorrow.” A week later, Baldwin was on his way out of the village. His parents didn’t approve of his leaving and practically threw him out. Never much of a “people person,” Baldwin spent most of his travels alone. He took any odd jobs he could find in order to feed himself. Because of spending so much time in the wilderness, Baldwin started focusing on survival techniques rather than his holy studies and became a fairly proficient tracker and hunter. Baldwin ran into his fair share of trouble too. Early in his travels, while still near the coast, he witnessed a caravan being attacked by a group of goblin bandits and, hate brewing for those who would enslave an innocent, was enlisted into the rescue party. The small party succeeded in saving their captured friends and Baldwin even met a pretty, young girl named Alaina and, because of her, stayed with the caravan for over a month. He left her, though it hurt them both a great deal, once they reached the caravan’s destination. Baldwin’s wanderlust was stronger than his love for the girl. A year or so, and more than a thousand miles, later, Baldwin’s adventuring saw him captured by a cult of Nerull in the frozen wastes of the north. Through Fharlanghn’s favor, and Fharlanghn’s Favor (which he found in the depths of the cult’s crypt), Baldwin escaped with his life and a few new scars. His greatest adventure, however, was when he traveled to the rainforests of the small island called the Isle of Dread. Baldwin made a few strange friends, and a few even stranger enemies, before he was eventually chased from the island by a black dragon. Now, Baldwin travels the land from horizon to horizon in hopes of seeing his mentor, Xanden, once more. He even entertains thoughts of visiting Alaina some day, though he is certain she must have moved on by now. Goals In order from most to least important: 1) Find meaning in life through travel. Broaden his spiritual horizons through communion with Fharlanghn. 2) Attain martial prowess through dedication to Fharlanghn. 3) Find someone to call “home.” Objects are transitory, but a soul-mate is worth settling down for. 4) Reconcile with his mother and father. Friends and Enemies Xanden is a high-level human cleric of Fharlanghn and spends all of his time on the road, just like Baldwin. He considers Baldwin a very close friend, a son even, and would very much like to see him again, though the two’s travels have kept them separated so far. Alaina Nalmna has become a prominent member of the government in her hometown. Though still in love with Baldwin, she has since gotten married. The Ulu tribe of the Isle of Dread still holds Baldwin dear to their hearts though it has been more than a year since he has been there. During his stay on the Isle, Baldwin helped the Ulu ward off a black dragon in exchange for a stay in their village. Strangely, the black dragon disappeared the same day that Baldwin did… The Ebon Terror is the black dragon that chased Baldwin from the Isle of Dread. Also known as Fangskull, the Ebon Terror lost track of the crusader on the mainland and still holds a grudge for Baldwin’s theft of some of her treasure hoard. She hunts him still, though Baldwin believes he gave her the slip. Thane Ordonosa Paldamerra is the leader of the cult that Baldwin escaped from. Ordonosa is under orders from Nerull himself to find Baldwin at all costs. The Reaper’s motives are his own, but Ordonosa would hunt Baldwin to the ends of the earth for the humiliation he suffered at the adventurer’s hands. Gonk Ratking is a goblin warlord who, since Baldwin’s handy defeat of the raiders early in his career, has managed to unite several goblinoid tribes into a massive army and plans to attack Alaina’s burgeoning metropolis. He remembers Baldwin vaguely, and hasn’t decided whether he’d prefer to have the human’s head as a trophy, or thank him for opening up the opportunity to seize what will become the first goblin city-state. This entry uses the Crusader class from the Tome of Battle: Book of Nine Swords, the Quick Staff weapon style feat from Complete Warrior, as well as the movement rules for the Jump skill in the PHB/SRD (I was unaware of the movement bonus/penalties until recently). Also, to my knowledge, the mithral armor enhancement lowers armor check penalties by an additional –2 (for a total –3). Baldwin Hunt CN Male human Crusader of Fharlanghn 6 / Ranger 2 Height: 6’0” Weight: 170 lbs Deity: Fharlanghn Languages: Common, Elven, and Goblin AC: 18 (6 armor + 2 Dex) Dodge 19 Flat footed: 16 Touch: 12 HP: 54 Initiator Level: 7 (6 crusader + 1 for 2 ranger levels) Speed: 40ft (30 base + 10 enhancement from Boots of Striding and Springing) Initiative: +2 Ability Scores Base Strength: 17 (8 pts + 2 level) Dexterity: 14 (6 pts) Constitution:12 (4 pts) Intelligence: 14 (6 pts) Wisdom: 12 (4 pts) Charisma: 8 Current Strength: 19 (+2 enhancement) Dexterity: 14 Constitution: 12 Intelligence: 14 Wisdom: 14 (+2 enhancement) Charisma: 8 Attacks Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+12 Attacks: Fharlanghn’s Favor (two-handed): +14/+9 (1d6 +7/ 20x2) Masterwork Composite Longbow: +11/+6 (1d8/ 20x2) Two-Weapon Fighting: Main Hand: +12/+7 (1d6 +5/ 20x2) Off Hand: +12 (1d6 +3/ 20x2) Saves Fortitude: +10 (8 base + 1 Con + 1 resistance) Reflex: +8 (5 base + 2 Dex + 1 resistance) Will: +5 (2 base + 2 Wis + 1 resistance) Skills (81 total points) Balance + 7 (5 ranks + 2 Dex) Climb +9 (5 ranks + 4 Str) Jump +22 (9 ranks + 4 Str + 4 movement + 5 competence) Knowledge (geography) +7 (5 ranks + 2 Int) Knowledge (nature) +9 (5 ranks + 2 Int + 2 synergy) Knowledge (religion) +11 (9 ranks + 2 Int) Listen +6 (4 ranks + 2 Wis) Spot +7 (5 ranks + 2 Wis) Survival +11 (9 ranks + 2 Wis) +13 to avoid getting lost (11 + 2 synergy) +13 above ground (11 + 2 synergy) Swim +9 (5 ranks + 4 Str) Feats Dodge Combat Expertise Quick Staff Complete Warrior Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff) Ranger Bonus: Track and Two-Weapon Fighting Because of Quick Staff, Baldwin gains a dodge bonus 2 points higher than the penalty he takes on attack rolls when using Combat Expertise. Class Abilities Crusader Maneuvers: 7 known, 5 readied, 2 stances. Steely Resolve (10): Delayed damage pool cap is 10 points of damage. First 10 points of damage in a round is delayed until the following round. Furious Counterstrike: Gain bonus on attack and damage rolls equal to current value of delayed damage pool divided by 5 and rounded down (+1 or +2). Indomitable Soul: Add Charisma modifier (if positive) to Will saves. Zealous Surge: Reroll a single saving throw 1/day. Smite 1/day: Add charisma bonus to attack roll and class level to damage. Ranger Favored Enemy: Goblinoids (+2 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks; +2 on weapon damage rolls.) Track: bonus feat. Wild Empathy: Improve attitude of animal- 1d20 + class level + charisma mod (1). Combat Style: Two-Weapon Fighting, bonus feat. Works in light or no armor only. Maneuvers Known (7 total) Level 1 Devoted Spirit: Vanguard Strike. Stone Dragon: Stone Bones White Raven: Leading the Attack. Level 2 Devoted Spirit: Foehammer. Level 3 Devoted Spirit: Revitalizing Strike. Stone Dragon: Bonecrusher. Level 4 Devoted Spirit: Divine Surge. Stances Known (2) Level 1 Devoted Spirit: Martial Spirit. Stone Dragon: Stonefoot Stance. Level by Level Breakdown Level 1 (5 known) Devoted Spirit: Crusader’s Strike and Vanguard Strike. Stone Dragon: Charging Minotaur and Stone Bones. White Raven: Leading the Attack. Level 1 Stance Devoted Spirit: Martial Spirit. Level 2 Stance Stone Dragon: Stonefoot Stance. Level 3 (6 known, Initiator Level 4) As level 1 plus Devoted Spirit: Foehammer. Level 4 (6 known, Initiator Level 5) As level 3 plus Forget Charging Minotaur to learn- Devoted Spirit: Revitalizing Strike. Level 5 (7 known, IL 6) As Level 4 plus Stone Dragon: Bonecrusher. Level 6 (7 known, IL 7) As level 5 plus Forget Crusader’s Strike to learn- Devoted Spirit: Divine Surge. Equipment Magic Items Cloak of Resistance +1: 1,000gp Boots of Striding and Springing: 5,500gp Gauntlets of Ogre Power +2: 4,000gp Periapt of Wisdom +2: 4,000gp +1 Mithril Breastplate: 5,200gp +1/+1 Darkwood Quarterstaff (Fharlanghn’s Favor): 4,640gp Heward’s Handy Haversack: 2,000gp Mundane Items Explorer’s Outfit: Free at character generation Masterwork Composite Longbow: 400gp Arrows (20): 1gp Bedroll: 1sp Blanket, Winter: 5sp Block and Tackle: 5gp Fishhooks, Assorted (10): 1sp (1cp ea.) Rope, silk (50ft): 10gp Waterskin: 1gp Holy Symbol of Fharlanghn, silver: 25gp LEFT OVER: 217gp 3sp TOTAL: 27,000gp Level Breakdown Feats: Human- Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff) 1st Level- Dodge Ranger Bonus (2nd Level)- Track 3rd Level- Combat Expertise Ranger Bonus (3rd level)- Two-Weapon Fighting 6th Level- Quick Staff Crusader 1 Skills (28 for first level) 1= 4 each in Balance, Jump, and Knowledge (religion). 2 cross-class in Climb, Knowledge (geography), Knowledge (nature), Listen, Spot, and Swim. 4 cross-class in Survival. Ranger 2-3 Skills (9/level) 2= 3 ranks in Spot and Survival. 2 ranks in Swim. 1 rank in Knowledge (nature). 3= 2 ranks each in Climb, Knowledge (geography), Knowledge (nature), and Listen. 1 rank in Survival. Crusader 4-8 Skills (7/level) 4= 1 rank each in Balance, Jump, and Knowledge (religion). 2 cross-class in Climb and Knowledge (geography). 5= 1 rank in Jump and Knowledge (religion). 2 cross-class in Listen and Knowledge (nature). 1 cross-class in Climb. 6= 1 rank in Jump and Knowledge (religion). 2 cross-class in Spot and Survival. 1 cross class in Climb. 7= 1 rank in Jump and Knowledge (religion). 2 cross-class in Survival. 3 cross-class in Swim. 8= 1 rank in Jump and Knowledge (religion). 2 cross-class in Knowledge (geography) and Survival. 1 cross-class in Swim. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-13-08, 07:06 PM | There are no "long" backgrounds, only backgrounds that result in the violent death of cute, fuzzy kittens as a result of the judge's frustration over reading... ...never mind, there are long backgrounds. And, while jennibert may be well recognized for her ability to compose small novels at the drop of an Hero Craftsman thread, there are many others (myself included) who are hardly brief in their writings. But then again, I'm well acknowledged as a speed reader, so it's less of an issue for me. And wrecan, I believe you hold the record for longest stat block ever, IIRC. I fear Leadership to this day... Well, anyways, after all that rambling, I get to the real purpose of this post: Endarrion, you have been added to the master list. Welcome back. |
| jennibert02-13-08, 10:53 PM | If I were really bored and/or looking to avoid doing actual work, I might actually go back through past competitions and figure out the record holder for A) most words and B) most words per character level (because you would think a high level character would have a longer background, figuring out a "per level" word count might be an interesting way to look at it). I'm going to venture the guess that the winner for A is either my entry in HC #5 (it was 16th level, so what do you expect?) or my entry in HC #8 (some of that was summary of an actual game I played that character in). That said, I love reading long backgrounds that give plenty to work with and show some real depth to a character. Not that you can't have those without "killing kittens," but I do enjoy length if it's well written. It's the novelist in me;). And, Jason, the really hideously long ones were so because those characters had been in my mind for a long time. I have yet to manage a full novel at the drop of a thread. Maybe next time! :evillaugh |
| Osprey02-13-08, 11:33 PM | Hello! I’ve been over at the Real Adventures Boards for a while, and was tempted to toss in one of my characters from a failed game there. Dora the Dervish was a wanderer, but she barely started her career before that game was cancelled. Instead I decided to drop in a new idea for an explorer, the sort who cross continents and oceans to seek out new worlds and new frontiers I used the semi-standard Real Adventurers character sheet because that’s my habit now. I hope you like him… Marco looked over the mountain lake, seeing the beauty of the mirrored sky on the perfectly still water. He studied the top of the archway that rose a few feet above the water. Definitely dwarven, and old. But not a part of a clanhold, or they would have drained this lake. So many places lost, and so much history unknown. But this was the place his magic had led him, and somewhere beyond that archway was the target of his search. Why the thief would have come here was uncertain, but he was in there now, and that was that. So we go in the water, like that time at Dolphin Island. Marco de Soto though of himself as a Wayfinder. He found things, people, or places. His whole life had been about finding things, mostly about finding new places. He had traveled to the oceans, into the deserts, over mountains, deep into dark caves, all for the knowledge that might be hidden there. He had found so much, but the secret, whatever that secret might be, still eluded him. He could find most anything, and had taken increasingly difficult quests to make the retrieval more challenging. Sometimes he learned more than wanted to know, like the time he trailed the marauders back to the very nobleman who had hired him. He though he might still be remembered there, and made a mental note to avoid the barony in the future. It was the travel that drew him, and that was the reason for his work. The tears of joy when he returned the lost children to their homes were nice, as were the bags of gold he received, but the journey was his real reason. As he aged, he had begun to wonder what that meant, and if he was searching for some greater meaning in life. But, as was his way, the thought did not unnerve him, for he would find it, eventually. Or he would not, and that though did not bother him either. Marco stood slowly, thinking of the spells needed to navigate the depths, and of the frigid chill of the lake. He wondered if the whole chase would be underwater, or if the caverns were dry underground. His mind was busy on calculations of spell durations and the risk of drowning as he walked over to his companions. He didn’t really think of them as friends, but he supposed they were, now. The weeks it had taken to track the thief up here, almost to the snowy peaks, had made them so. Marco began the words of power, invoking the divine magic to allow them to move freely under the water, and even to breathe there. He would protect them from the bitter cold as well, and light their way. He would get them there, and then the warrior, the rogue, and the magician would do their part. Marco de Soto Human male Cleric 8 of Travel, Wayfinder Neutral Good Game Statistics 28 POINT BUY Str 12 (+1) 04 carrying capacity 43/86/130 Dex 12 (+1) 04 Con 14 (+2) 06 Int 12 (+1) 04 Wis 18(+4) 06 point at 4th, point at 8th, magic Cha 12 (+1) 04 Hit Points 55 (8+2)+(4+2)+(5+2)+(4+2)+(5+2)+(4+2)+ (5+2)+(4+2) AC 17 10+6armor+1dex Touch 11, Flat 16 Initiative +1 BAB +6/+1, Grapple +7 Speed 30 (light load 37.5/43) Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +10 +6/+6 magic +1 quarterstaff 1d6+2/1d6+2 (x2) B +7 MW Cold Iron light mace 1d6+1 (x2) B +7 Melee, dagger, 1d4+1, (19-20/x2) P/S 10’range +7 Melee, silver dagger, 1d4+0, (19-20/x2) P/S 10’range Spells Prepared •0th- (6) create water, detect magic, mending, guidance, purify food & drink, light •1st- (4+1+D) bless, sanctuary, obscuring mist, comprehend languages, protection from evil, (D) Longstrider •2nd- (3+1+D) Sound Burst, Bull's Strength, Find Traps, Silence (D) Locate Object •3rd- (3+1+D) Daylight, Dispel Magic, Locate Object, Water Breathing (D) Fly •4th- (2+1+D) Freedom of Movement (x3) (D) Freedom of Movement • Save DC =14+spell level Medium size, 6’2” tall, 210 wt, 28 yrs old brown hair, green eyes, tan skin Speaks Common + Celestial Skills: 44 Cleric1+7Cleric levels [(2+1int)*4+4human]+[7(2+1human+1int)]=16+28 Class Skills in Bold +5 Climb = 0rank+1str-1ACP+5magic +8 Concentration = 6ranks+2con+[4combat casting] +6 Diplomacy = 5ranks +1cha +1 Handle Animal = 0ranks+1cha +13 Heal = 6ranks+3wis+2kit+2feat +6 Knowledge (religion) = 5ranks +1int +1 Knowledge(untrained) +1int, only DC10 or lower +2 Listen = 0ranks +3wis +2 Profession (Guide) = 2ranks +1cha +1 Ride = 0ranks +1dex +1 Search = 0ranks +1int +3 Sense Motive = 0ranks +3wis +6 Spellcraft = 5rank+1int +8 Spot = 0ranks +3wis +5magic +16 Survival = 11ranks+3wis +2 feat +6 Swim = 2ranks(cc) +1str –2*1armor+5magic +3 Use Rope = 0ranks +1dex Feats: •Self-Sufficient +2 heal, +2 survival (1st level feat) •Track (bonus human feat) •Two-Weapon Fighting (3rd level feat) •Combat Casting (6th level feat) Human Traits •bonus feat at 1st level •4 extra skill points at 1st level and 1 extra at each additional level. •favored class: any Cleric Abilities •turn undead [+2syn from Kn(religion)] •spellcasting Cleric Domains •LUCK (good fortune=1 re-roll per day) Luck Domain Spells Entropic Shield; Aid; Protection from Energy; Freedom of Movement •TRAVEL (supernatural ability, freedom of movement for 8rds/day) Survival as a class skill. Travel Domain Spells Longstrider; Locate Object; Fly; Dimension Door 2 sunrods (2gp, 6 hours light) (backpack) scroll of cure light wounds (scroll case in pack) 25gp scroll of cure moderate wounds (scroll case in pack) 150gp scroll of remove blindness (scroll case in pack) 375gp Equipment: Starting gold 27000/9000 gp 26989.92 spent +1 mithral breastplate (worn, 15#) +6AC, 5350gp [ACP-1] Handy Haversack (5lb) 2000gp Eyes of the Eagle Spot (+5) 2500gp Hand of the Mage 900gp Gloves of Swimming and Climbing (+5) 6250gp Periapt of Wisdom (+2) 4000gp Weapons: +1/+1 quarterstaff 4600gp Cold iron light mace, MW (5#) 610gp Silver dagger (belt, side, 1#) 22gp Dagger (belt rear, 1#) 2gp ***** Explorer’s outfit (worn, 8#) 0gp Hat, wide brimmed straw (worn) Cloak, grey (worn) Shirt, under (worn) Coat: green (worn) Leggings (worn) Belt (worn) Belt pouch (belt, 0.5#) 1gp Gloves (hands) Boots (feet) ***** Ring (right 4th finger, -wt) 10gp Necklace (worn, -wt) 20gp Holy Symbol (silver, as amulet on necklace, 1#) 25gp Signal Whistle (leather cord on neck, -wt) 8sp ***** Magic Backpack (pack wt=5#) Healer’s Kit [+2 bonus] 50gp, 1# [10 uses, backpack] Scroll case (backpack, 0.5#) 1gp Flint & Steel (backpack, -) 1gp Clerics Vestments, formal white and gold tunic (backpack) (5gp) Bedroll (backpack, 5#) 1sp Parchment (5 pieces, scroll case, -wt) 1gp Ink vial (backpack, wrapped in cloth, 0.1#) 1gp Ink (ink vial, -wt) 8gp Ink pen (backpack, -wt) 1sp Mirror, steel (backpack, 0.5#) 10gp Whetstone (backpack, 1#) 2cp Candles (10, backpack, -) 10cp Waterskin- water (backpack, 4#) 1gp Sacks (2, backpack, 1#) 2sp 10 Torches (backpack, 10#) 10cp Rope, silk (50’) 10gp, 5# Crowbar 2gp, 5# Skinning knife (1#) 2gp Trail Rations- 5 days (backpack, 5#) 2gp 5sp Coins in pouch in backpack (50 gp) Coins: (belt pouch, ~1#wt) gp: 7, sp: 30, cp: 8 [Coins wrapped to prevent jingling] PERSONALITY: Marco psychology is divided, split between a twitchy, uncomfortable need to be traveling, and a born planner who thinks of and prepares for almost any outcome. His desire for new adventures, and to explore new lands, causes him to seem short-sighted and frivolous to some. He can’t seem to stay in one place for long. But he plans carefully for his travels, and takes great care to have the best solution in hand at each challenge. He finds it difficult to keep his attention on daily tasks, but can work toward a larger goal over several weeks or months. (short-term chaotic, long-term lawful) He has seldom dealt with choices of good and evil. The sudden violence of random wilderness encounters does not require the forethought that assaults on castles, or defending the commoners might require. He feels that people should work together, but has no overarching purpose of good in his own life. He has accomplished many rescues, but the reasons were more for adventure than morality. (Definitely a good alignment, but not in a thoughtful way) APPEARANCE: Marco travels light, with the help of his mithril armor and his magical backpack. His clothing and demeanor are simple, without finery or the abundance of weapons carried by warriors. He is not intimidating; He is simply a traveler. He enjoys moving through the world, and often has a smile as he walks along. TACTICS: Marco is an explorer, not a battlefield destroyer. He has learned the value of combat skills through several encounter with orcs, ogres, and even a werewolf. He has learned to fight well with his patron deity’s favored weapon, the quarterstaff. Still, he has limited potential in that area. He has found several magic items to aid in his travels, but still, it is his divine magic that gives him the chance to prosper in the wild. He tries to suit his magic to the task at hand, such as using pells of water breathing and freedom of movement for underwater exploration. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-14-08, 12:00 AM | There are no "long" backgrounds, only backgrounds that result in the violent death of cute, fuzzy kittens as a result of the judge's frustration over reading... Could you at least kill something original? Kitty Heaven's getting full. Oh, and by the way: Baldwin was born to a mother and father in a small fishing village. Good to see he's not a clone or anything. :thumbsup: |
| Endarrion02-14-08, 08:32 AM | Good to see he's not a clone or anything. :thumbsup: Or is he...? :shifty: |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-14-08, 11:44 AM | Hey, in D&D, being born from a normal family in a normal village is not taken for granted. In D&D, there are quite a few options: high level magic, deity fiat, demons with odd amorous tendencies, etc... It's important to establish these sorts of things from the word, "Go." And besides, as any DM knows, a character's background is only what they think happened. It doesn't take two seconds to change minor details like important ancestors. And, in regards to kittens, the judges are not responsible for their deaths. The contestants who fry our brains with epic poetry hardly befitting the level 4 entry they submitted bear all responsibility in those matters. Before you write, remember the kittens. Also, welcome Osprey, it's good to have you. The master list has been updated. Finally, the obligatory holiday snide comment: "You know, maybe I should get a head start on judging all of these entries. I mean, it's not like I have anything else to do today." |
| Eldritch_Lord02-14-08, 07:02 PM | Hey, in D&D, being born from a normal family in a normal village is not taken for granted. In D&D, there are quite a few options: high level magic, deity fiat, demons with odd amorous tendencies, etc... It's important to establish these sorts of things from the word, "Go." And besides, as any DM knows, a character's background is only what they think happened. It doesn't take two seconds to change minor details like important ancestors. Yeah, but usually you point that out, not the normal case. Really, what's more heroic: "I am Hercules, the true son of Jupiter!" or "I'm Hercules, the son of Bob and Jane!"? And, in regards to kittens, the judges are not responsible for their deaths. The contestants who fry our brains with epic poetry hardly befitting the level 4 entry they submitted bear all responsibility in those matters. Before you write, remember the kittens. Well, yeah, but couldn't you fry puppies or something? We might as well tick off puppy fans as well as kitten fans; equal-opportunity political incorrectness and all that. Finally, the obligatory holiday snide comment: "You know, maybe I should get a head start on judging all of these entries. I mean, it's not like I have anything else to do today." Aw, poor JasonOrlandoHawk doesn't have a special someone in his life...too bad.... |
| Zherog02-14-08, 07:04 PM | Stats are done. Now it's just a matter of finding the 2 hour or so block of time to write out the background that's poking around in my head. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-14-08, 07:09 PM | Stats are done. Now it's just a matter of finding the 2 hour or so block of time to write out the background that's poking around in my head. Well, if you're in JasonOrlandoHawk's situation, you should have all the time in the world.... ;) |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-14-08, 08:01 PM | Well, I've heard Z mention that there is a Mrs. Z, and from what I understand she even supports his gaming habits. And as for myself, do not mourn my singleness. There is an upside to being single on Valentine's Day: I get to eat all of the chocolate I own myself!!! :evillaugh And also, is it truly political incorrectness if it is "equal opportunity?" |
| Zherog02-14-08, 08:35 PM | Yes, I have a ball and chain. Er, I mean... yes, I'm married. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-14-08, 09:43 PM | And as for myself, do not mourn my singleness. There is an upside to being single on Valentine's Day: I get to eat all of the chocolate I own myself!!! :evillaugh But then you miss out on the chocolate someone else would give you. I have the best of both worlds--I don't have a girlfriend (so no sharing chocolate) but my sister has a +100 Craft (Cooking) check for cakes, chocolate...you name it, she can make it. And also, is it truly political incorrectness if it is "equal opportunity?" It's equal opportunity against the puppies and kittens, so you aren't favoring the kittens, but there are so many other cute and fuzzy animals out there that it isn't politically correct until you :emp: "Fry them up. All of them." Well, I've heard Z mention that there is a Mrs. Z, and from what I understand she even supports his gaming habits. Yes, I have a ball and chain. Er, I mean... yes, I'm married. Let's just hope she doesn't lurk the boards too. ;) |
| Far_Traveler02-14-08, 10:47 PM | Victor J. Manyana CG Human Transmuter 8 Prohibited Enchantment and Evocation Age: 29 Height: 5’3 Weight: 120 lbs Eyes: Blue Hair: Blond Skin: Slightly Sunburned Str: 10 (2) Dex: 12 (4) Con: 14 (4 + 2 bracers) Int: 22 (16 + 2 level +2 headband) Wis: 10 (2) Cha: 8 (0) HP: 37 (8d4+16) Initiative: +1 Speed: 30ft Languages: Common, Ignan, Auran, Terran, Aquan AC: 10 + 1 dex + 5 armor + 2 shield = 18 Flatfooted 19, Touch 12 BaB/Grapple: +4/+4 Saves: +6 Fort, +5 Ref, +8 Will, (2/2/6 base, 2/1/0 ability, 2/2/2 vest) Attacks: Walking Stick +4 melee (1d6) Unarmed: +4 melee (1d3 nonlethal) Feats: 1st: Extend Spell 1st(human bonus): Sudden Widen Spell** 1st(Wizard Bonus):Scribe Scroll 3rd: Craft Wondrous Item 5th(Wizard Bonus) Craft Magic Arms and Armor 6th: Craft Construct Class Features: Spells Familiar (Hawk) Skills: 78 Wizard (7x10 1st-7th, 8 at 8th) Appraise 5 ranks (10 points) Concentration 11 ranks Craft (Sculpting) 11 ranks Craft (Pictures) 11 ranks Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) 8 ranks Knowledge (Geography) 8 ranks Knowledge (the planes) 8 ranks Spellcraft 11 ranks Total Modifiers: Appraise +11 (5 ranks, +6 int) (+2 when dealing with sculptures or paintings/drawings) Concentration +13 (11 ranks, +2 con) Craft (Sculpting) +19 (11 ranks, +6 int, +2 tools) Craft (Pictures) +19 (11 ranks, +6 int, +2 tools) Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) +16 (8 ranks, +6int, +2 book) Knowledge (Geography) +16 (8 ranks, +6int, +2 book) Knowledge (the planes) +16 (8 ranks, +6int, +2 book) Listen +0 (+2 when familiar is within arms reach) Search +6 (int) (+2 when dealing with secret doors or other compartments) Spot +0 (+3 in bright light, +2 when familiar is within arms reach) Spellcraft +17 (11 ranks, +6 int) +2 when dealing with Transmutation, -5 when dealing with Enchantment and Evocation Survival +0 (+2 when in other planes or to avoid natural hazards) Spellbook (72/100 Pages) All 0-level spell, not ench or evo (14 pages) 1st: Master’s Touch^, Summon monster I, Grease, Endure elements, Identify, Alarm, Repair Light Damage**, Fist of Stone**, Unseen Servant (9 pages) 2nd: Fox’s Cunning, Summon Monster II, Repair Moderate Damage**, Bear’s Endurance (8 pages) Scribed 2nd(350gp each): Sonic Weapon**, Invisibility, Minor Image, Mirror Image, Swim** (10 pages, 1750gp) 3rd: Haste, Fly, Water Breathing, Summon Monster III (12 Pages) Scribed 3rd(675gp each): Repair Serious Damage (3 Pages, 675gp) 4th: Polymorph, Stone Shape, Summon Monster IV, Arcane Eye (16 Pages) Commonly Prepared Spells: Per day 4/4/3/3/2, bonus 0/2/2/1/1, +1 transmutation per spell level. The Transmutation spell for the level is first in the list. 0th: Message, Mending, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Arcane Mark 1st: Repair Light damage, Master’s Touch^, Unseen Servant, Endure Elements, Alarm, Fist of Stone**, Unseen Servant. 2nd: Repair Moderate Damage, Invisibility, Sonic Weapon, Mirror image, Repair Moderate Damage, Minor Image 3rd: Haste, Fly, Repair Serious Damage, Summon Monster III x2 4th: Extended Haste, Arcane Eye, Polymorph, Summon Monster IV Equipment (27,000gp): Headband of Intellect +2 (2,000) Walking Stick Quarterstaff (-) Spellbook(15) Scribed Spells (2425 total) Bracers of Health +2 (2,000) +1 Mithral Twilight* Chain shirt (2,100) +1 Mithral Buckler (1,515) Traveler’s Outfit (-) Vest of Resistance +2 (2,000) Handy Haversack (2,000) 8 cure light wounds potions (400) Wand of Repair light damage (40 charges left) (600) ‘The Great Wheel, unabridged’ (+2 Kn(planes)) (50) ‘The Effigist’s guide to Engineering’ (+2 Kn(A&E)) (50) ‘The Artist’s guide to the Material Plane’ (+2 Kn(Geo)) (50) Masterwork’s Sculpting tools (55) Masterwork Painting/drawing set (55) 2 Waterskins (2) 100ft. silk rope (20) Bullseye Lantern (12) 10 pints of oil (1) Spell component pouch (5) 2 Books of Sketches (30) Paint, lots of it (100) Tent (10) 20 days worth of trail rations (10) Canvas, 10 sq. Yards (1) 300gp art object, Painting of An Injured Ogre Effigy (100) 10pp, 7gp, 18sp, 20cp Effigy Ogre (9,000gp cost to create) named Al Size/Type: Large Construct Hit Dice: 4d10+30 (52 hp) Initiative: -2 Speed: 30ft. in chainmail, base speed 40 ft. Armor Class: 20 (-1 size, -2 Dex, +6 chainmail, +7 natural), touch 7, flat-footed 20 Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+14 Attack: Greatclub +11 melee (2d8+11) or Slam +9 Melee (1d6+7) Full Attack: Greatclub +11 melee (2d8+11) or two slams +9 Melee (1d6+7) Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft. Special Attacks: — Special Qualities: Damage Reduction 3/adamantine Saves: Fort +1, Ref -1, Will +1 Abilities: Str 25, Dex 6, Con -, Int -, Wis 11, Cha 1 Feats: Weapon Focus (greatclub) Ogre Equipment: +1 Large greatclub (1,305) +1 Large Chainmail (950) Rather Large Basket-backpack thing (30, ad hoc tent price x3) Items carried on person (rather then in handy haversack): Traveler’s outfit (-) Bracers of Health (1) Armor (12.5) Buckler (2.5) Vest of resistance (1) Spell Component Pouch (2) Headband of Intellect (-) Quarterstaff(4) Haversack (5) within is: Main Bag: (76lbs/80lbs) Coin (1) Potions (-) Waterskins (8) Rope (10) Lantern (3) Oil (10) Spellbook (3) Sketch Books (6) Tent (20) Planes book (5) Canvas (10) Right Pouch: (20lbs/20 lbs) Sculpting Tools (5) Paint Set (5) Architecture Book (5) Geography book (5) Left Pouch: (20lbs/20lbs.) Rations (20) Total Weight: 28 lbs, capacity: <34 light, <67 med, <101 heavy Familiar details: Edward the Hawk Size/Type: Tiny Magical Beast Hit Dice: (8d4+16)/2 (18 hp) Initiative: +3 Speed: 10 ft. (2 squares), fly 60 ft. (average) Armor Class: 21 (+2 size, +3 Dex, +6 natural), touch 15, flat-footed 18 Base Attack/Grapple: +4/-10 Attack: Talons +9 melee (1d4-2) Full Attack: Talons +9 melee (1d4-2) Space/Reach: 2½ ft./0 ft. Special Attacks: Deliver Touch spells Special Qualities: Low-light vision, Improved Evasion, Speak with Birds, Empathetic Link, Share Spells, Speak with Master Saves: Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +8 Abilities: Str 6, Dex 17, Con 10, Int 9, Wis 14, Cha 6 Skills: Appraise +4, Concentration +11, Craft (sculpting) +10, Craft (Pictures) +10, Disguise –1, Kn(A&E) +6, Kn (Geo) +6, Kn (planes) +7, Listen +4, Spot +16, Spellcraft +10 Feats: Alertness, Weapon Finesse(B) Victor was born to the noble Manyana clan. His father was a paladin named Brol Manyana, and his father never liked him much, preferring his younger sisters and brother, as he took after his mother, the enterprising daughter of a powerful, philanthropist merchant. “My family was well off, but large. My father killed an infamous red dragon, so we had a large fortune. My mother was very pretty, and once my grandfather told me that in the truth of things, people who can’t slay dragons tend to do whatever they can to marry those that can. I plan to be one of the ones who can. In his youth, his father attempted to train him martially, but found that his son was not very exceptional in physical abilities. He persevered, however, and after a wizard expressed interest in training his son, hoisted him off to the wizard’s tower for a long apprenticeship. ”My father hated me, I was one of the smartest people around, but just because I could barely swing a sword, I wasn’t good enough for him. A wise man once said that paladins were not nice. He was right. Fortunately, my potential was seen by a powerful mage.” The Wizard’s name was Hohenheim, he trained Victor in the art of weaving magic. Hohenhiem taught Victor that one could create great works of art with magic, and have them stand throughout eternity. Most mages would accomplish fantastic works of art through Illusions, but that was always too insubstantial for Hohenhiem’s tastes. While he did admit the use for Illusions, comparing it to sketches, and trained Victor in it’s use, instead snubbing Evocation and Enchantment magic while favoring his favorite school, Transmutation, as it can manipulate reality to create art. ”My mentor was brilliant. The Layman thinks that sorcerers and bards make art, but to them I say bah! Only the keen skill of a wizard can create true works of art. Furthermore, manipulating the senses, while important to art, can be done too easily by illusion, it takes a true artist to create something beautiful from something ugly. But much like a painter sketches his works before committing his paints, ” Victor’s training involved not only standard wizardly lessons, but also various thigns to help him as a painter and sculptor. For example, despite Victor being rather socially inept (and thus not the perfect candidate for being an artist), Victor could take a mental snapshot, paint a single instant, after seeing an instant. As such, Victor’s conjuration training was mixed with the task of painting portraits of summoned creatures, who normally do not stay long enough to be painted. The pictures are displayed within his mentor’s gallery. ”One day, my mentor told me of why he chose me to be his mentor, when I was struggling to come up with something original and evocative. He told me of my special gift of memory. I would see any image and remember it. Some of my best pictures are those of things like a bird in flight, or falling water. My best is that of a celestial badger ascending to heaven, it took but a half-second but I spent three days painting that image.” After his training was complete, Victor was sent out to far-removed locations, beautiful or heinous, to paint an image of it, to make it beautiful. Even a rotting corpse has beauty, after all. Usually, Hohenhiem neglects to tell him of the danger there, so without his explicit knowledge (he probably knows anyway) Victor recruits some adventurers to accompany him on any expedition Hohenhiem sends him on. “After I mastered enough magic to satisfy my mentor, he sent me on artistic errands he did tend to not tell me of critical minutiae, such as the long-standing tribe or orcs, or the fact that the crystal cave was an entrance to a drow city. Needless to say, I learned quickly to bring friends. But I suppose it was for the best, I made a very good painting of a drow-made vase being shattered by a magical fire arrow enchanted by my sonic weapon spell.” One day, Victor met another wizard who built Golems when he went on an expedition to paint a picture of a portal that had opened to Mechanus. The wizard’s name was Meldrath, and he was happy to teach Victor how to craft constructs such as golems and the less expensive effigies. ”One of the more eccentric people I met in my journeys was that of Meldrath Mustang. He was a mage who set out to fix a mistake he had made, ending up opening a portal to Mechanus. I was sent there to record the phenomena, and we met up. There was a cabal of mages defending it, but they were helpless against the Golems sent to break their union. Afterwards, I asked if I could learn how to build those. Eager for an apprentice, he agreed. Of course, Building a Golem is very advanced magic, but he did teach me how to imitate life through such magic, by building effigies. My first Effigy was a wolf, but eventually I upgraded to an Ogre effigy after my wolf was irreparably damaged.” Victor’s most recent exploit was slaying a druid that was terrorizing a village. It was a nasty fight, the druid had two dire tigers to help her, while Victor’s side only had him, a warrior of, ironically, the Tiger Claw discipline, a priest of Moradin, and Jonathan Cooper, a hunter that specialized in taking down druids gone mad. Unfortunately, the druid was ready. The battle was intense, Victor being the only one to stay out of the melee, holding Al the ogre effigy back, ready to stop any pounce attack headed his way. Using a smart use of polymorph and haste spells, the victory was handed to the Victor’s team, with only him and Jonathan left standing. Upon further review of her possessions, Victor and Jonathan are fairly certain that the druid got reincarnated by now. “Not all of my adventures were expeditions to fantastic locations. Sometimes I just joined an expedition to take down a great evil. My most difficult one involved three dire tigers, a very attractive human girl, and a ferret. I never caught that druid’s name, but I’m pretty sure that she’s alive and hates me for making constructs. She’s a little loony.” “My dream is to go to other planes, to paint locations out there. I have a few problems, not the least of them is finding materials that can survive the trip. I’m working on it though. Notable Allies: Hohenhiem(CN Wizard 13) Hohenhiem is Victor’s mentor, and understands Victor’s need to solve problems on his own. He does occasionally send messages detailing a location when Victor is unsure where to go, and occasionally checks up on him with scrying spells. Meldrath(NG Wizard 15) Meldrath is the one who taught Victor how to create constructs, and also understands the need to solve problems on his own. However, he is a little more inclined to help Victor when he’s in a little over his head if Victor asks, but is harder to reach. Jonathan(CG Ranger 9) Jonathan is the leader of the expedition to hunt down the Druid Atterli the Mad. He was also the only other survivor. He also insisted on resurrecting the other party members, so the Treasure was not as ample as Victor may of liked it. This disagreement aside, Jonathan and Victor got along rather well. Drake Gourge (LN Warblade 6) Drake fell after a fierce fight with the Dire Tigers, he specializes in Tiger Claw maneuvers, and he does hold a slight grudge (as he sees it, it was Victor’s and Jonathan’s fault he died, but he was just too low level), but he is honorable enough to follow through with the debt extracted by Victor when he got resurrected. Julia Pelle (NG Cleric 7) She was the cleric in the expedition, she specializes in healing spells and has promised her eternal gratitude to Drake and Victor. Enemies: Atterli the Mad (Druid 8): Who knows what Atterli was reincarnated as, but she’s likely to be very mad at Victor and Jonathan for making her lose 5th level spells, and she isn’t going alone next time. In addition, Atter has made quite a few foes in his artistic crusades, as his favortite subject for his paintings is destruction, although he has no stomach to hurt anything living in the sake of art. Delay treatment of wounds (for a round or two) yes, but not actually send them to hurt. Victor has refined himself a very keen sense of artistic expression, but he has a tendency to have little to no regard for others when pursuing his art. But still, Victor is essentially good, he’s just a little self-absorbed. I thought that the dual story format of my background was an interesting decision, please tell me what you think of it. I like to picture Victor traveling in the basket on the back of Al the Effigy, while leaving Edward on watch to spot anything that might be sneaking up on them, or just if something sketch-worthy pops up. He never paints something directly, he sketches it and uses the memory and sketch to do the painting at a later time. The beautiful things about Wayfarers is that they tend to easily band together. I’m glad for this. *Player’s Handbook 2 **Complete Arcane ^Complete Adventurer |
| Mercurius02-14-08, 11:26 PM | And, in regards to kittens, the judges are not responsible for their deaths. The contestants who fry our brains with epic poetry hardly befitting the level 4 entry they submitted bear all responsibility in those matters. Before you write, remember the kittens. Hey! It was prose, not poetry. |
| jennibert02-14-08, 11:32 PM | I know I said earlier that I at least do not mind long entries, but since some of the other judges are mea--less tolerant than I, I will just say this: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/discipleofsakura/Kitties/000_0026.jpg Oh, and less than 24 hours to go! (I always get confused as to how much less....stupid GMT! ;)) |
| Zherog02-15-08, 12:14 AM | Let's just hope she doesn't lurk the boards too. ;) She posts from time to time, even. :) Oh, and less than 24 hours to go! (I always get confused as to how much less....stupid GMT! US Eastern time is GMT - 5 hours. So, for example, when it's noon GMT it's 7am EST. During daylight savings time, US Eastern time is GMT - 4 hours. |
| CheeseMan02-15-08, 12:39 AM | :) less than 24 hours and i still have about a quarter of the mechanics work and all the fluff to do. procrastination ftw |
| happy_fuzzy02-15-08, 12:58 AM | Torthenar Madshaper From a young age Torthenar has been well schooled in the arts of wizardry. His family of minor wizards made sure to get him into a prestigious academy- he might even get in the arcane order! Unfortunately, Torthenar's school was not without its fair share of "bullies" who picked on snivelling, young, and weak apprentices. Was it Torthenar's fault that he was the poster boy of who to pick on? Years later, Torthenar Was close to graduation and he had changed quite a bit. He was fond of huge dark, yellow spectacles, yellow pantaloons, A rainbow, billowing vest, and a white cloak. Behind this buffoon-like exterior a frenetic and dangerous intelliegence lurked. Even hardened bullies could not look at him face to face without cringing, for madness dogged tolthenars every step. Upon the day of graduation Torthenar was especially happy-The last two semesters he had worked and worked and finallly managed to decipher an old transmutation script from the library. "A polymorph scroll he exclaimed! Finally, he had the perfect tool. A plan formed in his mind... Torthenar walked away with a grin on his face-the polymorph scroll spent in hand (note this scroll is plot only so im not accounting it). He already made sure to keep notes on its casting but his work here was done. As he walked away the school amphitheater glimered, slick with blood. His family, students, everyone was shocked, unprepared, and now dead. Of course there was the minor detail of the guild who payrolled the school and managed it and was likely to send enforcers, but tolthenar's mind did not dwell on insignificances. A world full of new shapes and forms awaited-his to explore and transform into. Ability Scores=Bonus 28 point-buy help template#1 Strength: 8 = -1 Dexterity: 12 = +1 Constitution: 16 = +2 (+2 from periapt) Intelligence: 20 = +5 (+2 from leveling up 4,8, +2 from headband) Wisdom: 8 = -1 Charisma: 10 = +0 Race/Class: Male Human Transmuter Wizard 7/Master Transmogrifist 1 Size/Alignment: Medium/Chaotic Neutral HD: HP Total-40 ,(8d4 --> (7*2.5)+4+24) Init:+1 Speed: 20ft. Base Attack Bonus/Grapple: +3/+2 Armor Class: 11 (+0 Armor, +1 dexterity) Flat-footed 10, Touch 11 Atk or Full Atk: +4 melee (1d6/20-x2, club) or +4 ranged touch (spell) Languages: Common, Draconic, Undercommon, Abyssal, Infernal Saves: Fortitude: +7 (2 base, +3 constitution, +2 cloak) Reflex: +5 (2 base, +1 dexterity, +2 cloak) Will: +8 (7 base, -1 wisdom, +2 cloak) Skills: (76 total, 74 spent, 2 leftover) Concentration (11 ranks): +13 Spellcraft (11 ranks): +16 (+2 to learn transmutation spells) Knowledge-The Planes (11 ranks): +16 (+5 int) Knowledge-Arcana (11 ranks): +16 (+5 int) Knowledge-Dungeoneering (11 ranks): +16 (+5 int) Bluff (4 CC ranks): +2 (+0 charisma) Disguise (10 CC ranks): +5 (+0 charisma) Tumble (2CC ranks): +2 (+1 dexterity) Craft-weaponsmithing (1 rank): +6 (+5 int) Feats: Eschew Materials (Human Bonus), Scribe Scroll (Wizard Bonus), Craft Wondrous Item (Wizard Bonus), sudden extend (1), Arcane Thesis (Polymorph), Silent Spell(6) Alternate/Regular Wizard Class Feature: Immediate Magic (PHB2)- Sudden Shift (Transmutation) 5/day /Specialization: Transmutation, Barred Schools: Evocation, Necromancy Master Transmogrofist abilties: Extended Change (Ex) Favored Shapes (Su): (ideas borrowed from 3.5 polymorph thread) Huge, Reach 10 ft; Str 19; Dex 12; Con 20; NA +8; MM/SRD Attack: 7 bites +7 melee (1d10+4) Dragon, Large, Fly 60, NA +8, Str 19, Dex 12, Con 15; MM/SRD Attack: Sting +7 melee (1d6+4 plus poison) and bite +5 melee (2d8+4) and 2 wings +5 melee (1d8+2) and 2 talons +5 melee (2d6+4) Benefits: Poison (Ex) Injury, Fortitude DC 17, initial and secondary damage 2d6 Con. Dragon Type -- Immunity to magic sleep effects and paralysis effects. Huge, NA +11, Str 26, Dex 13, Con 21; MM/SRD Attack: Bite +11 melee (2d8+12) Benefit: Burrow 20', Improved Grab (ex), Swallow Whole (Ex) Swallowed opponents take 2d8+12 damage plus 8d6 Fire damage per round Spells: (Note: If spell is not in PHB its in spell compendium) Spellbook: 0 level-all 1st level (11)-Nerveskitter, Fist of Stone, Protection from Evil, Grease, Enlarge Person, Expeditious Retreat-Swift, Mage Armor, Shield, Feather Fall, Fox's Cunning (copied from scroll), secret page (copied from scroll) 2nd level (4)-Wraithstrike, Touch of Idiocy, Blur, Alter Self 3rd level (4)- Bite of the Wererat, Haste, Displacement, Fly 4th level (2)- Polymorph ,Orb of Force spells prepared (S=from specialization): 0 level (4+1S)-Detect Magic, Caltrops, her Fall 1st level (4 + 2 bonus +1 S)- Nerveskitter, Fist of Stone, Protection from Evil, Grease, Enlarge Person, Shield, Feather Fall 2nd level (3+ 1 bonus+ 1S)- Fist of Stone (silent), Touch of Idiocy, Blur, Alter Self, Nerveskitter (Silent) 3rd level (2+ 1 bonus+ 1S)-Wraithstrike (silent), Haste, Fly, Displacement 4th level (1+ 1 bonus+ 1S)-Polymorph (silent), Orb of Force, Haste (Silent) Items: (27000-24350(spent)=2650) Scroll of Fox's Cunning (150gp) Scroll of Secret Page (375 gp) Headband of Intellect +2 (crafted for 2000 gp) Bag of Holding type II(5000 gp) Periapt of Health+2 (4000) +1 Club (2000) Cloak of Resistance +2 (crafted for 2000 gp) Boccob's Blessed Book (crafted for 6,250 gold) Ring of sustenance (2500 gp) Inside bag: 2x Ink bottles-(16 gp) Inkpen 1sp tent-10 gp Silk rope 100 ft.-20 gp 12 foot-pole- 3sp Paper 3 sheets-12 gp Portable Ram-10 gp |
| Heros_Backpack02-15-08, 04:59 AM | Oh, and less than 24 hours to go! (I always get confused as to how much less....stupid GMT! ;)) If you scroll to the bottom of any page, you'll see a line that tells you what the time is in relation to GMT. |
| Zherog02-15-08, 08:12 AM | If you scroll to the bottom of any page, you'll see a line that tells you what the time is in relation to GMT. Assuming she set her timezone correctly in her profile, anyway. :D |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-15-08, 11:20 AM | Far_Traveler & happy_fuzzy, your entries have been added to the main list. Thanks for entering. Because this will be the first time I've ever actually called time, I just want to make sure I've got this right. I'm at GMT -6, so 5:59pm (for me) = 11:59pm GMT, correct? If I've done my math correctly, that leaves a little over 7 hours to get all your entries submitted. Oh, and Eldritch_Lord, do you taunt the coordinating judge with tales of home-baked goodness? Is that a wise decision with judging shortly to begin? |
| Heros_Backpack02-15-08, 11:27 AM | I'm at GMT -6, so 5:59pm (for me) = 11:59pm GMT, correct? If I've done my math correctly, that leaves a little over 7 hours to get all your entries submitted. Correct. 7 and a half hours to go... (and counting) |
| wrecan02-15-08, 11:28 AM | Is that a wise decision with judging shortly to begin? Pffth. As if judging ever begins within days after the closing of the contest. :rolleyes: |
| Zherog02-15-08, 11:31 AM | Score: wrecan 1, Jason 0 |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-15-08, 12:32 PM | Pffth. As if judging ever begins within days after the closing of the contest. :rolleyes: :pbbbtt: |
| Lokiyn02-15-08, 01:20 PM | Name: Erana Race: Human Age: 22 Player: Lokiyn Classes: Transmuter5 Wild Soul3 Hit Points: 8d4+0 [21] Affiliation / Score: Dragon Island / 6 (Dragon Island Native +2 to manipulate the attitude of inhabitants of dragon island as well as doubling of the characters age categories) Alignment: True Neutral Vision: Normal Speed: Walk 30 ft. Languages: Common, Draconic, Sylvan, Terran, Worg Stat Score Mod STR 10 (+0) DEX 10 (+0) CON 10 (+0) INT 18 (+4) WIS 14 (+2) CHA 10 (+0) -------------------------- Skills -------------------------- Skill (only skills with ranks are shown and only the end total) Appraise +4; Craft (Stoneworking) +10; Diplomacy +5; Knowledge (Arcana) +12; Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) +12; Knowledge (Nature) +15; Perform (String Instruments) +5; Profession (Gardener) +10; Profession (Beekeeper) +10; Ride +1; Spellcraft +17 -------------------------- Feats --------------------------- (1st)ArcaneDisciple (Water); Obad-Hai= Water Domain (1st)ArcaneDisciple (Plant); Obad-Hai= Plant domain. Add the chosen domains spells to your class list of arcane spells. Once chosen this decision cannot be changed for that feat. You may learn these spells as normal for your class; however you use Wisdom (rather than the normal ability for your spellcasting) when determining the save DC for the spell. In addition you must have a Wisdom score equal to 10 + the spells level in order to prepare or cast a spell gained from this feat. Each day you may prepare (or cast if you cast spells without preparation) a maximum of one of these domains spells of each level. (6th)Craft Construct; (5th)Craft Magic Arms and Armor; (3rd)Craft Wondrous Item; (1st)Scribe Scroll; -------------------- Special Abilities --------------------- +2 bonus to Spellcraft when learning Transmutation Seelie Bond (Su): When you cast summon seelie ally or summon monster spell to bring forth a creature from the summon seelie ally list your connection to the seelie increases granting you benefits. These benefits remain as long as one of the seelie or unseelie creatures you summoned is alive and the duration of the spell has not expired. The benefits described below are cumulative. Thus a l0th-level wild soul would gain all of them upon summoning a seelie or unseelie ally. At 2nd level you gain immunity to magic and nonmagical sleep effects. This ability grants elves immunity to nonmagical sleep effects to which they are normally vulnerable. At 4th level you gain a +2 bonus on saves against enchantment spells or effects. The bonus against enchantment effects is untyped and thus stacks with an elfs or half-elfs +2 racial bonus against enchantment spells and effects. At 6th level your base land speed increases by 10 feet. At 8th level add 1 to the Difficulty Class of saving throws against illusion spells you cast. At 10th level add 1 to the Difficulty Class of saving throws against enchantment spells you cast. Seelie Courtier (Ex): At 1st level you must choose either the seelie or the unseelie path. Good-aligned characters cant choose the unseelie path while evil-aligned characters are barred from the seelie path. This choice determines certain benefits you gain from this prestige class. If your alignment later changes to make your choice illegal you automatically exchange all seelie- or unseelie-related class features for their opposites. In addition you gain a bonus equal to your wild soul level on Bluff Diplomacy and Intimidate checks made in to influence fey and magical beasts. Spontaneous Spells: A wild soul can tap into the magic that naturally infuses fey and magical beasts to cast spells that were not prepared ahead of time. You can sacrifice any prepared arcane spell (or for a spontaneous caster an arcane spell slot) to cast a particular spell of the same spell level or lower. Depending on whether you have chosen the seelie or unseelie path you choose from different specific Spells. Access to a spontaneous spell does not grant the ability to cast it if you do not have a prepared spell or spell slot of appropriately high level to lose in exchange. These spells are not considered to be part of your class spell list so this feature doesn’t grant you the ability to activate spell trigger or spell completion items using these spells. Summon Familiar; Since it’s not really of any importance from a meta-game perspective, Erana has a Hedgehog Familiar (DMG pg203) because its cute. Summon Seelie Ally (Sp): Starting at 2nd level a wild soul can summon a seelie ally three times per day. This ability functions like summon monster I except that you choose a creature from a list of options as detailed on the table below based on your wild soul level and path. You can use this ability to summon one creature from the highest-level list available to you ld3 creatures of the same kind from the next highest-level list or ld4 +1 creatures of the same kind from any lower-level list. Your caster level is equal to your character level. In addition whenever you cast a summon monster spell of 4th to 8th level you can choose a creature from the appropriate list below in place of one of the normal options. -------------------------- Combat -------------------------- Total / Touch / Flat Footed AC: 11 / 10 / 11 (+1 Nat Bonus, Hedgehog) Initiative: +0 BAB +3 Melee to hit +3 Ranged to hit +3 Fortitude +2 Reflex +2 Will +9 Crossbow, Heavy: to hit: +3 damage: 1d10 critical: 19-20/x2 range: 120 ft. --------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- ------------------------- Equipment ------------------------ C2C/PC # Cst Item 1050 8.0 8400 8 Ea. Homunculus 4500 1.0 4500 Decanter of Endless Water 280.0 13 3640 Fabrication Service (Shaper 4th) 7.00 1.0 7.00 Lantern (Hooded) 6500 1.0 6500 Lyre of Building 0.000 1.0 0.00 Outfit (Cold Weather) 10.0 1.0 10.0 Outfit (Explorer's) 5.00 1.0 5.00 Signet Ring 5.00 1.0 5.00 Spell Component Pouch 15.0 1.0 15.0 Spellbook (Wizard's/Blank) 1100 2.0 2200 4th Level Spell (Scroll+Ink) 675 1.0 675 3rd Level Spell (Scroll+Ink) 350 1.0 350 2nd Level Spell (Scroll+Ink) 642 1.0 642 Gold for Assorted Needs 1.00 1.0 1.00 Bolts, crossbow (10) 50.0 1.0 50.0 Crossbow (Heavy) Total 27000 Total weight carried: Current load: Light (about 20-30 Lbs) Encumbrance Light: 33 Medium: 66 Heavy: 100 --------------------------- Magic -------------------------- Per Day (Bonus Spells from Intelligence Included) C 4+1 1st 5+1 2nd 4+1 3rd 3+1 4th 2+1 Wizard Spells Level 1 Alarm (Abjuration) Animate Rope (Transmutation) Feather Fall (Transmutation) Identify (Divination) Mount (Conjuration) Protection from Evil (Abjuration) Unseen Servant (Conjuration) Level 2 Arcane Lock (Abjuration) Levitate (Transmutation) Magic Mouth (Illusion) Mirror Image (Illusion) Pyrotechnics (Transmutation) Level 3 Illusory Script (Illusion) Magic Circle against Evil (Abjuration) Phantom Steed (Conjuration) Shrink Item (Transmutation) Summon Monster III (Conjuration) Level 4 Arcane Eye (Divination) Hallucinatory Terrain (Illusion) Secure Shelter (Conjuration) Summon Monster IV (Conjuration) ------------------------ Domain Spells ----------------------- Plant Domain Spells Entangle: Plants entangle everyone in 40-ft.-radius. Barkskin: Grants +2 (or higher) enhancement to natural armor. Plant Growth: Grows vegetation, improves crops. Command Plants: Sway the actions of one or more plant creatures. Water Domain Spells Obscuring Mist: Fog surrounds you. Fog Cloud: Fog obscures vision. Water Breathing: Subjects can breathe underwater. Control Water: Raises or lowers bodies of water. ------------------------ Description ----------------------- Height: 5' 1" Weight: 105 lbs. Gender: Female Eyes: Opal Hair: Midnight, Skin: Ivory Dominant Hand: Left Speech style: Slight Sibilant cast Full DescriptionErana is a short seeming woman, although not as short as some races she is on the low end of height for the average human. Her age is hard to pin down as she appears youthful, too young to be without a keeper in fact, however her speech and eyes belong to a much older woman. Erana Dresses simply in either a stout fur lined outfit made of some thick supple leather (whale skin) or in simple linen and cotton trousers and shirts with leather patches sewn into the joints for protection. All of her clothing has a small pocket on the shoulder for a tiny nearsighted ball of fluff to peer out at the world. Her most striking feature is the contrast between the dark black of her hair and the eyes that, at first glance, appear to be covered in cataracts but on closer inspection have an opalescent sheen instead of the more normal iris colors. DESCRIPTION BackgroundSimply enough Erana is the only daughter of a small but successful family that lives on the Isle of Dragons, her childhood is a mixture of classes with her fellow humans and the occasional batch of wyrmlings receiving instruction before being allowed to leave the island. Erana grew up hearing stories about her grandfather and grandmother who where a successful adventuring duo before they settled down on the isle. However, what made Erana’s family unique were that only Erana’s grandfather was human, her grandmother was a Dryad! Simply put Erana’s Grandfather was shocked to find that his quarterstaff contained the woman that would eventually be his wife. Erana’s grandparents eventually settled on dragon isle in exchange for some simple services to the government at the time, eventually as all things do her grandfather died of a ripe old age and her grandmother chose to follow. Although the subsequent mixings have removed the majority of the fey from Erana’s bloodlines enough remains to instill her with a touch of the wild and the Wanderlust. Erana’s Tutelage started early, with her birthdate being at that portion of the year to necessitate entering schooling early or fall behind. A quick study Erana graduated young and was initiated as an official native on the eve of her 15th birthday. Needless to say the delicate features inherited from her grandmother combined with the slowed aging of the initiated has been the cause of more than one tantrum. If only people would stop treating her like a child….. More to the point Erana eventually agreed to enter into an extended apprenticeship with a Pan Lung Dragon. As a result her travels take her across the globe establishing small gardens and orchards throughout the wilderness as travelers respites, occasionally Erana will stop and talk with a treant or speak with a satyr in the wilderness that remember her grandmother and grandfather and gather their tales to add to the family history, as well as picking up some pointers on using the magic inherent in the natural world. Mostly though Erana spends her time establishing way stations that are easily found by flying creatures and collecting samples of plants for use in her horticultural studies RoutinesErana’s Routine is fairly simple. Generally she spends no more than a week in any given location. She normally travels at a fairly rapid pace using a Phantom Steed Generally after a good days travel she’ll stop and make preparations for the next part of her routine. Considering the speed of her mount she can generally makes about 90 to 120 miles a day depending on the terrain, With her rapid speed helping to outpace any predators along the way. Once she’s a proper distance from her last camp site Erana’s next order of business it to cast Hallucinatory Terrain and make the area about her campsite (roughly a 40 foot radius circle ) appear to be a raise outcropping of rock and earth to deter simple predators and the curious (lasts 14 hours per cast), Once the site is warded her homunculi follow their standard procedure and station themselves about equidistant from each other establishing a perimeter. This allows Erana to be aware of people long before they even get near the campsite. (on average the homunculi will increase the encounter distance from anywhere from 150 to 200 percent for the pc while remaining hidden from the encounter npc’s) Once so warded Erana will begin her work. Using the Lyre of Building Erana can reliably get in about (100x3x2=600) Days worth of labor in an hour, which would be enough to till and plant about 300 acres of land. Erana rarely clears and tills more than 1-3 acres of land though. (120-200 Ft Radius Circle of Land). The remainder of the labor goes into the construction of a large structure for bees (Say 10 foot radius 20 feet tall) as well as a low stone wall about the cleared area. The wall is normally only about 3 feet tall and a foot wide with the occasional stile and is inscribed with the diagrams involved in the magic circle spells (no real in game effect). Once the Area is cleared tilled and walled, Erana spends some time making sure that the area is well watered as well as casting plant growth to encourage the new seeds, as well as thickening the underbrush outside the wall to help keep unwanted visitors out. The ~600 is used for seeds and such as well as purchasing bees / harvesting bees to start the hives. Usually Erana leaves a small box behind near the hive with some supplies, a few jars some rope and a jar or two of oil and a lantern. The box is always Arcane locked with information inscribed on the inside of the lid on how to get in touch with her. Because of her ability to spontaneously convert her spells into a list of fey related spells Erana occasionally will use some creative curses (via) bestow curse to create guardians for the gardens, and example of this would be a cursed wolf or other carnivore who would be unable to sleep outside the respite. Generally curses are mild and serve to keep simple creatures that are challenging to say, a logger, but not to a dragon landing for a place to sleep. Erana also has access to some summons that are not on the normal list but many of them are not in the core monster manual, of the few that are though Erana occasionally summons Aranea to spin some webs between trees as a simple deterrent but usually saves a summons or two for emergencies. Erana's new Age categories are 30 Adult 70 Middle Age 106 Old 140 Venerable 182 Avg Max If she ever reaches the highest Affiliation score (30) her age categories would be 60 Adult 140 Middle Age 212 Old 280 Venerable 364 Avg Max Comparable to a dwarf or Gnome, If she reached score 30 before the age of 30 (8 years) she would be stuck with a childlike form for another 30 years! Why? 'cause its funny I haven't time to go into the math of Hommonculi D.E.W. Systems but as i said earlier they add 1.5 to 2 or even 4 times to the distance an encounter can be spotted (and avoided) |
| Zherog02-15-08, 01:25 PM | No judges, I suppose, just to be fair and just in case it matters... Affiliation / Score: Dragon Island / 6 (Dragon Island Native +2 to manipulate the attitude of inhabitants of dragon island as well as doubling of the characters age categories) I'm unfamiliar with this; what rulebook is it from? |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-15-08, 01:31 PM | Lokiyn, welcome. Your entry has been added to the master list. She posts from time to time, even. So your wife not only supports the hobby, but also participates. Has she ever entered a Hero Craftsman? And who would win? Z vs. Mrs. Z? |
| Zherog02-15-08, 02:26 PM | She's never entered, no. She's read them on occasion, and decided she wasn't "good enough" to enter. :rolleyes: Hmmm... time's running out to finish my background.... |
| Lokiyn02-15-08, 03:42 PM | No judges, I suppose, just to be fair and just in case it matters... I'm unfamiliar with this; what rulebook is it from? Players Handbook 2, its the Dragon Island Affiliation. I noticed that it's most basic benefit was the Life extending benefits which helped fit the idea of the character as well as giving it a reason to be doing what its doing (working for a dragon of the isle) I'm a little bummed though, i missed a paragraph when i copied it over and don't have the "two edged blessings" uses of the spontaneous bestow curse. Ah well, it was mostly flavor the mechanics are all there. Heh i had just barely enough gold that i would have been able to pull off gaining the worm that walks template and being naked but i decided against it. |
| Zherog02-15-08, 04:39 PM | Michigan “Mitch” Smith Male halfling rogue 8 NG Small humanoid (halfling) Init +5 Senses Listen +8, Spot +5 Languages Common, Goblin, Halfling - - - - - - AC 22 (+1 size, +5 Dex, +6 armor); Touch 16; Flat-Footed 22; Improved Uncanny dodge, trap sense +2, uncanny dodge hp 38 (8 HD) Fort +5, Ref +13, Will +4; +2 vs fear, evasion, trap sense +2 - - - - - - Spd 30 ft. (6 squares) Melee +12 sickle (1d4+1) or +12 dagger (1d3+1) or +11 sap (1d4 nonlethal) or +10 sickle (1d4+1) and +10 dagger (1d3+1) Ranged +12 sling (1d3) Base Atk +5; Grp +1 Atk Options Sneak attack +4d6 SQ trapfinding Combat Gear Potion of bear’s endurance, potion of blur, potion of cure light wounds (x8), potion of darkvision, potion of invisibility, potion of spider climb - - - - - - Abilities Str 10, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 14 Feats Blind-Fight, Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse Skills Appraise +9, Balance +12, Climb +7, Decipher Script +10, Diplomacy +11, Disable Device +14, Hide +9, Jump +12, Listen +8, Move Silently +7, Open Lock +18, Search +12, Spot +5, Tumble +18 Possessions Combat gear, +2 mithral chain shirt, +1 dagger, +1 sickle, sap, sling, 20 sling stones, boots of striding and springing, cloak of resistance +1, gloves of dexterity +2, Heward’s handy haversack, bedroll, 10 candles, 5 pieces of chalk, crowbar, flint and steel, grappling hook, hammer, ink (3 ounces), 3 inkpens, hooded lantern, manacles, 10 pints of oil, journal book*, 10 pitons, 100 ft. silk rope, sewing needle, signal whistle, signet ring, shovel, tent, waterskin, masterwork thieves’ tools, gold necklace with ruby trimmed locket (100 gp), Explorer’s outfit, 1 pp, 15 gp, 6 sp, 3 cp. * priced as 100 sheets of parchment (20 gp) 15 of the 20 sling stones, and all items except the hooded lantern are regularly carried in the haversack Total weight carried = 26.5 pounds; light load = 28.5 or fewer pounds The Sharn Inquisitor All the news that’s fit to print – and then some! Sharn’s Explorer by Catie Couvic, staff reporter All throughout the City of Towers, people are abuzz discussing the most recent exploits of Michigan Smith, perhaps Sharn’s most famous explorer. Or, at least, the most popular at the moment. And so it’s rather surprising that few people really know any details about this brave halfling. We at the Inquisitor, of course, set about to rectify that. We’ve dug into the records, and even interviewed the man himself, all in an effort to bring you the details of his exciting life! Michigan Smith – known as “Mitch” to his friends – stands a rather unimposing 3 feet 4 inches tall. His slight frame barely packs on 33 pounds (“Running around jungles and ruins keeps the weight off, I guess,” the man says with a smile). His brown hair is cropped short, so as to not get in the way during a dangerous excursion. His green eyes twinkle with the fire of a man always on the go, always ready for the next adventure. His clothing is basic, practical even, designed for crawling through the Cogs or sailing to Xen’Drik rather than being stylish. His brown fedora keeps the hot sun off his head, while his many-pocketed vest allows for the storage of all sorts of odds and ends. His pants, too, possess many deep pockets, with storage and accessibility key. But to really know the man, you have to go back 22 years, to the time he was born. His father, of course, is also a well-known explorer and archeologist, Wisconsin Smith. His mother, Henrietta Fjord-Smith, was often home alone, unsure if her husband would return from his latest adventure. Just before Michigan was born, Henrietta insisted Wisconsin give up his adventuring lifestyle and serve as a father to his first child. The elder Smith relented, and took a teaching position at Morgrave University, where he’s still on the faculty teaching classes about archeology and the cultures of Xen’Drik. Within days of his acceptance to the faculty post, Michigan was born. Growing up as an only child, Michigan found himself exposed to all manner of odd cultures in his household. His mother had learned to cook many dishes native to the dark-skinned elves of Xen’Drik. And, of course, there were the stories from his father. “As long as I can remember,” Smith said, “My father told stories. All the time, he would talk about Xen’Drik or his trips down into the Cogs. He’d talk wistfully about Cyre and the wonderful arts they’d produce. I consider myself lucky, actually, having been able to see some of it, before the war destroyed the whole region.” The explorer’s voice trails off at the mention of the Last War and the destruction it wrought upon the land. “My father’s stories inspired me,” Smith continues. “I knew from a very early age that I’d follow in his footsteps. I read everything I could find, no matter what the subject matter. And Dad helped me, too, much to Mom’s chagrin.” Mr. and Mrs. Smith argued often over young Mitch’s future; she didn’t want him undertaking such a dangerous line of work, while he insisted the boy needed to follow his destiny, wherever it took him. “I think growing up, I probably didn’t lead a completely normal life. I mean, sure, I did a lot of the same things the other halfling children did – running, climbing, and all that. It really paid off, to be honest. There was one child, though, who I just couldn’t get along with. That’s not really important to get into, though. All in all, I had a pretty normal childhood, even with all the books.” We did some investigating. Smith understates the importance of this singular encounter in his life. An older lad named Hans Duet was the neighborhood bully in the section of Sharn where his family lived. In fact, bully probably isn’t the best word. Duet tormented the younger children, attempting to exert his control over them. Finally one day, Young Mitch Smith had had enough, and he set out to right the wrongs done by Duet. Smith found the cretin in a back alley, playing dice with some other hoodlums. Before any of the thugs knew what was going on, Smith – relying on his quickness and agility – had brought down the neighborhood bully and turned him over to the Watch. From that day forward, Duet never bothered Smith or his friends again. All attempts to locate Hans Duet, however, were unsuccessful. “Dad spent time teaching me a lot of things I needed to know,” Smith relays. “I can remember when he taught me how to use a lock pick. He made it real clear that while it was a skill I needed to know as an explorer, there was a certain responsibility that went along with knowing the skill. ‘You have a choice, Junior,’ Dad would tell me. ‘You can use your skills for the betterment of society, or you can become a thug who drags down society.’” Smith, of course, opted for the former. Smith’s first great adventure came when he was 17 years old. He and three friends set off into the Cogs under Sharn, looking to recover a schematic belonging to House Cannith. The schematic was rumored to be in a long-buried forge deep underground. All attempts to locate it up to that time, though, were fruitless. Smith felt he could find it, in part because he believed the previous attempts were looking in the wrong area. He was certain his research would lead them to the schematic, and he convinced two childhood friends – an elf named Qwen Tarrinth and a human Fineran DuBois – to join him on his first excursion. The three found their way through the cogs and deep into the bowels under Sharn. In the end, Smith was right, but his trip came with a cost. Young Tarrinth was killed by a mechanical guardian of House Cannith, still active after all these years. Young DuBois, it’s been learned, was sent off to a monastery by his parents. He fought in the War as an officer, and struggled to come to grips with what the War wrought. He took a vow of poverty and changed his name to Drusai; of course, this noble warrior still lives in and around Sharn, fighting for the rights of the poor and downtrodden. As best as we can tell, though, Smith and Drusai have not spoken since returning from House Cannith’s lost forge. "Qwen's death, it was hard, you know?" Smith's expression turns somber for the first and only time during our several hour-long interview. "He was a good man. He was a good man, who died because I failed him." The guilt obviously wracks Smith to this day, though based on the facts I know, there seems to be little he could do to prevent his friend's death. Since that time, Smith has had many exciting and dangerous expeditions, many reported right here in The Sharn Inquisitor. Three years ago, he worked to bust up a bizarre cult in the tropical forest of Darguun. Two years ago, he took on pirates along the coast of Q’Barra, recovering ancient golden coins worth a small fortune. As recently as six months ago, Michigan Smith could be found in Xen’Drik, exploring the lost civilization of the giants, again recovering priceless artifacts and relics. With these valuable finds, you might think Smith is among Sharn’s richest people; and yet that’s not the case. “Those things don’t belong to me; they belong to society,” Smith says nonchalantly with a shrug. All the objects the brave explorer uncovers are turned over to Morgrave University, where they’re examined, cataloged, and often put on display in the museum. Yes, dear reader. Michigan Smith himself is a treasure, one Sharn should embrace. He tells me he’ll be setting off on a grand quest once again soon, though he refuses to say where. “If I told you,” he says with a sly grin, “Then I’d have competition – people looking to sell those items for a profit.” Wherever the fates lead him, Michigan Smith is sure to find a grand adventure. And we’ll be waiting for his return, so we can tell you of his exploits and his latest find. Ability Scores Strength: 11 (3 points), -2 racial, +1 level 8 Dexterity: 15 (8 points), +2 racial, +2 gloves, +1 level 4 Constitution: 12 (4 points) Intelligence: 13 (5 points) Wisdom: 10 (2 points) Charisma: 14 (6 points) Skill Ranks: total Skill 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ranks --------------------------------------- Appraise 2 1 2 1 1 1 8 Balance 4 1 5 Climb 4 1 5 Decipher Script 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 Diplomacy 4 1 1 1 1 1 9 Disable Device 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 Hide 0 Jump 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 Listen 2 1 1 1 1 6 Move Silently 0 Open Lock 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 Search 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 Spot 2 1 1 1 5 Tumble 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 --------------------------------------- total per level 36 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 99 Appraise: 8 ranks, +1 Int Balance: 5 ranks, +5 Dex, +2 synergy from Tumble Climb: 5 ranks, +0 Str, +2 racial Decipher Script: 9 ranks, +1 Int Diplomacy: 9 ranks, +2 Cha Disable Device: 11 ranks, +1 Int, +2 from equipment Hide: 0 ranks, +5 Dex, +4 size bonus Jump: 8 ranks, +0 Str, +2 racial, +2 synergy from Tumble Listen: 6 ranks, +0 Wis, +2 racial Move Silently: 0 ranks, +5 Dex, +2 racial Open Lock: 11 ranks, +5 Dex, +2 from equipment Search: 11 ranks, +1 Int Spot: 5 ranks, +0 Wis Tumble: 11 ranks, +5 Dex, +2 synergy from Jump Sickle Attacks: +5 BAB, +5 Dex, +1 Size, +1 enhancement, -2 TWF penalty Dagger Attacks: +5 BAB, +5 Dex, +1 Size, +1 enhancement, -2 TWF penalty Sap Attacks: +5 BAB, +5 Dex, +1 size Sling Attacks: +5 BAB, +5 Dex, +1 size, +1 racial Equipment note: this text is formatted so that you should be able to copy/paste it out to a txt file (saved with an extension of .csv) and then opened in Excel, for easy tabulation of value and weight. Item, Cost, Weight cloak of resistance +1, 1000, 1 gloves of dexterity +2, 4000, 0 ring of sustenance, 2500, 0 boots of striding and springing, 5500, 1 +2 mithral chain shirt, 5100, 12.5 +1 sickle, 2306, 1 +1 dagger, 2302, .5 sap, 1, 1 sling, 0, 0 heward's handy haversack, 2000, 5 bedroll, .1, 0 caltrops, 1, 0 candle (10), .1, 0 chalk (5), .05, 0 crowbar, 2, 0 flint and steel, 1, 0 grappling hook, 1, 0 hammer, .5, 0 ink (3 ounces), 24, 0 inkpen (3), .3, 0 hooded lantern, 7, 2 manacles, 15, 0 oil (10 pints), 1, 0 journal book, 20, 0 piton (10), 1, 0 silk rope (100 ft.), 20, 0 sewing needle, .5, 0 signal whistle, .8, 0 signet ring, 5, 0 shovel, 2, 0 tent, 10, 0 waterskin, 1, 0 whetstone, .02, 0 masterwork thieves' tools, 100, 0 15 sling bullets (in pack), 1.5, 0 5 sling bullets (accessable in pockets), .5, 2.5 gold necklace with ruby trimmed locket, 100, 0 potion of cure light wounds (8), 400, 0 potion of endure elements, 50, 0 potion of bear's endurance, 300, 0 potion of blur, 300, 0 potion of darkvision, 300, 0 potion of invisibility, 300, 0 potion of spider climb, 300, 0 1 pp, 10, 0 15 gp, 15, 0 6 sp, .6, 0 3 cp, .03, 0 (note: the background material relies heavily upon the flavor found in the Eberron Campaign Setting. But none of it affects Mitch's crunchy bits.) |
| Zherog02-15-08, 04:41 PM | Players Handbook 2, its the Dragon Island Affiliation. :doh: I should've known that... |
| CheeseMan02-15-08, 06:58 PM | Eldyn Timsdale Of unknown parentage, Eldyn was raised out in the country at the Adelthor Manor Orphanage since he was a wee babe. One day in his childhood, whilest traveling with elderly Master Adelthor to nearby Staldigarde, capital of the Ethonian lands, they passed a pair of druids on the side of the road, healing their recently-lamed horse. Stopping with old Adelthor to assist with the clutzy horse (it had tripped, apparently), Eldyn was immediately enthralled by the druids. Seeing this in him, as well as his extreme care and kindness towards the horse, the druids offered to take him with them to study the druidic ways. Adelthor, seeing the wonderful opportunity for Eldyn, allowed it, and thus began Eldyn’s life as a druid. The next several years of Eldyn’s life were peaceful ones, traveling from place to place with his tutors, healing the sick, aiding poor farmers with ailing crops, dealing with plagues of rats, and other such druidly things. When the time finally came for Eldyn to leave his tutors, he spent a year going about, continuing his peaceful druidly existence solo, but soon enough he found his way back to Staldigarde and enlisted in the army, hoping to someday be an explorer and journey to the far eastern lands, beyond the mountains and the wide sea. After a few years of rigorous combat training, and a short deployment to help quash a Gnoll incursion into Ethonia’s southern reaches, Eldyn was made part of the ‘Ethonian Expeditionary Army’ as a scout. For some time his 12-man unit was deployed to the far south amongst the lizardfolk and, for the sake of diplomatic relations with them, helped them defend themselves from some of the area’s other, less-than-nice locals (including a pair of hydra). As well as helping establish strong diplomatic ties with the lizardfolk, he personally was named a ‘Kaliresh’, a knight of sorts, by their chieftain, Crend Taillash, for having personally saved him from Agro Mestafi, a gnasty little goblin assassin who not rots in an Ethonian prison. After being recalled from the lands of the lizardfolk, his unit was finally redeployed across the sea to the far-east lands. There Eldyn first encountered the Giants (giants had disappeared from the western lands over 600 years prior), and soon learned their language and became a good friend of the Aldori tribe of Stone Giants. Equally as quickly, he became a hated enemy of the local Hill Giants, as on more than one occasion his unit had defeated single giants in combat. As they slowly moved inland into the rainforests, the EEA encountered gnomes, another oddity unseen in the west. Although a friendly people, it seemed the scattered, individual villages for many, many leagues were ruled by a cruel, oppressive warlord named Gol Gomsterdorn and his army of rag-tag meany-gnomes from their stronghold far to the southeast… Personality: Kind and with deep respect for nature, Eldyn is has a strong sense of curiousity and loves his life as an explorer. He gets along easily with most people, assuming they don’t throw a spear at him first. Battle Tactics: Eldyn always fights in some animal form or another if he can, usually casting a buff beforehand if he thinks he’ll need it. His preferred form for combat are is a Dire Lion. He always prepares a Cure Light Wounds in case he has to heal while shapeshifted Eldyn Timsdale Male Human, age 29 Druid 5/Master of Many Forms 3 (pg 59, CompAdv) Neutral Good, No patron deity Size: Medium Height: 5’10” Weight: 145lb Eyes: Blue Hair: White, Short Skin: Tan Str: 8 -1 (0 pts) Dex: 10 +0 (2 pts).c Con: 16 +3 (10 pts) Int: 14 +2 (6 pts) Wis: 16 +3 (6 pts, +1 at lvls 4 and 8) Cha: 12 +1 (4 pts) HP: 63 (8d8+24) AC: 15 (Base 10 + 2 Deflect (Ring of Protection) + 3 Bracers of Armor), T: 12, FF: 15 Speed: 30ft Init: +0 Saves: Fort: +10 (+7 Base, +3 Con) Ref: +4 (+4 Base) Will: +8 (+5 Base, +3 Wis) BAB, Grapple: +5, +4 (+5 BAB, -1 Str) Attacks: Masterwork Shortspear: +5 melee, 1d6-1, x2, 20ft, Piercing, melee Masterwork Dagger: +5 melee, 1d4-1, 19-20/x2, 10ft, Piercing or Slashing Full Attack: Masterwork Shortspear +1 melee (1d6-1) and Masterwork Dagger -3 melee (1d4-1) Racial/Class Abilities: Human Traits Animal Companion Nature Sense Wild Empathy (Handle Animal synergy [+2]) Woodland Stride Trackless Step Resist Nature’s Lure Wild Shape (4/day) Shifter’s Speech Improved Wild Shape (humanoid, giant, monstrous humanoid; Large) Fast Wild Shape Skills: (66 skill points) Concentration: +13 (10 ranks, +3 Con) Diplomacy: +9 (+8 Ranks, +1 Cha) Handle Animal: +10 (9 ranks, +1 Cha) Knowledge (geography): +3 (1 ranks, +2 Int) Knowledge (nature): +15 (+11 ranks, +2 Int, Survival synergy [+2]) Listen: +14 (11 ranks, +3 Wis) Spellcraft: +6 (4 ranks, +2 Int) Spot: +14 (11 ranks, +3 Wis) Survival: +14 (11 ranks, +3 Wis) Speak Language: Common [automatic initial], Druidic [automatic initial], Sylvan [bonus initial], Giant [bonus initial] Skills Breakdown: 77 skill points (56 Druid, 21 Master of Many Forms) Levels 1-5 Druid: Concentration 6, Diplomacy 8, Handle Animal 6, Knowledge (nature) 8, Listen 8, Spellcraft 4, Spot 8, Survival 8 Levels 6-8 MoMF: Concentration 4, Handle Animal 3, Knowledge (geography) [crossclass] 1, Knowledge (nature) 3, Listen 3, Spot 3, Survival 3 Feats: 1: Alertness 1: Endurance 3: Track 6: Natural Spell Typical Spells: 0 lvl (5): Flare, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Resistance x3 1 lvl (3, 1 bonus): Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang x2, Speak with Animals 2 lvl (2, 1 bonus): Bull’s Strength, Cat’s Grace, Spider Climb or Balancing Lorecall (CompAdv pg 143) 3 lvl (1, 1 bonus): Greater Magic Fang, Call Lightning Items(on person): (Gear Total: 24311.55 gp/22.7 lb) (additional 260 pp in XXXX bank) Light Load: ≤26 lb Medium Load: 27-53 lb Heavy Load: 54-80 lb Backpack (2 gp/2lb) Possum Pouch (1800gp/1lb) (pg 134, CompAdv) Waterskin (1 gp/4lb) Silk Rope (10 gp/5lb) Traveler’s Outfit (free/doesn’t count) Signal Whistle (8 sp/-) Masterwork Shortspear (301 gp/3 lb) Masterwork Dagger x2 (604 gp/2 lb) Potion of Tongues (750 gp/.1 lb) Tindertwig x15 (15 gp/-) Holly & Mistletoe (-/-) Wand of Cure Light Wounds (750 gp/.1 lb) Bracers of Armor +3 (9000 gp/1 lb) Ring of Protection +2 (8000 gp/-) Horn of Fog (2000 gp/1 lb) Spyglass (1000 gp/1 lb) Coins (75 gp, 25 sp, 25 cp/2.5 lb) Animal Companion: Name: Kael Type: Owl Small Animal HP: 13 Initiative: +4 Speed: 10ft, fly 40ft (average) AC: 18 (+1 size, +3 Dex, +4 natural), touch 14, flat footed 15 BAB/Grapple: +2/-3 Attack: talons +5 melee (1d6-1) Full Attack: talons +5 melee (1d6-1) Space/Reach: 5ft/5ft Special Qualities: Low-Light Vision Saves: Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +3 Abilities: Str 9, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 4 Skills: Listen +14, Move Silently +17, Spot +8 Feats: Weapon Finesse, Alertness, Hover Tricks: Attack, Come, Down, Heel, Stay, Perform, Fetch (bonus), Seek (bonus) |
| Eldritch_Lord02-15-08, 07:18 PM | Oh, and Eldritch_Lord, do you taunt the coordinating judge with tales of home-baked goodness? Is that a wise decision with judging shortly to begin? "Taunt"? You mean you didn't get the cake yet? That's the last time I use FedEx; they were late in the last contest too.... |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-15-08, 07:29 PM | Sorry, I'm a little late on this. Afternoon was more hectic than expected. Anyways, this competition is now closed. All further entries will not be considered for medals or scored. However, we do invite anyone who wants to still submit a character. After official scoring, the judges will be more than willing to review and comment on any late entries. |
| CheeseMan02-15-08, 07:30 PM | its not the neatest thing ever, but i made it. too bad noone called time anyway....boy do i feel like a tool... [edit] oh zing, ya called it while i was posting |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-15-08, 07:34 PM | I saw it while I was going to post to call time. Since you officially managed to submit it 1 minute before I called time, I'll let it stand. You're quite lucky my meeting ran long this afternoon. Anyways, Z and Cheese, your entries have been added to the master list. Edit: As it stands, we have 14 entries (probably a good thing I don't have a social life in the coming weeks). Everyone who entered, please make sure that your entry is on the master list. The judges typically use the master list to reference when judging, so I want to make sure that I didn't miss anyone. If you've posted an entry, and I've missed it, let me know and it will be added to the master list. |
| Far_Traveler02-15-08, 08:18 PM | Edit: nm, was reading the wrong page. |
| Mercurius02-15-08, 08:22 PM | Just as a heads up, I'm pretty much coming down with the plague right now, so I may not be up for judging this weekend (which is a shame, because otherwise I'd have the time)... I'll see what I can do, but be warned. :yuck: :tissue: :ghosted: |
| Eldritch_Lord02-15-08, 09:13 PM | (probably a good thing I don't have a social life in the coming weeks). You didn't have to put your real life on hold just for us, though we certainly appreciate it. Did you get the cake yet? |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-16-08, 12:33 AM | The social life comment was a snide remark about my continued singleness, despite the valiant efforts of some of my friends in the past two weeks. Luck is still against me. And Mercurius, don't worry too much, my start date for judging will be Monday, when my school is out of session. Finally, I believe that this thread has proven that Fed Ex just isn't very reliable. Still, maybe over the weekend... |
| Zherog02-16-08, 01:40 PM | I'm kinda surprised my character's name hasn't produced any comments. ;) |
| Mysteria02-16-08, 01:58 PM | Should it? |
| Zherog02-16-08, 02:30 PM | Maybe the joke about the name "Michigan Smith" was funnier in my mind than it actually is. *shrug* The first thing I thought of when the topic was posted was Indiana Jones. And I couldn't get the thought out of my head. There's other references to both Harrison Ford and Indiana Jones in places throughout my background. The second thing that came to my mind was Eberron. Which I also kept around. |
| CheeseMan02-16-08, 02:49 PM | oh, michingan smith/indiana jones...i get it lol |
| Endarrion02-16-08, 03:29 PM | I understood it right away, but I thought I'd look like a tool if I was like, "Har, it's Indiana Jones, not Michigan Smith, lolz." Nice one though. |
| Zherog02-16-08, 04:16 PM | Huh, now I'm torn. On the one hand, I'm happy somebody got my joke. On the other hand, that person is from Cleveland - land of the burning river. :P :P :P |
| Mercurius02-16-08, 04:17 PM | Jennibert got it pretty much right away, but she had to explain it to me, because I didn't get it at all. |
| Mysteria02-16-08, 04:22 PM | *wonders at what she's completely missing yet again* Could somebody take pity on me and explain the relation Indiana Jones / Michigan ... *slaps head* OK, NOW I get it. (I didn't realize that Michigan and Indiana are states ... blame me for being European. :D) (I did get that right now, didn't I?) |
| Zherog02-16-08, 04:42 PM | Yes, Michigan and Indiana are both states in the US. And "Jones" and "Smith" are both very common last names here in the states (I don't know about anywhere else). There's other Harrison Ford/Indiana Jones references throughout my background, such as the childhood bully Hans Duet. |
| Mysteria02-16-08, 05:07 PM | Just skimmed it earlier, I read it now and I have to say, I love the presentation as a newspaper article. :) By the way, speaking of references ... At one point you write Mr and Mrs Smith in your background and I can't help but think of the film with that title. :D Over here, Smith (although with a different spelling) is common, Jones not so much. |
| Zherog02-16-08, 06:17 PM | By the way, speaking of references ... At one point you write Mr and Mrs Smith in your background and I can't help but think of the film with that title. :D That was intentional too. :) I wrote "Mrs. Smith" at one point, and then the name of the movie hit me, so I changed it. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-16-08, 06:45 PM | Several years ago, I ran a campaign that featured a very similar character. The player ran a Halfling Cleric/Rogue/Temple Raider of Olidimarra who was named Roscoe Liftitem (pronounced: Lif - Tee - Em), who ran around in a leather vest and hat, had a different girlfriend in practically every adventure, and even wielded a whip. It is now taken for granted in any of my games that PC's, NPC's, or even familiars/animal companions named Roscoe will be kleptomaniacs. |
| Zherog02-16-08, 06:49 PM | I toyed with the idea of adding a bard level to get the whip proficiency. In the end, I liked the character better as a straight rogue, even if that meant losing the coolness of the whip. If Sword and Fist material were included, I totally would've gone towards the Lasher prestige class. But, well... that's 3.0 stuff, so I doubt it'll ever make it's way into a contest here. |
| Far_Traveler02-16-08, 09:08 PM | It was probably for the best, Z. On the note of references in entries, mine had quite a few to something in particular. Can anyone guess? |
| jennibert02-16-08, 11:07 PM | On the note of references in entries, mine had quite a few to something in particular. Can anyone guess? I haven't a guess yet, but then, I haven't fully read it...I just skimmed it to find the reference. (Will try again when I get around to judging sometime in a few wee--I mean I already started judging, why do you ask? :D But don't feel bad if no one gets it....Absolutely no one even noticed or commented on the fact that every character in the background of my last entry except Sadiya herself had a name that was a direct reference to a particular anime series.... It's Yugi-Oh. Specifically, the Abridged Series...that Mercurius just happened to be watching while I was writing her background...which is where the "evil teddy bear" reference came from as well. And hey, Eldritch_Lord.....why haven't Mercurius and I gotten cake yet? |
| Mercurius02-17-08, 06:42 PM | And hey, Eldritch_Lord.....why haven't Mercurius and I gotten cake yet? My guess is because the cake is a lie. |
| Zherog02-18-08, 02:29 PM | My guess is because the cake is a lie. As recently as a week ago, that wouldn't've made any sense to me. In other stuff: So, are you judges done yet? :angelhide |
| Eldritch_Lord02-18-08, 05:17 PM | And hey, Eldritch_Lord.....why haven't Mercurius and I gotten cake yet? I thought I already told everybody FedEx was delivering everything late...? Either way, I UPS'd it, and it might not get to you until tomorrow because it's a holiday weekend. My guess is because the cake is a lie. As a matter of fact, it isn't...at least in Portal. |
| jennibert02-18-08, 07:54 PM | I thought I already told everybody FedEx was delivering everything late...? Either way, I UPS'd it, and it might not get to you until tomorrow because it's a holiday weekend. Ah, good. UPS is much better than FedEx, at least in my experience. :) So, did you send one for each of us, or do we have to share? And Zherog....:P |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-18-08, 08:36 PM | In other stuff: So, are you judges done yet? :angelhide Yes. In fact, we all finished scoring about 3 this afternoon, but because we are cruel, harsh, and all other sorts of words that mean "horribly unkind," we will not post scores for a couple of weeks, solely out of spite. :cool: |
| Zherog02-19-08, 08:55 AM | and all other sorts of words that mean "horribly unkind," Like Kentuckian? :P :P :P :P :P :angelhide |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-19-08, 12:41 PM | The other states are just jealous because Kentucky is the only state to claim all three medals in a single Hero Craftsman. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-19-08, 04:18 PM | So, did you send one for each of us, or do we have to share? And Zherog....:P One for each. I hope you like chocolate; the other two got the strawberry ones. |
| jennibert02-19-08, 08:24 PM | Like Kentuckian? :P :P :P :P :P :angelhide Note to self: Zherog loses 10 points. One for each. I hope you like chocolate; the other two got the strawberry ones. I'm female. Nuff said. ;) |
| Eldritch_Lord02-19-08, 08:28 PM | I'm female. Nuff said. ;) That's what I figured. :D |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-19-08, 09:35 PM | So, even if UPS successfully delivers the as-of-yet hypothetical cakes, I now discover that mine will not be chocolate. I mean, strawberry is ok, but chocolate... :waits: |
| Eldritch_Lord02-20-08, 05:49 PM | So, even if UPS successfully delivers the as-of-yet hypothetical cakes, I now discover that mine will not be chocolate. I mean, strawberry is ok, but chocolate... :waits: Hey, I mentioned my sister makes the best strawberry cakes known to humankind, then you said you wanted cake, so I figured you wanted strawberry cake. I gave Jennibert chocolate because I figured, hey, females stereotypically love chocolate. If you want a chocolate cake, just send the strawberry one back when you get it and I'll have my sister bake you a chocolate one instead. |
| CheeseMan02-20-08, 06:46 PM | yea i'm sure she wont mind, after all, it's a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake |
| Eldritch_Lord02-20-08, 09:07 PM | yea i'm sure she wont mind, after all, it's a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake Actually, it can be 8, depending on how you cut it. ;) |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-21-08, 12:19 PM | Hey, I mentioned my sister makes the best strawberry cakes known to humankind, then you said you wanted cake, so I figured you wanted strawberry cake. I gave Jennibert chocolate because I figured, hey, females stereotypically love chocolate. If you want a chocolate cake, just send the strawberry one back when you get it and I'll have my sister bake you a chocolate one instead. I guess I can give the Strawberry a chance. It's just that, in my experience, Strawberry is either really good or really bad. Chocolate is more consistent as a tasteful treat. Granted, all of this is subject to UPS doing a better job than FedEx, and I have my doubts. |
| Zherog02-21-08, 01:31 PM | Note to self: Zherog loses 10 points. Excellent idea - that way the second place finisher will feel like they actually came close to beating my entry. :D |
| Eldritch_Lord02-21-08, 04:17 PM | I guess I can give the Strawberry a chance. It's just that, in my experience, Strawberry is either really good or really bad. Chocolate is more consistent as a tasteful treat. Granted, all of this is subject to UPS doing a better job than FedEx, and I have my doubts. Well, I'd personally say she's never done anything below "awesome" (kids at school call her the Baking Goddess because she brings in desserts for everyone's birthday) so you should be fine. Excellent idea - that way the second place finisher will feel like they actually came close to beating my entry. :D And the first place finisher will be comfortably at the top without having to worry about your entry. ;) |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-23-08, 07:25 PM | Bad news, everyone. I already know I'm going to be running late w/ my scores. While completely unintentionally, one of my friends managed to steal all of the materials for a major project in one of my graduate classes, a project I should have completed this weekend. As it stands, I'm going to be desperately trying to catch up in the next few days, which is going to off-set my judging time pretty heavily. I hate to stretch into the third week on judging, but as it stands, there's probably no way around it. Sorry guys. Also, on a practical note, feel free to post commentary on other's entries. I assure that all comments posted in sblocks will not be viewed by judges until after final scores are submitted and tallied, judges honor. ;) |
| Dragoncat02-24-08, 12:53 AM | Also, on a practical note, feel free to post commentary on other's entries. I assure that all comments posted in sblocks will not be viewed by judges until after final scores are submitted and tallied, judges honor. ;) So, in other words, we can say anything, anything at all about the judges, and as long as we keep them in sblocks, there's no possibility of repercussion? .... .... :D Aha! Caught you peeking! |
| Zherog02-24-08, 02:19 AM | Well, that's true Dragoncat, but don't forget... Ha! Also caught you peeking! Damn, this is easy! Like shooting fish in a barrel... |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-24-08, 02:50 AM | Well, Dragoncat, you may wish to reread my original comment, emphasis added. Also, on a practical note, feel free to post commentary on other's entries. I assure that all comments posted in sblocks will not be viewed by judges until after final scores are submitted and tallied, judges honor. ;) Not that judges could ever be accused of being petty, or adhering to anything less than the absolute highest of professional standards. Speaking of which, Eldritch_Lord, you may want to check with UPS. At this rate, the cake will be horribly stale when it arrives, if at all... |
| Dragoncat02-24-08, 04:57 AM | Well, Dragoncat, you may wish to reread my original comment, emphasis added. Oh-ho, but I did, good sir. For you see, although it should only be comments on other contestants, how will the judges know if they aren't allowed to look? :P Quite a conundrum, is it not? Being caught red-handed? |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-24-08, 03:12 PM | Don't forget that nuanced term: "Judges Honor." I mean, if the judges are Lawful alignment, a "No Judges Allowed" sblock should work just fine. However, I've yet to find anyone who can successfully cast a Detect Alignment spell over the internet. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-24-08, 05:25 PM | Speaking of which, Eldritch_Lord, you may want to check with UPS. At this rate, the cake will be horribly stale when it arrives, if at all... I don't believe it! :ahem: Notes don't work, tips don't work, bribing drivers don't work...nothing gets those packages there on time!! I might just have to hand-deliver them.... Don't forget that nuanced term: "Judges Honor." I mean, if the judges are Lawful alignment, a "No Judges Allowed" sblock should work just fine. He's got a good point, guys; unless you put "No Judges Allowed" instead of "Spoiler" how is he supposed to know not to look in that sblock? However, I've yet to find anyone who can successfully cast a Detect Alignment spell over the internet. :devil: And I bet you think none of us knows detect thoughts either, huh? |
| Dragoncat02-24-08, 06:03 PM | He's got a good point, guys; unless you put "No Judges Allowed" instead of "Spoiler" how is he supposed to know not to look in that sblock? How dare you defile my creative thinking process with underhanded tactics like "logic" and "reason"? ..............You win this round, judges. :( |
| CheeseMan02-24-08, 07:51 PM | Don't forget that nuanced term: "Judges Honor." I mean, if the judges are Lawful alignment, a "No Judges Allowed" sblock should work just fine. However, I've yet to find anyone who can successfully cast a Detect Alignment spell over the internet. yes but Explosive Runes works just fine |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-25-08, 03:43 PM | :devil: And I bet you think none of us knows detect thoughts either, huh? That tactic doesn't work for long. Whoever tries always takes SAN damage and gets admitted to an institution. And CheeseMan... my computer doesn't need any help exploding as is. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-25-08, 05:31 PM | That tactic doesn't work for long. Whoever tries always takes SAN damage and gets admitted to an institution. ...And obviously you don't think any of us knows mind blank either. Eeeexcellent. :plotting: |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-25-08, 08:18 PM | Mind Blank? Wow, that's like 15th caster level, or something to that effect. Guess it's time to pull out a Greater Dispel. Or, if I'm feeling really mean, a Quickened Reciprocal Gyre followed by a Greater Dispel. And then there's all the cool class features you get when you take levels in Hero Craftsman judge. But then again, the one person who found themselves on the wrong end of those isn't going to be talking about it any time soon... :emp: |
| Eldritch_Lord02-26-08, 06:08 PM | Mind Blank? Wow, that's like 15th caster level, or something to that effect. Guess it's time to pull out a Greater Dispel. Or, if I'm feeling really mean, a Quickened Reciprocal Gyre followed by a Greater Dispel. Ring of counterspells. :D And then there's all the cool class features you get when you take levels in Hero Craftsman judge. But then again, the one person who found themselves on the wrong end of those isn't going to be talking about it any time soon... :emp: Are you by any chance a DM? |
| Zherog02-27-08, 11:00 AM | So, done yet? :D |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-27-08, 12:00 PM | So, done yet? :D Z, we've been over this already. Yes. In fact, we all finished scoring about 3 this afternoon, but because we are cruel, harsh, and all other sorts of words that mean "horribly unkind," we will not post scores for a couple of weeks, solely out of spite. :cool: And Eldritch_Lord, is it that obvious that I am a manical, ego-centric, individual with delusions of... I mean, a DM? I know I mentioned it somewhere in this thread, I am currently DMing a house-ruled Avatar: The Last Airbender game based loosely off D&D. I'm one of those DM's who is (strangely) popular in my area, leaving me very few chances to play. In fact, the one guy who regularly runs that I get to play under will be moving out of state in about 3 months. I've got three months to train his replacement. |
| Orchomenos02-27-08, 01:22 PM | I know I mentioned it somewhere in this thread, I am currently DMing a house-ruled Avatar: The Last Airbender game based loosely off D&D. I'm one of those DM's who is (strangely) popular in my area, leaving me very few chances to play. In fact, the one guy who regularly runs that I get to play under will be moving out of state in about 3 months. I've got three months to train his replacement. Gotta use this whip efficiently! Learn! *whip* This is a D20! *whip* This is Rogue, not Rouge! *whip* Psionic is NOT core! *whip* Dragons are not fire-breathing dinosaurs! *whip*! :P :D |
| Eldritch_Lord02-27-08, 04:29 PM | And Eldritch_Lord, is it that obvious that I am a manical, ego-centric, individual with delusions of... I mean, a DM? Well...yes, but that's not why I asked. If you weren't, I was going to pit my amazing powers of DM Fiat against your greater dispel magic and see who's reading whose thoughts now. ;) I know I mentioned it somewhere in this thread, I am currently DMing a house-ruled Avatar: The Last Airbender game based loosely off D&D. I'm one of those DM's who is (strangely) popular in my area, leaving me very few chances to play. In fact, the one guy who regularly runs that I get to play under will be moving out of state in about 3 months. I've got three months to train his replacement. I know what you mean about not getting to play; I'm running 2 games now, soon to be 3--two of which involve teaching new players--so I haven't played anything more than a one-shot in about a year and a half, and the one-shot was last September. In regards to the replacement: Why train when you can mind seed? :devil: |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-27-08, 06:32 PM | In regards to the replacement: Why train when you can mind seed? Pesky Lawful Good alignment. I may not be a Paladin, but I do have a strong code of ethics. Inconvenient at times... In other news, I finally got the mess at school cleared up, which means I can get back to judging. Still, I doubt that I'll be done before next week. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-27-08, 08:05 PM | Pesky Lawful Good alignment. I may not be a Paladin, but I do have a strong code of ethics. Inconvenient at times... :rolleyes: Good is overrated. Lawful Evil all the way! In other news, I finally got the mess at school cleared up, which means I can get back to judging. Still, I doubt that I'll be done before next week. :( Another week!? |
| Mercurius02-27-08, 11:05 PM | Gotta use this whip efficiently! Learn! *whip* This is a D20! *whip* This is Rogue, not Rouge! *whip* Psionic is NOT core! *whip* Dragons are not fire-breathing dinosaurs! *whip*! :P :D Psionics IS core! *Ego-Whip* |
| Eldritch_Lord02-27-08, 11:22 PM | Psionics IS core! *Ego-Whip* Unfortunately, not everyone is enlightened enough to realize that. You'll have to break out a twinned maximized empowered ego whip for them to notice. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-28-08, 03:28 AM | :rolleyes: Good is overrated. Lawful Evil all the way! Lawful Evil. Bringing order to the universe, even if we have to choke it out of you. Unfortunately, I took levels in Cleric, and there's the whole "within one alignment step of your deity" rule. Still, turn undead can be really useful, so I don't mind that much. As for Psionics/Core, just ask my Avatar: Psionics can clearly be found on p.187 of the Monster Manual. And personally, I prefer Mind Blast. |
| Orchomenos02-28-08, 10:07 AM | Unfortunately, not everyone is enlightened enough to realize that. You'll have to break out a twinned maximized empowered ego whip for them to notice. Yeah, and start with Wizard of the Coast! Psionic is OGL, but not core? :confused: |
| Zherog02-28-08, 10:22 AM | Unearthed Arcana is also OGL but not core. What's the big deal? |
| Eldritch_Lord02-28-08, 04:19 PM | Lawful Evil. Bringing order to the universe, even if we have to choke it out of you. Precisely. "For a safe and...secure society!" :emp: Unfortunately, I took levels in Cleric, and there's the whole "within one alignment step of your deity" rule. Still, turn undead can be really useful, so I don't mind that much. And your deity is what alignment, exactly? I find your lack of faith disturbing. As for Psionics/Core, just ask my Avatar: Psionics can clearly be found on p.187 of the Monster Manual. And personally, I prefer Mind Blast. Mind blast is nice, but then you look like an illithid wannabe. Ego whip is more unique, and very effective to boot...er, to whip. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk02-28-08, 04:35 PM | And your deity is what alignment, exactly? According to the writings of Max Lucado, Christianity would qualify as a Lawful Good faith, as Christian beliefs concerning the cross represent an intersect of justice (Law) and mercy (Good) in one critical moment. As a member of the Clergy (singular: Cleric), I could have adopted a Neutral Good or Lawful Neutral alignment, but I find that Lawful Good fits my personality nicely. I find your lack of faith disturbing. Greatest Cleric quote of all time. Of course, I also get a kick out of: Paladins: Lawful Good and violent about it! Also of note, I am my gaming group's resident aberration expert, and of all the monsters in D&D, my group says I most closely resemble an illithid in personality: intelligent, devious, and obsessed with books. A Mind Flayer in a Priest's robes was a deliberate choice of avatar, some would say a self-portrait. |
| Eldritch_Lord02-29-08, 09:05 PM | According to the writings of Max Lucado, Christianity would qualify as a Lawful Good faith, as Christian beliefs concerning the cross represent an intersect of justice (Law) and mercy (Good) in one critical moment. As a member of the Clergy (singular: Cleric), I could have adopted a Neutral Good or Lawful Neutral alignment, but I find that Lawful Good fits my personality nicely. I see. So you decided to go with New Testament God instead of Old Testament God...nice, I suppose, but where He grants Healing and Protection, Yahweh grants Destruction and Retribution. Never worry about annoying trolls again! Greatest Cleric quote of all time. Of course, I also get a kick out of: Paladins: Lawful Good and violent about it! Always a good one. :D Also of note, I am my gaming group's resident aberration expert, and of all the monsters in D&D, my group says I most closely resemble an illithid in personality: intelligent, devious, and obsessed with books. A Mind Flayer in a Priest's robes was a deliberate choice of avatar, some would say a self-portrait. Others would say wishful thinking. ;) |
| CheeseMan02-29-08, 10:34 PM | Yahweh's a fun dude, always smiting and raining all sorts of plagues. Mesopotamia was one helluva party back in his day |
| Zherog03-01-08, 09:41 AM | Given the fact that real world religion discussions A) often result in flame wars and B) causes the mods to break out in hives and send them scrambling for the "lock" action, can we please take this discussion elsewhere? I really don't want to ever see an HC locked. We've all worked way too hard to make these as awesome as they are. |
| Eldritch_Lord03-01-08, 10:12 AM | Given the fact that real world religion discussions A) often result in flame wars and B) causes the mods to break out in hives and send them scrambling for the "lock" action, can we please take this discussion elsewhere? I really don't want to ever see an HC locked. We've all worked way too hard to make these as awesome as they are. *sigh* Well, if we must, I suppose so... So, should we talk about the contest itself? As in, when the results are going to be ready? :shifty: |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-01-08, 11:33 AM | Others would say wishful thinking. ;) And I encourage them to do so. You don't want too many people knowing what your powers are. Given the fact that real world religion discussions A) often result in flame wars and B) causes the mods to break out in hives and send them scrambling for the "lock" action, can we please take this discussion elsewhere? I really don't want to ever see an HC locked. We've all worked way too hard to make these as awesome as they are. While I've always been a fan of open flame, I prefer explosions of the "munitions" kind, and see little reason to engage in a war of words on this thread. I also sincerely doubt that any of the posters on this thread would've attempted such a war. I, for one, would've taken any comments made light-heartedly. We are in good company. Still, policy remains... As in, when the results are going to be ready? I haven't heard from jennibert and Mercurius, so I don't know how they're progressing, but as it stands, I'm aiming for next Saturday. I have a major project due Tuesday, and a trip out of town on Thursday. I'm hoping for Friday, but a realistic estimate is probably Saturday night. |
| CheeseMan03-01-08, 12:25 PM | yar, lets not let our silly fun wind up getting us in trouble, that would be what i believe is referred to as 'not good' |
| Eldritch_Lord03-01-08, 02:50 PM | And I encourage them to do so. You don't want too many people knowing what your powers are. Too late; you obviously forgot your anti-scrying abjurations today. :evillaugh I haven't heard from jennibert and Mercurius, so I don't know how they're progressing, but as it stands, I'm aiming for next Saturday. I have a major project due Tuesday, and a trip out of town on Thursday. I'm hoping for Friday, but a realistic estimate is probably Saturday night. Sounds good; thanks for the heads-up. |
| Mercurius03-01-08, 11:14 PM | Five down, nine more to go on my end. Should be done by the time everyone else gets done, but obviously even if I finish early, it won't amount to much.:ton: :hides: |
| jennibert03-01-08, 11:15 PM | Just for the record, thanks to people needing caps and gowns for graduation, an unexpected sale thrown at us by corporate on a week's notice, and general tiredness from the cold I've been trying to fight off for three weeks, I'm running a bit behind as well. So I'm glad Jason is too....then I feel less guilty:) But I'm hoping to be done by Friday...since I have to work a really long day on Saturday....so if I don't get it to you by Friday night, Jason, don't expect it until Sunday....but hopefully it won't come to that:) |
| Eldritch_Lord03-02-08, 10:20 AM | But I'm hoping to be done by Friday...since I have to work a really long day on Saturday....so if I don't get it to you by Friday night, Jason, don't expect it until Sunday....but hopefully it won't come to that:) It's Sunday! Are you done yet? :hides: |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-02-08, 08:40 PM | Eldritch_Lord, we've been over this before: Yes. In fact, we all finished scoring about 3 this afternoon, but because we are cruel, harsh, and all other sorts of words that mean "horribly unkind," we will not post scores for a couple of weeks, solely out of spite. :cool: Granted, as often as this statement is being used, I think we're currently scheduled to release the scores sometime in June... (I think I should be done by then...) |
| Eldritch_Lord03-02-08, 09:11 PM | Eldritch_Lord, we've been over this before: Granted, as often as this statement is being used, I think we're currently scheduled to release the scores sometime in June... (I think I should be done by then...) Oh, I didn't ask if you were going to post the scores, just whether she'd finished scoring. If I know when you've got all the scores compiled, I can guess when you'll actually be posting them, because I know you aren't ever going to tell us that. And according to my calculations, by the time you get the scores up 5e will have made this contest obsolete. |
| jennibert03-02-08, 11:13 PM | Yay! I am now half done! Half of you are successfully judged...and the other half better not get on my nerves before then....:evillaugh Assuming I keep my procrastinating in check, I should be done by the end of this week, since I have a day off in the middle of it.....but then, I had one of those last week too.... You know, Eldritch_Lord, we never did get those cakes. And I was so looking forward to trying them.... |
| Eldritch_Lord03-03-08, 08:02 AM | You know, Eldritch_Lord, we never did get those cakes. And I was so looking forward to trying them.... What can I say; UPS sucks too, apparently. I'd hand-deliver them, but they would get there after you judged everything, and thus wouldn't be useful as bribes and that would be bad. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-03-08, 12:43 PM | And according to my calculations, by the time you get the scores up 5e will have made this contest obsolete. You vastly underestimate our powers of procrastination. Putting it off until 5e would be child's play. Of course, when it comes to future editions, I must say that 4e will cause this judge to lose his place among the Hero Craftsman elite. Even if 4e really impresses me (and I've lost most of my optimism in that regard), it will be at least two years before I can reasonably invest in the system. |
| Eldritch_Lord03-03-08, 04:37 PM | You vastly underestimate our powers of procrastination. Putting it off until 5e would be child's play. Of course, when it comes to future editions, I must say that 4e will cause this judge to lose his place among the Hero Craftsman elite. Even if 4e really impresses me (and I've lost most of my optimism in that regard), it will be at least two years before I can reasonably invest in the system. Well, 5e would make it obsolete, as between it and 4e the material would be so far off as to be unrecognizable; I didn't say we'd only be on 5e. The only way I can see you getting results up by 5e is if 5e is the hexadecimal number for how many editions will pass between now and then. |
| Mercurius03-04-08, 07:22 AM | 9 down, 5 to go. And I'm with Jason regarding edition changes. If and when this contest switches to 4e, I'll be out as well. Oh, well. It gives other people a chance to place, right? :P |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-05-08, 01:18 AM | And I'm with Jason regarding edition changes. If and when this contest switches to 4e, I'll be out as well. Oh, well. It gives other people a chance to place, right? :P :thinks: You know, now that I think about it, the residents of Kentucky (you, jennibert, and I) are all consistent gold winners in the Hero Craftsman competitions. I think Wizards realized how powerful we were as contestants, and put 4e into motion as a way to remove us as a threat. I'm beginning to see patterns of conspiracy involving mega-cooperations and our Hero Craftsman opponents. If you can't win, change the rules!!! :detect: I'm on to you other Hero Craftsman contestants. I see your schemes!!! Either that, or I did over 6 hours of judging today, and I'm delirious. One or the other. :coolcthul |
| Zherog03-05-08, 08:06 AM | Oh, please. You were delirious before you spent 6 hours judging. You can't kid us. |
| Eldritch_Lord03-05-08, 04:20 PM | I'm on to you other Hero Craftsman contestants. I see your schemes!!! Either that, or I did over 6 hours of judging today, and I'm delirious. One or the other. :coolcthul Yeah, shouldn't that be "and I did over 6 hours of judging" and not "or"? You imply that if we're scheming you're not delirious, and we know you're always delirious already, so.... |
| Zherog03-07-08, 11:15 AM | Done yet? :D Er... I mean... ready to post scores yet, since you were done weeks ago? actually, I just wanted to get the thread off page 2 ;) |
| Mercurius03-07-08, 12:31 PM | Done yet? :D Er... I mean... ready to post scores yet, since you were done weeks ago? actually, I just wanted to get the thread off page 2 ;) I've got three left (including yours :smirk: ), and have been sent home due to a snow storm that will likely shut down the entire tri-state area, so odds are good I'll be able to get 'em finished either today or tomorrow. |
| Zherog03-07-08, 12:33 PM | Saving the best for last, I see... |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-07-08, 03:07 PM | Saving the best for last, I see... Oddly, I've got yours done... I also have 3 entries to complete, which I should probably finish today, but I will be traveling tomorrow (in that same snow storm... :nonono: ), so it may be Sunday before I get scores posted. This is, of course, also dependent on jennibert, who's judging status is unknown at this moment. Last but not least, of all the ridiculous things I've ever said on these threads, I can't believe people actually bought one of my statements... I did over 6 hours of judging today A Hero Craftsman judge putting that much effort into judging? Bah!! Everyone knows we just roll d10's to score (divide by 2 for Clarity). Like we would ever work that hard... |
| jennibert03-07-08, 03:33 PM | Ha! I feel superior! I have only 2 entries left. And, having also been sent home by the above-mentioned snowstorm (we're supposed to get 15 inches!!), I should be done by tonight. Drive safely Jason--the roads here aren't bad when they're plowed, but the road in our apartment complex was a bit hairy. |
| Zherog03-07-08, 04:04 PM | We're just gonna get rain from this storm when it reaches us. Lots of rain. Enough that they've posted flood warnings. *sigh* |
| Eldritch_Lord03-07-08, 04:17 PM | Last but not least, of all the ridiculous things I've ever said on these threads, I can't believe people actually bought one of my statements... I did over 6 hours of judging today A Hero Craftsman judge putting that much effort into judging? Bah!! Everyone knows we just roll d10's to score (divide by 2 for Clarity). Like we would ever work that hard... We didn't buy it--why did you think we said you were delirious? ;) |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-07-08, 06:10 PM | I enjoy snow quite a bit, and I have already made it a point to throw some at friends foolish enough to get within two range increments (I'm accurate out to about 20ft, and 10ft is generally the range increment on thrown weapons). Excellent packing/throwing snow this time around. I'm very happy. Of course, the down side: my D&D game may be canceled tonight. Two of my group can make it. One is definitely out. I'm waiting on three calls. I hate to not game... jennibert, I hate to make you lose your feeling of superiority, but I have finished rolling all my d10's... err... carefully grading all of the entries. Sadly, after I get the scores up for this competition, I'm going to have to step down for at least a month. School's getting too hectic at the moment, and it'll be mid-April before I'm lazy enough to roll d10's again. |
| Eldritch_Lord03-07-08, 06:44 PM | School's getting too hectic at the moment, and it'll be mid-April before I'm lazy enough to roll d10's again. Too lazy to roll dice while school's going on!? How the heck do you handle multiple-choice tests? Don't tell me you don't take any anymore.... |
| jennibert03-07-08, 09:31 PM | Yay! I am all done and scores are submitted! I'm off to call my sister like I promised her yesterday, and will try to get my comments submitted later...or possibly tomorrow, since the Blizzard Warning we're under will probably preclude the long hours I was supposed to be working tomorrow. (Blizzards don't happen very often in Cinci....) |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-07-08, 11:41 PM | :whatsthis Should I? I mean I did threaten to make them wait 'til June... I mean, it's not like any of the judges ever received their promised cakes. Very sad. Maybe I should hold on to these scores for a while. I mean, they are impressive. Very, very close. Nah... I've got nothing better to do than post scores. Good evening Hero Craftsman contestants and fans, alike. The time has come to reveal the winners of Hero Craftsman #14. I had to double check the final numbers because the final totals were incredibly close. So, with all the fanfare I can muster over the internet, let us begin! First, we have the Best In... awards. Each judge may nominate one contestant for the "Best" in each category that is judged. Awards are given out by majority vote, or in the case of a tie, by highest average score for the given category. While these awards have no bearing on the final medals awarded in this competition, the nominees and award recipients should be proud of themselves for their exemplary work in that category. Lorn il'Sabel: by: Eldritch_Lord Kakumulani, the Cartographer: by: Dragoncat Kakumulani: By: Dragoncat Lorn il'Sabel: by: Eldritch_Lord Michigan "Mitch" Smith: by: Zherog Kakumulani: by: Dragoncat Lorn il'Sabel: by: Eldritch_Lord Baldwin Hunt: by: Endarrion Michigan "Mitch" Smith: by: Zherog Baldwin Hunt: by: Endarrion Baldwin Hunt: by: Endarrion Marco de Soto: by: Osprey Marco de Soto: by: Osprey Congratulations to our "Best in..." nominees and winners. Now on to the actual medal winners. In third place, with an average score of 84.29%, the winner of the Bronze medal for Hero Craftsman #14 is... Michigan "Mitch" Smith: by: Zherog In second place, with an average score of 85.71%, the winner of the Silver medal for Hero Craftsman #14 is... Baldwin Hunt: by: Endarrion And now, the champion of Hero Craftsman #14... Narrowly edging out a victory at an incredible 86.67%, the Gold Medal winner is... Kakumulani, the Cartographer: by: Dragoncat Congratulations to our winners! It has been a fantastic contest! Kakumulani: 86.67% Baldwin Hunt: 85.71% Michigan Smith: 84.29% Marco de Soto: 81.43% Liliaque: 77.14% Lorn il'Sabel: 77.14% Victor J. Manyana: 75.71% Jackham the "Acheronian": 75.24% Eldyn Timsdale: 71.43% Erana: 65.71% Jake Morissimon, surfer pirate: 61.43% Rya'lin: 45.71% Torthenar Madshaper: 42.86% Alvefard Morninghawk: 40.95% |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-07-08, 11:51 PM | Comments will be up in the next few days, depending on how well I clear my schedule. Good night everyone! |
| wrecan03-08-08, 06:16 AM | Congrats to ll the winners! I looke forward to the comments! |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-08-08, 07:00 AM | Well... that was a comically short road trip. What to do while I wait for the roads to clear? I know! I'll post comments. Typical Jason Disclaimer In regards to any comments, mine or those made by another judge, I ask that no one take offense. It is the nature of judging to carefully nitpick each entry, and the commentary process can be somewhat embarrassing. (I forgot what!?! :confused: Believe me, I've been there.) All comments are intended to be seen as "here's what you can do to improve." Please do not take offense at any comments made. These are intended to help you improve your character creation skills. General Comments First off... wow! I was really impressed by the quality of the entries we received. I think we picked a good theme, and you all responded with a lot of really good entries. I was scraping to find errors or "room for improvement" in a lot of cases. This is the first competition where I have handed out at least one perfect score for each category (though there were no perfect scores overall). These were very good entries. Thematic Creativity I slightly retooled my methods for grading this category. Normally, I run on a rule of "I see 3, you lose 1." In other words, if I see the same concept three times, I dock 1 point to everyone who posts that particular concept (read: class). After careful consideration, I have dropped that rule because of the large number of entries we are starting to receive. It goes without saying that the more people that enter, the more likely it is that someone will have already used your class. My new standard is, the third time I see a class, everyone who makes use of that class loses an extra .5, if I feel that character did not stand out enough. However, repeating a class did not automatically result in a point deduction. In this competition, Clerics w/ the Travel Domain and Specialist Wizards had to work harder to earn high marks from me (though some of you did, in fact, manage to do so). In regards to the "Travel/Parts Unknown" theme, I was looking at this contest through the lens of early Kentucky History (Daniel Boone, Simon Butler, etc...). By land, sea, sky, or portal, I expected your character to encounter something that most people in their society would never have seen. Intentional or accidental, I wanted a moment of discovery. While not necessary (since many great moments of discovery are accidental), a character that was well equipped for travel also earned high marks in this category. For example, a spyglass, extra rations, and extra clothes would have been noted, and provided a bump in your final score in this category. Yep... that's right. I found another excuse to be nitpick your mundane gear. If you didn't have any, that was a problem. Background Not much changed here. Overall, the only difference for me is that I didn't worry about family as heavily as normal. You can't really discover something if your dad was there last week. I still expected to see something in the department of allies, antagonists, and character goals/motivations. They still exist in new lands, and by level 8, you will have collected all three. Rules Use/Mechanics As always: Mechanics: Rules Errors (i.e.: incorrect HP, wrong attack bonus, etc...) Rules Use: Weak or Poor build decisions Mechanics accounts for 70% of your final score in this category. See individual comments for details. Note(s): Universal Comment #1: Please be sure to provide a complete stat block. I operate under a, "If I can't see it, you got it wrong" rule. Universal Comment #2: When you are adding extra spells to your spellbook as a wizard, the cost I expect is 150gp/spell level. 100gp/page (aka: level) to scribe. 50gp/spell level as a "research fee." No one lost points for this. Just wanted to say: you don't have to buy a scroll. Clarity Red Ink: A measure of the grammatical/spelling errors present in your entry. Cite your Sources: Yes, I probably know where to find it, but I'm a teacher, so I expect it anyways. Any material that is not drawn from Core (PHB, DMG, MM, or SRD sources) should be cited (tell me where you found it) in your entry. Since I didn't state it at the beginning of the competition, I didn't count off for Expanded Psionics Handbook material, though the next time I step into the judge's role, I'll try to be more precise. A common problem this time around was confusing ability scores. Whatever notation you use, try to make it clear what your original score was, how many points you spent, what your final score is, and what modifiers determine that final score (race, level bump, item, etc...). Level-by-Level tables are helpful, but I basically use them for one thing: skill points. If your skill points were spent in a very strait-forward fashion, then a table wasn't even necessary. Finally, let me reiterate: make sure you provide a complete stat block. If you leave something out, it counts against you twice. It's a penalty in Mechanics (If I can't see it, it's wrong) and a penalty here (your stat block isn't finished). |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-08-08, 07:09 AM | Thematic Creativity: • Overall, average. On one hand, you clearly have the skills and motivation to seek out new lands & experiences. On the other hand, that exploration is secondary to your primary motivation: What is good? Does good exist? Background: • This character would work well in a campaign, and I think it would be fun to play. • You’ve got some of the necessary elements: character goals (understand “good”) & antagonists (former Lord who would consider you a traitor). • Does this character have any allies he relies on? Rules Use/Mechanics: • You left out too much information for me to provide useful feedback. AC? HP? Grapple? Animal Companion? There’s not enough information here. • If you’re not sure how to construct a Hero Craftsman entry, go to a previous contest and use old entries as a Template. Copy. Paste. Delete their character info, and then fill in your own. It’s a good way to not overlook anything. • Ok, one specific piece of feedback: your character made a masterwork bow, but has no ranks in the appropriate craft skill. Clarity: • You scored low here because you simply left out too much information in your stat block. • If you ever have any questions about how to construct a character, you’re more than welcome to ask on these threads. That’s the whole reason we have these contests: to help people become more proficient in character creation. Thematic Creativity: • I knew Fharlanghn would show up in this competition. I was expecting a Cleric, but a Crusader works just as well. Although, it does seem odd to say “Crusader” of the god of wondering around aimlessly. Charge boldly in random directions!!! Background: • Very solid, usable background. Goals, allies, enemies. It’s all there. Well done! Rules Use/Mechanics: • Mechanics #1: Armor Check Penalty: Mithral lowers the ACP by 3, which leaves you with an ACP of -1, which would apply to Balance, Climb, Jump, and Swim (-2 for Swim due to double penalty rules). • Rules Use #1: Maneuvers: Vanguard Strike & Leading the Attack both offer (effectively) the exact same effect: a +4 bonus to hit for your allies for 1 round. Due to the short duration of both effects, there is no circumstance where bonuses will apply. As such, you can ditch one of the two in favor of a different technique. Vanguard Strike is an unnamed bonus, so I’d keep it. I’d suggest replacing Leading the Attack with Douse the Flames from White Raven. • Rules Use #2: Ability Scores: This competition has reminded me, once again, why I refuse to use Point Buy in my campaigns. Your low Charisma hurts you a bit, maybe not greatly, but enough to be annoying. You lose Indomitable Soul, gain no bonus to hit on Smite, and hinder your Wild Empathy abilities. Of course, due to point buy, you have two poor options: lower your strength or dexterity to bump charisma, lowering your melee abilities (bad idea for a BAB/HD character), or purchase charisma increasing items, which would not be cost effective for you (since it’d cost 16,000gp before you get a notable benefit). Normally, a hit to Intelligence would be acceptable, but for you, that’d cost Combat Expertise and Quick Staff, which keep your AC on par for your level. Clarity: • No Red Ink. • Cited Sources. • This may seem strange to say, but you had too many level-by-level breakdowns. I’d suggest condensing them a bit. • The only thing you might add is a note showing how much damage is healed when you use Revitalizing Strike. Thematic Creativity: • Druids are a strong contender for the theme of “Traveler,” and you’ve done an excellent job with this entry. Background: • Your background is very usable, and I particularly like the fact that you end w/ CR appropriate antagonists (giants) that you need to deal with presently. • I would definitely allow this character into a campaign. Rules Use/Mechanics: • I really wish you had stated out some common wild shapes, because it is very clear that in human form, you are nigh unto worthless in combat. I would like to see what options you’re looking at for Wild Shape to get a better fix on your combat effectiveness. • Rules Use #1: Spell Selection: Considering the fact that you’ve prepared Greater Magic Fang, which has a duration of 5 hours, I don’t see much reason to also prepare Magic Fang (especially twice). Consider switching it out for some other, more utilitarian, spells. In particular, Faerie Fire is a level 1 cure to basically any stealth/invisible creature you encounter, and if you have Scent (from a Wild Shape form), you can serve as an excellent warning system for your party. Go on, make the enemy assassin cry with just a level one spell. Clarity: • Red Ink. • Cited Sources. Thank you. • Your stat block was clean, but your background really needed some more white space. Don’t rush your entries. The results are messy. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-08-08, 07:19 AM | Thematic Creativity: • I give you credit: excellent entry and excellent wizard build. As a fan of specialist wizards, I have to admit that you’ve done a nice job with this build. Background: • I’m very sorry to say this, but I think you’ve created a NPC, not a PC. You have no antagonists, guiding goals, or major plot hooks. Your family is pretty well out-of-sight, out-of-mind. As a DM, I think I’d use Erana as an encounter, but as a PC, there’s not much for me to latch onto. Rules Use/Mechanics: • You gave me all the wrong information: a page reference for Seelie/Unseelie abilities works just fine, but I have to ask, did you choose the Seelie or Unseelie path? Also, I know you’re a Transmuter, but what are your two forbidden schools? You’ve got the foundations of a very solid build, but you gave me all the wrong info. • Rules Use #1: Spell Selection: Adding Spells to a Wizard’s Spellbook PHB p.178-9: If you’re a Transmuter, then one of the two free spells you gain when leveling up must be a Transmutation spell, yet you have no 4th level Transmutation spells. How can you forget your own school of choice? • Rules Use #2: Spellbook: This is a minor issue, but when you list your spells recorded, you also need to list your 0-level spells since this affects the # of pages you’ve used up. You can do this pretty easily. (Ex: 0-level: All spells listed in PHB except Evoc. & Nec. (13 pages)). • Rules Use #3: Familiar: It costs 100gp to purchase your Hedgehog familiar. • Clarification #1: This wasn’t mentioned anywhere in this thread, so I didn’t knock off any points for this, but you charged yourself too much for adding spells to your spellbook. The typical formula used 150gp x Spell Level. 100gp/page + a 50gp/level fee to “copy” (or: research) the spell (PHB p.179). Clarity: • No red ink. • Cite your sources: You told me where to find the Hedgehog familiar (which I’ve overlooked all along), but I don’t know where to find most of the cool stuff in your entry: Wild Soul, Dragon Island Affiliation, and the Arcane Disciple feats. • There were a few “white space” issues, but for the most part, the entry was very neat. Just pay attention to the details mentioned in Rules Use/Mechanics. You lost points for leaving important things out. Thematic Creativity: • Pirates!!! Nice job hitting the theme. Let us hope that none of the judges are ninjas… Background: • Bravo, sir. I really enjoyed this entry. You’ve got very usable allies, and an excellent villain. As a DM, I would enjoy running a game featuring the inevitable sea battle between you and your former captain. Very well done. Rules Use/Mechanics: • Mechanics #1: HP: I don’t get the same HP total that you have. 6 (expert) + 22 (5.5 x 4 = 22, Fighter) + 13.5 (4.5 x 3, D. Pirate) + 16 (2 x Con. Mod) = 57.5. I don’t see Toughness, so where’d the other 3 HP come from? • Mechanics #2: Steady Stance: I’m afraid you don’t have that ability yet, since it’s a level 4 Dread Pirate ability. • Mechanics #3: Two-Weapon Fighting: Using the Two-Weapon Fighting feat is a Full Round action, which means that your regular attack is +11 with only one sword. • Rules Use #1: Melee Damage: While your attack bonuses are on target for your level, I fear that your damage output will fall too far behind. You don’t have Sneak Attack or Power Attack to boost your damage, and with a 10 Strength, I’m afraid that your ultimately too weak in the place you’re designed to be: on the front line (you know, the one swinging onto the other ship). • Point/Counter-point #1: This didn’t cost you any points, but it’s something that could help your build a bit. I agree, as written, your background argues Expert, not Rogue. However, if you added a small tidbit about “using your work as a shipwright as a cover for petty larceny,” Rogue would suddenly be very viable, increasing your combat ability. And, I think it would fit with the character’s overall personality. Clarity: • Red Ink: “He had no desire to sea the world.” I couldn’t stop laughing when I read this. I’m glad to know that your character has no desire to bury the masses beneath the dark, cold embrace of the waves… in keeping with your good alignment. • Cited Sources. Thanks. • This was a very neat, clean, brief entry. Well done. I was a little worried when I realized you had chosen Leadership again… Thematic Creativity: • Psionic Pirates!!! Just in case your DM’s sanity was fragile enough as is… Overall, good concept, although I felt that your entry was more “treasure” and less “horizon.” Background: • Overall, your background is usable, but I feel it needs to be fleshed out a bit more. • In particular, I would like to see a developed antagonist, beyond the annoyed captain. • It’s not too huge a deal, but I think this character is probably more CN than CG. He’s not really out to hurt anyone, but I don’t see him making sacrifices for others either (at least, not beyond a few close friends). Rules Use/Mechanics: • Mechanics #1: HP Total: I think you short-changed yourself on HP. 6 + 24.5 (3.5 x 7) + 16 (2 x 8) = 46.5 HP. Apparently, you forgot your extra HP (from a High Con) at one level or another. • Rules Use #1: Mundane Gear: There’s one very simple reason your character prefers to go shirtless: you didn’t buy any clothes. In fact, you didn’t buy any mundane gear at all (ropes, spare weapons, food, bedroll, etc…). Of course, maybe the lack of clothing explains your captain’s general annoyance with your character… (“Seriously, you got a cut of the loot. Is it too much to ask?”) • Overall, very solid build. Well done. Clarity: • Red Ink • This is about the time (it usually happens once/competition) where I realize that I’ve never decided if I expect people to cite Expanded Psionic Handbook as a source… While it didn’t cost points, it’s not a bad habit to start. • Thanks so much for a classic stat block. Nicely done. • The only thing that would’ve helped in this scenario would’ve been a level-by-level table for your skill ranks. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-08-08, 07:25 AM | Thematic Creativity: • :clap: Background: • Very, very usable background. It was a tad bit long, but it was well presented, which made the length quite bearable. • I love the concept of Ancient PC’s, and I’ve wanted to play one since I read about them in one of my Dragon magazines. There are times I really, really hate being the group’s primary DM. • You’ve done an excellent job of making the background “DM optional,” and the material is very usable, and easy to incorporate into a campaign. • The only thing I would’ve liked to see would be a well developed antagonist, possibly someone who wants to be at the opening of the rift for all the wrong reasons. Rules Use/Mechanics: • Mechanics #1: HP totals: I think you cut yourself short on HP. 4 + (2.5 x 7 ) 17.5 + 8 = 29.5. • Mechanics #2: PP totals: I know you cut yourself short on PP. According to the chart on p.18 of the XPH, you get 24 bonus PP. • Beyond stealing from yourself in the HP & PP departments, this is a very solid build. Good job. Clarity: • Red Ink. • Cited Sources. (Note to self, make decision on XPH as core vs. source for this competition…) • There were a few “white space” issues, and the stat block was slightly cluttered, but overall, everything was easy to check and follow. Thank you for strait-forward skills. Thematic Creativity: • A clown… I’ll admit I didn’t see that one coming, but you’ve done a nice job of it. I get the feeling most of Lily’s travels are more the result of cruel fate, rather than an actual urge to explore or fascination with the unknown. Background: • I think it’s entertaining that have both a Paladin and an Evil Wizard after you. She can’t win for losing… • You have several DM-usable NPC’s, but you’ve shortchanged yourself in the allies department. Who does she go to for help? Rules Use/Mechanics: • Mechanics #1: Gear: You seem to have an extra Cure Light Wounds potion in your HHH, but you don’t account for the price. • Rules Use #1: Sorcerer: Do you intend to progress her Sorcerer levels any further? If not, it seems a pretty weak level dip. Sorcerer and Rogue can work well together, especially if you’re aiming for a PrC like Arcane Trickster. As it stands, I don’t see why you took levels in Sorcerer. There’s nothing to gain that investing in Use Magic Device couldn’t cover. Clarity: • Minor Red Ink. • All Core, so no need to cite sources. (You, sir, are a master of core-only builds.) • Very neat. Excellent Level-by-Level. Good job. Thematic Creativity: • Well done. The “Order of Prime Material and Interplanar Surveyors” has PrC written all over it. Background: • :clap: Rules Use/Mechanics: • Mechanics #1: Ability Scores: I can’t be entirely sure where the error is, but you’ve cheated yourself somewhere on ability scores. You don’t list where you used your ability bumps, but if I assume Wisdom, then that leaves you with an original Wisdom of 16. If that’s the case, you used a 26 pt. buy, instead of 28 pt. buy. There are other scenarios, but in all of them, you messed up something in your ability scores. • Mechanics #2: Skill Points: I’ve got the feeling I’m going to hear a forehead smack more resounding than the one you gave UPS… So… did you remember your bonus skill points for being Human? • Spell Suggestion: Considering the life style presented in your background, you may consider adding Comprehend Languages to your spell list. • Stat Block Note: Typically, I like for people to list their Turning Modifier and Turning Damage when submitting Clerics. Clarity: • Minor Red Ink. • Cite sources please (Metamagic feats, Planning Domain) • Your stat block was simple, so a level-by-level wasn’t necessary. However, it was missing a few components (noted above). |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-08-08, 07:33 AM | Thematic Creativity: • Cleric w/ the Travel Domain. Nice, but there are several similar concepts floating around. This character didn’t do anything to distinguish himself from other, similar, builds. Background: • Overall, this is a decent character, but I feel like you stopped just short of the details that would’ve brought this character to life. You skim over so much of this character’s history that he ends up lacking. You’ve got the potential for a solid character, but you need some more detail. Rules Use/Mechanics: • I applaud you for a solid build. If this is exemplary of your work, you rival Heros_Backpack for your ability to create Core Only builds. Very nice. • My only quibble is Freedom of Movement… four times. Unless you set your spells to match the opening story, I can’t think of any reason to prepare any spell four times, much less Freedom of Movement. Also, don’t forget that in a typical party, other characters will probably have resources to handle underwater encounters. Clarity: • :clap: Thematic Creativity: • Hmm… archeologist… son of an archeologist… where have I seen this before? If only you had a whip, right? :) • The only downside is, since you are a halfling, you can’t have a halfling running around shouting, “Dr. Smith! Dr. Smith!” Background: • At first, I thought you were going to rival jennibert for wordiness, but you pulled the story off nicely. I remember doing a character’s background in the form of newspaper stories several years ago. My character’s adopted mother had kept a scrapbook of several events that shaped my character’s life, and then I kept the scrapbook as a campaign journal. It’s work, but fun to do. • I’m sorry, but I do have some complaints: no obvious references to Voodoo Heart-Ripping Priests? Also, no love interest? What were you thinking? Still, I did like the vague “competition” alluded to in your entry. Rules Use/Mechanics: • :clap: Clarity: • About my only issue here: your gear table didn’t work when stuck into Excel (or, quite possibly, I’m a moron). As such, it caused a bit of a headache. Thematic Creativity: • A gnome “lady of the evening?” :twitch: • While your character is a traveler, I feel like the traveler portion of your character is secondary. Background: • As a DM, you’ve given me plenty of room for potential antagonists, but you haven’t provided any allies, family, or contacts for me to work with as well. • I’m up in the air about this character’s ability to work with a group. I don’t know if you’d fit or not. Rules Use/Mechanics: • On the surface, you seem to have a pretty accurate stat block. However, you have left a lot of information out of your entry. • 1) What Bardic Music abilities do you have? • 2) The cost of your items. • For reasons I do not understand, you have two different Whips in your attack section… Clarity: • Red Ink. • I couldn’t double check a lot of your work b/c of how the stat block was laid out. • How many Sneak Attack Dice do you get? How much did your items cost (the IRS will get you…). On your skills sections, what do the three numbers mean in the break-down. (In particular, Concentration makes no sense to me. Where’d the +5 come from for that skill? It’s not in the ranks column, but I don’t see any other source.) |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-08-08, 07:38 AM | Thematic Creativity: • Other than the word “explore,” the fourth to last word in your background, I didn’t see anything that really connected to the theme of this contest. • Bullying or no, I’m sorry, but your alignment is Chaotic Evil. “Madness” is not a code word to avoid an Evil alignment… it’s usually a sign of an Evil alignment. Background: • I have a lot of problems here, but I’ll brush over the “too many antagonists, no allies to speak of” issue, because there are much bigger issues with your story. • 1) Level: I’m not sure you’re level 8. You argue multiple other levels, but not level 8 (mid-level). You only just graduated from wizardry school (level 2, at best), but you also slaughtered everyone in a wizardry school, single handedly (level 15+). Also, I don’t know if you qualify for Master Transmogrifist, seeing as you have (as I read the story) only cast “Polymorph” once, from a scroll. • 2) Party Interaction: I wouldn’t allow this character in a game. You brutally murdered your family, despite the fact that they aren’t the ones who picked on you in school. I can only imagine what would happen the first time the party went to divide treasure… This character is a villain, not a PC. Rules Use/Mechanics: • You have the basics of a Specialist Wizard build accomplished. I had a theoretical build for Master Transmogrifist, but Wizards smashed my dreams. I used Minotaur and Hydra: Powerful Charge + All attacks on a charge. Then, they made powerful charge a feat and ruled it only applied to one attack… I was not happy. • Your ability scores do not add up correctly, unless you forgot to actually add in all of your bonuses on Intelligence. • Your HP is too low. It should be 45. • Of note: You can’t “hold over” skill points. • I’m assuming that you have a speed of 20ft due to a medium load. If so, it is notable that 1) you have an armor check penalty, which applies to the appropriate skills, and 2) you can’t tumble if your speed has been reduced for any reason. Clarity: • Red Ink. • Cite your Sources. You did cite the MM and Spell Compendium, but what about the Master Transmogrifist PrC and the Arcane Thesis feat? Thematic Creativity: • Traveling artist & sculptor. See the world. Paint the world. I like it. Background: • Allies, enemies, motivation, DM-abuse waiting to happen in the form of an overbearing father… very solid background. • As for your writing style, at first it absorbed me into the work fairly well, but about half-way through (and I’m not sure why), it became much less effective. Rules Use/Mechanics: • See above notes on costs to add spells to your spell book. • Item costs: Your +1 Twilight Mithral Chain shirt is technically a +2 item (in terms of cost), which means you should have paid 5,100gp for it. A Vest of Resistance +2 should cost 4,000gp. Also, you forgot to charge yourself 100gp for your familiar. I realize that some of this can be handled by your Item Creation feats, but you never noted what you have, or have not created, via those feats. • I am curious about your bonus language selections: All elemental languages. While I like the theme, it really didn’t tie in with your story that much. Typically, Elven is portrayed as the “Artsy, Poetic” language. Was there a reason for selecting all elemental tongues? Clarity: • Mild Red Ink. • Cited Sources. Thank you. • The Spell section was a little cluttered, and needed to be cleaned up. Other than that, very neat entry. |
| Eldritch_Lord03-08-08, 11:27 AM | Thematic Creativity: • Well done. The “Order of Prime Material and Interplanar Surveyors” has PrC written all over it. Actually, the day after I submitted my entry I started writing one up. Great minds think alike! Background: • :clap: :bravo: Rules Use/Mechanics: • Mechanics #1: Ability Scores: I can’t be entirely sure where the error is, but you’ve cheated yourself somewhere on ability scores. You don’t list where you used your ability bumps, but if I assume Wisdom, then that leaves you with an original Wisdom of 16. If that’s the case, you used a 26 pt. buy, instead of 28 pt. buy. There are other scenarios, but in all of them, you messed up something in your ability scores. Ack. I never use point buy, so I'm not surprised I messed up somewhere; I took the sample layouts and messed around with them, but I didn't think to double-check values after the fact. Still, better too few than too many. • Mechanics #2: Skill Points: I’ve got the feeling I’m going to hear a forehead smack more resounding than the one you gave UPS… So… did you remember your bonus skill points for being Human? :doh: I say again: :doh: :doh: :doh: Every time I make a human, I forget the skill points. Every time. You'd think I'd remember it for a contest where I'm being judged on it, but no-o-O-O-O-o-o-o... • Spell Suggestion: Considering the life style presented in your background, you may consider adding Comprehend Languages to your spell list. A languages spell! What a good idea...good thing he has tongues under 4th level spells, isn't it? ;) • Stat Block Note: Typically, I like for people to list their Turning Modifier and Turning Damage when submitting Clerics. Mmm, good point; I figured he'd never actually use them, since he'd be facing more outsiders than undead, but I forgot about the Divine feat. I'll note that for next time. Clarity: • Minor Red Ink. Would you mind pointing them out? I'm probably as OCD about spelling and grammar as you, and those shouldn't have slipped through. • Cite sources please (Metamagic feats, Planning Domain) :doh: Will do. • Your stat block was simple, so a level-by-level wasn’t necessary. However, it was missing a few components (noted above). Duly noted. ----------------------- I finally won something! Yay! Even if it was only Best in Background, I've broken my streak of getting no higher than 3rd in a contest. Congrats to everyone, and thanks to the judges. For HC 15 I suppose I'll just have to hand-deliver the cakes; I have no idea how FedEx and UPS stayed in business so long. Speaking of which, when is HC 15 going to start? |
| CheeseMan03-08-08, 11:58 AM | yar, i knew as i was finishing up Eldyn that rushing would cause me problems (i had the background all nicely formatted, and copy/paste undid all of it :weep: ). i really should just leave the procrastination to the judges ;) |
| Zherog03-08-08, 12:27 PM | yay - I finally earned a medal, even if Jason did make a typo and say it was a bronze instead of a gold. :smirk: Congrats to the other winners. And, of course, thanks to Jason, Jenni, and Mercurius for doing the judging. I'll get the master list updated at some point this weekend with the medal winners. |
| jennibert03-08-08, 01:25 PM | Congrats to all the winners! We had a lot of really good entries this time around--it was a really good competition! Great job, everyone! And now, a couple of overall comments on how I was judging.... Thematic Creativity: Honestly, I don't care that much if a lot of people used the same class, and did not (consciously) count off for the number of people who were the same. Something I did often count of for, though, was the difference between "traveling" and "exploring." In my eyes, the theme of this competition was more about going into unknown lands. All PCs travel to a certain extent, but I was looking for an indication that you were heading into someplace with a lower than average population, or that was only recently discovered, or at least really unusual. Background: Like many of the judges, I was interested in seeing interactions. You're 8th level, and unless you've spent all of those levels in a cave, you've interacted with someone. I was also looking for level justification--do you have enough experience for me to believe you're 8th level? Overall, everyone did pretty well with those this time. More than anything else though, I looked for interest. Did your character feel believable, and make me say, ooo, I want that to steal that concept and/or have that character in my game? Rules Use: This is my favorite category to judge. Mercurius can state that I take a perverse amount of glee in finding small errors in an otherwise perfect entry. I love to take apart all the numbers and make sure you really qualify for this feat or that prestige class, and all that. Mostly I don't count off for optimization. (A brief note about that....are there really that many people who play wizard characters with AC and hit point totals that will leave them beaten to a bloody pulp in the first round of melee? Wow...) Clarity: Did you cite your sources? Did you show me how you arrived at your numbers? Did you give me plenty of white space instead of cramming everything together without hitting the enter key? (Sorry, pet peeve. I hate WoTC's ultra condensed stat blocks...though as long as things were on different lines, I didn't count off for it.) I've got some individual comments to add as well, but I'll put up more posts for that:). Congrats again to everyone who participated! You did a bang up job! :clap: :clap: :clap: |
| Zherog03-08-08, 01:46 PM | The list of medal winners and eligible judges should now be up-to-date. We added two eligible judges this time around. |
| jennibert03-08-08, 02:19 PM | Okay, I'm going to post individual comments. I'm just going to give all of the notes I made while judging. This means I will be repeating some of Jason's criticisms, at least as far as Rules Use goes. Also, as far as that goes..I tried not to be too mean in the comments, but as I went along my comments became more cryptic. Nothing is meant harshly--it is all supposed to be constructive. If it comes off otherwise, I am apologizing in advance. Thematic Creativity: He's not going into the unknown, he's burying himself in the woods for a while so he can teach himself to be all ranger-y. Yes, he's traveling, I suppose....but really you didn't focus enough on that to make me notice until I thought about three or four times. Background Content: Has some of the elements there--general motivation, potential enemies in the families of people he killed and his former lord. But no allies (not necessarily a bad thing), and little explanation of the important pieces of his life--like his change from evil back towards good. Interesting concept, not very well developed. Rules Use: Your character has no hit points, saves, or AC. He speaks no languages, and has no listed speed or alignment. Also, a ranger has a number of special abilities beyond favored enemy that you haven't mentioned. You forgot your stat bumps at 4th and 8th levels. Also, you called out that your character is 35 years old. This means that he is middle-aged and has aging penalties and benefits accordingly. Unless he had an initial CHA of 7 (illegal in point buy), you haven't done this. I don't know what's up with your skill points. By my count, assuming he took his ranger level first (which his background suggests he did NOT, but you didn't specify), he should have a total of 72 skill points. (6 + 1 INT + 1 Human bonus) *4 at 1st level, same per other three ranger levels, and then 2+1+1 for each fighter level. 32 + 24 + 16 = 72. You spent 97 by my count (including 10 on a generic "Knowledge" skill.) And I didn't even bother trying to figure out what the total should be considering that the only skills he even has listed from the fighter list are Ride and Craft, so there were at least 5 cross-class skill points spent. Also, what does "2 bonus human skill points" even mean? You realize that the max ranks you can have is 11, and that makes 12, right? You should have Rapid Shot, not Manyshot, as your ranger bonus feat, regardless of what character level you were at when you took the feat. Also, Mounted Archery is pretty useless since he doesn't have a mount of any kind. Or even an animal companion--which, as a fourth level ranger, he is entitled to! You are also missing 2 bonus feats granted by the ranger class--Track and Endurance. Your full attack is the same as your regular attack...even though, with a +8 BAB, he does have an iterative attack! Also, he has no melee attacks, as adding Dex to his dagger attack means he only throws them, since he doesn't have Weapon Finesse. (Incidentally, since he owns only 1 dagger, I would recommend against this.) Additionally, you spent less than 1000 gold when you had 27,000 to spend. Technically, that doesn't count against you--you don't have to spend your total allotment, but it means you went the opposite of most people--you remembered the mundane items and forgot the magical stuff! (He doesn't have to have bought it, you know--he could have taken it from the unworthy people he killed!) Clarity:WHITE SPACE!! And list your stats in the conventional order!! What information you gave is reasonably expanded. But so much is missing.... Thematic Creativity: I like the idea of a priest of the god of travel who seeks out new things. That in and of itself is a bit stereotypical, I suppose, but using a crusader to do it gives some unexpectedness. One doesn't necessarily expect to see a Crusader of Fhar....I'm too lazy to look up the spelling. Background Content: Well written and contains most of the salient points we are so famous for looking for: You have justified your level (obliquely, but well), and provided allies, enemies, background, goals, and a description of his appearance and personality (always an important point in my book!) Rules Use: Mithral Breastplate still has a -1 armor check penalty, which you didn't account for. But that's all I got. Good job. Clarity: Bless you for your beautiful level breakdown, especially when you included the maneuvers learned and which ones you lost at each level. Gorgeous. One thing though: If all of your other feats are prereqs for another, list that one last so your poor judge is less confused:) Thematic Creativity: A druid is a good choice for an explorer. Not exactly a stereotype, and you've done a good job of making it clear he wishes to go out and see what's beyond his lands--and has been doing so for some time. Background Content: A good solid background. Has many necessary elements: something from his childhood in the leader of the orphanage, plenty of allies, and a couple of enemies as well. Not excessively long, but still hits the high points. My only reservation is that he's kind of pigeonholed into his unit and whatnot, but that can be dealt with easily enough *evil DM laugh*. Also, I love the inclusion of a personality and tactics section. Always a plus. Rules Use: You didn't add your bonuses from Alertness and Wild empathy into your skill list. (Also, you listed him as having only 66 skill points there, but I'll assume that's a typo, since you listed the correct 77 below.) Also, you have no spell component pouch....and spider climb requires a material component. I'm not sure your animal companion is right. By my count, it should have 3 HD...which means it should have only 2 feats, by my best understanding. As I read it, Weapon Finesse is its first HD feat, and it should get another at 3rd....and I see nothing giving it additional feats. Also, I think its stats are screwed up, though I suppose I can see rearranging.... I would have liked to see the listing for the dire lion form, since it's his preferred combat form. Would have been nice. Clarity: Nice and neat, easy to read, cited sources, and all that. Good job. |
| jennibert03-08-08, 02:27 PM | Thematic Creativity: I think you have successfully created a character that it is going out into the unknown. Your character's premise of going out and building garden waystations is very interesting, and very much in tune with the theme. Background Content: I don't see why your character would join a party. She has a mission, she gets on no one's nerves, she does okay on her own; why does she need anyone else? You'd have to pretty much shake up her life a lot to get her to join up. That said, her background and description are interesting, and she is a neat character concept. I'd just rather see her be a little less completely independent. Rules Use: Umm....you may have screwed up your point buy or else put your stat bumps into a stat other than INT...or both. Since, technically, I can justify it, I will assume that you started off with an 8 CON or something and bumped that twice instead so you could have the bonus spells and skill points and languages of the 18 INT at 1st, but it's not clear. She doesn't qualify for the Arcane Disciple Feats. You have to have 4 ranks in Knowledge(religion), and she doesn't. Also, according to the description of the feats that you quoted, you add the spells to your list of arcane spells, and then learn them as normal for your class. You don't get to just have them extra--they still need to be scribed into your spell book--whether through adding a level or getting scrolls of them to copy. You realize your character would be almost entirely useless in a fight, right? She has no AC to speak of, pathetic hit points, little to no offensive power, and almost no defensive spells known. A group of 1st level brigands on the road would tear her to ribons in no time flat. I'm not usually one to complain about that, but you've kind of taken it to an extreme here. I have trouble believing she has lived to level 8 travelling through the wilderness even with the phantom steed. (Dispel Magic anyone?) Clarity: I appreciate your use of white space, and your table, and your copying the text of several of your abilities (warning though--possibly a copyright problem!) But you used a plethora of books without citing any sources, and you expanded nothing. I had to guess at your stat buy and skill ranks. Also, a word of advice--you are getting skill synergies that might come in handy for her to have, and you'll want those listed on your character sheet. Thematic Creativity: A pirate sailing the high seas of a previously undiscovered land vaguely reminds me of American history...and the "Real Pirates!" exhibit I saw around New Year's. Not necessarily original, but you did a great job of working the dread pirate in despite the fact that he has a prereq for his prestige class that technically exceeds the gold limit. Good job! Background: Good background, well written, and including some allies and enemies and an interesting setup for a DM...I like the neat working in of building his own ship, as well, by the way. Rules Use: First of all....Two Weapon Fighting is NOT a standard action! He unless he takes a full attack, he gets ONE attack with ONE short sword, at the full +11 to hit, not two at +9 each! You have two problems with his class abilities. His second level ability, fearsome reputation, grants him a +2 to Diplomacy that is not accounted for in his stat block. Aditionally, Steady Stance is a 4th level Dread Pirate Ability...so Jackham doesn't have it yet. Your skill points add up, but you seem to have credited him with a +2 INT in adding up his total, instead of the correct +1. He should have a +5 base FORT from four levels of fighter and 3 of Dread Pirate, +2 CON is +7. Jackham speaks no languages. Your gloves of competence are cute, but, as a DM, I would likely rule that you have to pick a Craft skill for them to be used with. But since Jackham only appears to use them for shipbuilding, I'll let it slide for now:). Good catches on making the middle age points work, and nice touch on adding the wind fan! Clarity: I appreciate your taking the time to explain your choices, and the magic item you created. However, I really wish you had taken the time to expand your figures, and I monumentally dislike your skill layout. I had to do a lot of moving around and refiguring and all those sort of thinks that make me cranky. Thematic Creativity: Pirates are explorey, I suppose, but at the same time....you didn't really bother to say much about it. He's on the high seas, but pirates don't have to be out in the unknown.... Background Content: Not a bad background, but could use a few more names. Clearly the captain has a name? Maybe he's made some particular enemies? I suppose his family could fall in either category, but still.... Rules Use: He gets two stat bumps, 1 at 4th and 1 at 8th. He gets his full hit die at 1st level, so he should have 46 HP. Being generous and assuming that you spent only class skills and not cross-class, I still find that you spent too many skill points. I count 6 too many, considering his wisdom penalty which affects his Spot, Listen, and Autohypnosis checks. Also, Sleight of Hand cannot be used untrained, and he should have only 60 rogues skill points, not 80 (though I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for a typo). Also, you forgot some of the other judges favorite trick, that I abhor but am now obligated to point out because I am finally remembering it--he gets a bonus to jump checks for improved speed. Finally, you didn't take into account the -1 Armor Check penalty from his Chain Shirt Also, a thought: Since his background is about being a sailor, wouldn't it have behooved him to have ranks in Swim, or Profession(sailor)? Until he hit that level of Elocutor, he'd have been dead if he hit the water. He has no mundane gear....so no clothes, no arrows, etc...Not that he could carry them. With the chain shirt (25 lbs), buckler (5 lbs), rapier (2 lbs) and shortbow (2 lbs), he's over his weight limit (33 bs for a 10 STR) and will have to start taking speed and armor check penalties... You mentioned a cloak of Aquatic Elvenkind....and then paid for only a cloak of Elvenkind. Since this doesn't seem to have been added anywhere, I will assume a typo from an earlier version. Clarity: I am trying not to let the fact that I HATE this style of stat block count against you. In the future, could you put a couple more spaces in? Like the HP on a different line from the AC and the SQ and SA on separate lines and what not? Be easier on my poor weak eyes? |
| jennibert03-08-08, 02:38 PM | Oh, and because I forgot in the previous 2 posts, extra congrats to Dragoncat and Endarrion for securing possible judge slots! Now there's two more people I can slough the work onto--I mean, who can help with the fun judging of these competitions! :D Thematic Creativity: A nomad planeshifter? Fabulously cool. And taking the unexplored beyond this plane--which is entirely appropriate for D&D. Good job! Background Content: I love the background. Of course, I'm a sucker for love and romance, particularly of the tragic sort....as anyone who's read certain of my entries to this competition will probably note. Well written, interesting...could use a few more named characters, but at the same time, with his background...he could know anyone...or be on anyone's bad side.... Rules Use: Only one thing I spotted--by my reading of the chart, he should 24 bonus power points from his 22 INT, not 20. Assuming, of course, that his headband does grant him bonus power points....but what good would it be if it didn't? We actually do want to know exactly what gear you have. Calling out that he owns it is at least better than some do, but I do care how much rope he has, or how many torches. Not that I would probably give you too much trouble about it if I were DMing this character, but I like to know you took the time to figure it out. Clarity: Pretty good explanation, but I would really love to see some more white space. Honestly, I don't mind a slightly longer entry, just give me something a little less close together! Thematic Creativity: I love the concept of the circus performer, but I'm not sure how explorery she is...a circus performer needs an audience, so she always has to be where people are. Background Content: I love her background. Hits all the high points, without being as long as I tend to make mine:). An interesting background, and a very interesting character. She'd be a fascinating person to adventure with. Rules Use: By my count, she should only have 4 first level spells--3 from her class and 1 bonus. Tieflings get a +2 racial bonus on INT and DEX, not WIS. Clarity: Gorgeous stat block. Enough space to actually see that everything's there, and with a nice by-level breakdown so I don't have to figure out your skills. Thanks! Thematic Creativity: The cleric of Knowledge who plane-shifts to learn about everything is a great concept. My only reservation is that he's not very party friendly. His background suggests against it, and he's almost a liability in combat if something *does* manage to get through his sanctuary. Background Content: Okay, you had me laughing out loud with the bit from the vrock's point of view. Hilarious. I love the concept, and it has a neat ability of not including much in the way of named characters, while still hinting at plenty of allies (OPMIS) and enemies (past bullies, powerful beings he's annoyed with his questions), etc. Rules Use: Either you did your point buy wrong, or you did your stat bumps inefficiently. By my count, you spent 26 points to get 2 8s, a 10, a 12, and 2 16s, then bumped one 16 twice to make an 18. I suppose he could have originally had a 9 dex and a 17 wis, but I really don't see why he should have. He should have 4 skill points per level, unless that stat bump I didn't spot was an 8th level bump to INT. 2 (Cleric) + 1 (INT) + 1 (Human Bonus)=4 Medium sized quarterstaves do d6 damage, not d4. Either someone overcharged him for those scrolls of planeshift, or he should have 10 of them. He should have 1 more first level spell prepared. His 20 WIS grants him 2 bonus first level spells. He has no mundane gear. You didn't forget clothes (kudos to you!) but he's still not very well outfitted for adventuring, as he has no survival gear (by which I mean blankets and rope more than food--his WIS is high enough to let him forage successfully), and not enough leftover money to keep him in an inn very long. Following that, you seem not to have chosen spells that will be affected by your lack of spell component pouch, but.... Clarity: Reasonably clear, but you would have benefited from showing us how you arrived at some of your numbers--stats in particular. Also, cite your sources--Mercurius may be able to identify which book a feat is in off the top of his head, but he'll eventually get annoyed with me if I keep interrupting him to ask those questions. |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-08-08, 02:38 PM | i really should just leave the procrastination to the judges ;) It's a specialty. :cool: Eldritch_Lord, your conversation had several punctuation errors. For example, "Quite, quite." should have been "Quite. Quite." And yes, I know how it feels to be OCD sometimes... As for HC #15, an eligible judge will have to opt to coordinate, contact other eligible judges, and do all of the behind the scenes work. I'd estimate it'll be up in about two weeks. Sadly, I can not judge this time around, but I do hope to have enough time to compete again. Oh, and Zherog, that was not a typo on my part. Dragoncat hand-delivered the bri... nice gift, and earned the extra points necessary to barely edge you out of the gold. Sorry. |
| jennibert03-08-08, 02:49 PM | Thematic Creativity: An excellent sort of wanderer, who would fit in well with most parties even if he might not necessarily stay with them. I like the wayfarer guide persona, and you've backed it up well with your skill, spell, and item selections. Background Content: Without being overly long, your background managed to hit the high points. Suggestions of adventures to explain your levels, a reference to a possible villain. Would like to see some mention of allies, but it does pretty well without it. Rules Use: All I could find were that you spent the MW cost for your mithral breastplate (not necessary--mithral is inherently MW and the price is included in the cost of mithral), that I got a different total of gold spent than you (but still less than 27000, so who cares?), and that your MW light mace should have a +8 to attack (MW gives a +1 to hit). Good job! Clarity: What a lovely character sheet. Everything spelled out, and no need to cite sources since it's all core. I like. Please come back and show it to us again. (I'd have liked it even more if transferring the *%$# thing to my word processor would preserve your lovely bolding and graying, but that's not your fault ;)) Thematic Creativity: Eberron gives lots of chance for adventure and worlds not quite explored....and a rogue is a good person to do it, with all of the skills and what not. Background Content: I think Indi--I mean Michigan is a great character, and I love the style of the background. Very amusing. And includes a nice possible enemy (Hans Duet...seriously...), a person who could neatly either be a ally or enemy (Drusai I didn't get--explanation?), and plenty of justification for his level. Well done. Rules Use: An 8th level rogue has a +6 Base Attack Bonus, not +5. Be forewarned: I reserve the right to mock you mercilessly for this. Boots of Striding and Springing, in addition to eliminating his icky jump penalty from a reduced speed by unreducing it, also grants a +5 competance bonus on Jump checks. The weight listed on your chain shirt would be for a medium sized character. A small chain shirt weighs hald of 25, or 12.5 pounds. A small mithral chain shirt would weigh have that again--or 6.25. (Or, possibly, 5, if you take half of the 10 pounds listed for the specific "mithral shirt" armor in the DMG.) Clarity: Nicely clear, but I will say that separating the stat block from the explanation thereof gave me some hassles--mostly in the moving back and forth kind. I can understand having the stat block all there to hand...but it would have been really nice to see the totals at the bottom as well so I didn't have to go "Yes, DEX adds up to 20...is that what he said above?" and scroll around so much. Darn! I just realized that I forgot to deduct that 10 points for your slight on Kentucky! You get away with it this time, I suppose.... Thematic Creativity: Yes, she is travelling, but there is nothing really in exploring the unknown. She's just travelling around looking for people. Background Content: Not a bad background. Lots of useful enemies (some of her brothers may have gotten wind of her, after all). The main problem I see...she's not going to fit into an adventuring party...largely because she is useless in any situation that does not involve her having a chance to seduce someone and tie them up. She's an interesting character, but she's got very limited utility, and is so dedicated to her purpose that she'd have trouble fitting in. Rules Use: I am very confused by her bardic spells. I have no idea what all of those -1s are supposed to be. Also, you listed spells per day as spells known (though kudos for correctly listing her number of bonus spells). Subsequestly, she does not have the correct number of spells per level...and some of her listed spells are not from the bard spell list. I think you screwed up your skills. Unless that random +5 bonus to Concentration you listed on the lower reckoning (but not with the rest of your listing) is from Open Minded, those skill points don't seem to have been spent. You're also short 1, unless you spent an assassin skill point on one of your knowledges or performs or something. Speaking of which, she can't use one of the bardic music abilities she would normally be entitled to: Inspire Competance requires 6 or more ranks in Perform. Just to mention. By my calculations, she has spent every copper piece of her alotted 27000 gold...which does not allow for the "typical foodstuffs and poisons." I suppose this could be purchased from the ridiculous amount of leftover gold she has, but....if you're going to mention them, pay for them. She only owns 1 small whip. Why is there a listing for two different whips? Also, whips do nonlethal damage--this should be called out. Clarity: WHITE SPACE!!! Also, though I appreciate the effort, it's really not necessary to list skills that only get an ability modifier to them, even if she does have Jack of all Trades. And make sure to call out what the numbers mean if you expand out. (Even just once at the top is fine!) And finally....list prices for things. Particularly custom items.... |
| jennibert03-08-08, 02:56 PM | Thematic Creativity: Yeah, he's traveling. I wouldn't term that exploring, per se. Just because he travels doesn't mean he's exploring the unknown. Background Content: You spent 7 levels in a school? I mean, I played a campaign where we were students in a school and did reach 6th level, but we still did more than fight off bullies and a lot of studying....I have trouble justifying his level with that. Plus, he has no allies, and his enemies will have to be raised from the dead.... Rules Use: Chaotic Neutral does NOT equal killing all of his family and friends. I'm sorry, that is an evil action. I don't usually fuss much over alignment, but this is too much to gloss over. His INT should be 2 points higher. If you used the 1st suggested array, then he started with an 18, got bumped twice at 4th and 8th levels, and then added a +2 item on top of that, for a total of a 22. He has 45 hitpoints. 4 at first level + (2.5*7=17.5) + (8*3 CON=24) = 45 HP, not 40. His speed should be 30 feet. He's medium sized and not encumbered. His to hit roll with the club is +2. Clubs are not finnessable, and he doesn't have Weapon Finesse anyway. Wizard 1-7: 2+4+1 = 7*10 = 70. Master Trans. = 8. (up to 20 INT, so 2+5+1). He should have 78 skill points. And by my count you actually only spent 72 instead of your claimed 74. And you can't have leftover skill points! You have to spend them all each level, not save them for when you want them. He doesn't have a spell component pouch. Since his signature spell requires a material component, that's a bit of a problem for him. Why a 12 foot pole? I don't really care, since you increased the price by 50% and the size by only 20%, but.... Clarity: Nicely clear, and took the time to call out how many skill ranks (and cross classness) and cited some (though not all) of your sources. Thematic Creativity: You've made a good case for him traveling, but aside from a mention of "fantastic locations," I'm not seeing him as going into the unknown. In fact, his mentor is more likely to be sending him to the known, as that's what he heard of, after all.... Background Content: A very interesting concept. I like the idea of the artist who adventures to paint pictures thereof, and of the transmuter fascinated with effigies and constructs. He has good allies in his background, and a nice enemy (though it could be stronger.) And, since you asked....I found the alternation choppy. I like the idea, but it was kind of abrupt in transition from the one to the other. One thing: Are you by any chance a fan of Full Metal Alchemist? Al the large sidekick and Edward the small one.... Rules Use: Bloody people who make too few errors. Your only problems I spotted were in your armor. +1 Mithral Twilight Chain Shirt costs 5100. When it says "+1 bonus," it means to add +1 to the existing bonus (also +1 to yield +2) and then look that up on the table for cost. Also, your mithral buckler should be 2015. +1 bonus is 1000, mithral is 1000 for a shield. Clarity: Very neat and tidy, nicely expanded, cited sources. Good job! There you go! Comments! You should all feel thankful for the snowstorm that's keeping me forcibly inside...normally I'm too lazy to go to the trouble of posting them. ;) |
| Zherog03-08-08, 03:03 PM | I'd have to go read specifically what I wrote about Drusai here. But in the one Eberron game I played in for about 2 years, Drusai was my character - an aasimar paladin 2/monk 10 or 11, I forget which, saint with Vow of Poverty. I wrote the background almost in a "stream of conscious" style, and Drusai popped into my mind, so I included him. Like I said, I'd need to go look what I specifically wrote if the question is more detailed than that. An 8th level rogue has a +6 Base Attack Bonus, not +5. Be forewarned: I reserve the right to mock you mercilessly for this. Heh. The first build of the character was rogue 7/bard 1 -- so i could get proficiency in the whip. I decided to swap the bard level for an 8th level of rogue. Boots of Striding and Springing, in addition to eliminating his icky jump penalty from a reduced speed by unreducing it, also grants a +5 competance bonus on Jump checks. D'oh! :doh: It's on my spreadsheet, but somehow I A) forgot to transfer it; and B) didn't notice it when I supposedly double-checked all the numbers matched. The weight listed on your chain shirt would be for a medium sized character. A small chain shirt weighs hald of 25, or 12.5 pounds. A small mithral chain shirt would weigh have that again--or 6.25. (Or, possibly, 5, if you take half of the 10 pounds listed for the specific "mithral shirt" armor in the DMG. Heh. And I jumped through hoops to get my character's weight under a light load, too. *sigh* but hey - I remembered to toss an Explorer's Outfit into my possessions to mollify Jason. :D Nicely clear, but I will say that separating the stat block from the explanation thereof gave me some hassles--mostly in the moving back and forth kind. I can understand having the stat block all there to hand...but it would have been really nice to see the totals at the bottom as well so I didn't have to go "Yes, DEX adds up to 20...is that what he said above?" and scroll around so much. Having judged plenty of these, I understand what you mean. I just prefer to keep it sort of "clean" looking, and have the stat block separate. If I enter the next one, I might yoink the format Osprey used, by placing the math in grey after the stats. When I write a stat block for publishers, actually, I do something similar, with math typically in a blue font after the actual entry. |
| Zherog03-08-08, 03:05 PM | As for HC #15, an eligible judge will have to opt to coordinate, contact other eligible judges, and do all of the behind the scenes work. I'd estimate it'll be up in about two weeks. Sadly, I can not judge this time around, but I do hope to have enough time to compete again. I volunteered to coordinate without judging if nobody else is interested. |
| jennibert03-08-08, 03:08 PM | I'd have to go read specifically what I wrote about Drusai here. But in the one Eberron game I played in for about 2 years, Drusai was my character - an aasimar paladin 2/monk 10 or 11, I forget which, saint with Vow of Poverty. I wrote the background almost in a "stream of conscious" style, and Drusai popped into my mind, so I included him. Like I said, I'd need to go look what I specifically wrote if the question is more detailed than that. Ah, okay. I had assumed it was another Harrison Ford reference, and couldn't figure out which movie it should be from;). But very cool. Always fun to include old characters! |
| Endarrion03-08-08, 03:30 PM | Bless you for your beautiful level breakdown, especially when you included the maneuvers learned and which ones you lost at each level. Gorgeous. Yay for compliments :) EDIT: I just saw the scores on the eighth page. Yay! I'm eligible for judging! Though I would've liked to get a gold... Happy! |
| Eldritch_Lord03-08-08, 03:47 PM | Thematic Creativity: The cleric of Knowledge who plane-shifts to learn about everything is a great concept. My only reservation is that he's not very party friendly. His background suggests against it, and he's almost a liability in combat if something *does* manage to get through his sanctuary. Well, I have no problem with that--it's not Heroes Craftsman, is it? ;) More seriously, his main contributions to combat are buffing and summoning, as he can't be offensive with his sanctuary. Basically, he can summon monsters to tank and flank and heal people afterwards; he's not meant to be a blaster or a melee cleric. Background Content: Okay, you had me laughing out loud with the bit from the vrock's point of view. Hilarious. I love the concept, and it has a neat ability of not including much in the way of named characters, while still hinting at plenty of allies (OPMIS) and enemies (past bullies, powerful beings he's annoyed with his questions), etc. Thank you, thank you. Rules Use: Either you did your point buy wrong, or you did your stat bumps inefficiently. By my count, you spent 26 points to get 2 8s, a 10, a 12, and 2 16s, then bumped one 16 twice to make an 18. I suppose he could have originally had a 9 dex and a 17 wis, but I really don't see why he should have. Yeah...like I said, I've never really used point buy, so I just took the sample numbers and messed with them without looking at what point values they were. He should have 4 skill points per level, unless that stat bump I didn't spot was an 8th level bump to INT. 2 (Cleric) + 1 (INT) + 1 (Human Bonus)=4 I know, I know...way to rub it in. :ahem: Medium sized quarterstaves do d6 damage, not d4. :doh: I looked at the wrong column in the SRD. Either someone overcharged him for those scrolls of planeshift, or he should have 10 of them. Ah. It's supposed to be 10; I reduced the number of scrolls to 9 to add another item, but when I took that out I forgot to bump it back to 10 scrolls. He should have 1 more first level spell prepared. His 20 WIS grants him 2 bonus first level spells. :doh: Thought a cleric 8 had 3 originally. He has no mundane gear. You didn't forget clothes (kudos to you!) but he's still not very well outfitted for adventuring, as he has no survival gear (by which I mean blankets and rope more than food--his WIS is high enough to let him forage successfully), and not enough leftover money to keep him in an inn very long. Well, I figured he'd be staying at OPMIS HQ for lodging, and he'd be plane shifting in and out fairly often, so he wouldn't need too much travel gear. Besides, the places he's going are a bit too dangerous to just pitch a tent. ;) Following that, you seem not to have chosen spells that will be affected by your lack of spell component pouch, but.... That was the idea, yes. Clarity: Reasonably clear, but you would have benefited from showing us how you arrived at some of your numbers--stats in particular. Also, cite your sources--Mercurius may be able to identify which book a feat is in off the top of his head, but he'll eventually get annoyed with me if I keep interrupting him to ask those questions. Will do. Eldritch_Lord, your conversation had several punctuation errors. For example, "Quite, quite." should have been "Quite. Quite." And yes, I know how it feels to be OCD sometimes... Ah, that kind of red ink. :blush: Whenever I write dialog (for non-school-assignment writing, of course) I tend to use punctuation that makes it read like it would sound, not the technically correct punctuation for writing. For instance, in that case I was trying to get across someone who, well, is sort of speaking while preoccupied with other things, and will usually let sentences trail into one another, and just trail off, because he isn't paying attention, even if that isn't how you should write it, and just lumps many sentences together. I'm sure you know the kind of person I'm talking about. "Oh yes, fascinating...quite, quite, mm-hm, that's very interesting, certainly, you don't say...I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Oh well, I'll know next time not to relax when the Grammar Gestapo are judging. |
| jennibert03-08-08, 04:19 PM | I was not meaning to rub things in, Eldritch_Lord--I just happen to notice the same things as Jason, and was feeling too lazy to go back and remove everything he said. It was easier just to copy and paste all my notes. :D |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-08-08, 04:37 PM | Don't fret too much. Red Ink is a joking reference to my work in the education field. A child hands me a paper, I pull out a red ink pen, and go nuts. Someone hands me a character sheet, I pull out a red ink pen and go nuts (hypothetically, of course, since I actually use the "Comment" feature on Microsoft Word). Overall, if someone scores Major Red Ink, it only costs them about -.5 in Clarity. In your case, it & the citation issues (another teacher instinct) combined for a net -.25. The net difference in your scores this time around would have been .23%. *Completely Unrelated Side-note: Last week a friend asked me to proofread a paper for his college English class, and on a whim, I graded it, and used a scoring rubric nearly identical in format to the one I use for this competition. I then e-mailed him a comment-heavy document, with notes of what I expected him to work on for his next paper. His college professor told him to relay a compliment to me: They didn't have to grade my friend's paper, because I had already caught everything that a college professor could find. For me, white space/readability, level-by-level, and how easily I can back track skills are the major issues in Clarity. And besides, your background rocked. I couldn't stop laughing, and that helped you vastly more than poor mechanics hurt you this time around. |
| Eldritch_Lord03-08-08, 04:48 PM | Don't fret too much. Red Ink is a joking reference to my work in the education field. A child hands me a paper, I pull out a red ink pen, and go nuts. Someone hands me a character sheet, I pull out a red ink pen and go nuts (hypothetically, of course, since I actually use the "Comment" feature on Microsoft Word). Yeah, I got the reference. My dad taught at an Army JAG school for a few years, and when his students complained about tons of red ink, he got a bunch of pens in a rather unique shade of green to cover their papers. By the third week of the course, any time he mentioned "green ink" everyone would flinch. Overall, if someone scores Major Red Ink, it only costs them about -.5 in Clarity. In your case, it & the citation issues (another teacher instinct) combined for a net -.25. The net difference in your scores this time around would have been .23%. For me, white space/readability, level-by-level, and how easily I can back track skills are the major issues in Clarity. Oh, it wasn't the points--I couldn't bear to think a typo got through. ;) And besides, your background rocked. I couldn't stop laughing, and that helped you vastly more than poor mechanics hurt you this time around. Glad you liked it. :D I ran the background by a friend of mine and he said the best quote he'd ever heard was "On a scale of chartreuse to fireball, how chaotic is the nearest demon you haven't tried to kill recently?" "Squirrel." |
| Dragoncat03-08-08, 06:09 PM | :eek: ......:dancin: Squee! *ahem* Thank you to the judges for feedback and diligence, and congratulations to the other participants. There's a lot of great material in the competition, wonderful stories, and fantastic inspiration, all of which is a joy to read. Thanks especially for the particulars in your comments, judges, as it's very, very helpful. Rules Use/Mechanics: • Mechanics #1: HP totals: I think you cut yourself short on HP. 4 + (2.5 x 7 ) 17.5 + 8 = 29.5. • Mechanics #2: PP totals: I know you cut yourself short on PP. According to the chart on p.18 of the XPH, you get 24 bonus PP. :doh: Headband of intellect, amulet of health, they impact stats. It is there purpose. I am the foolishness. We actually do want to know exactly what gear you have. Ah, very good to know, thank you. It's kind of odd, not being a bridesmaid in a boards competition. But I think I like it. :D |
| Lokiyn03-09-08, 12:33 AM | I'll have my excuses and whinging, err measured responses to the comments up sometime before monday, i've already hunted down what happened to the mechanics i just need to put my interpretation of how you should properly use the mechanics onto "paper" and get them posted. |
| Far_Traveler03-09-08, 04:38 PM | Notes in bold as usual Thematic Creativity: • Traveling artist & sculptor. See the world. Paint the world. I like it. I've has this idea in my head for a while Background: • Allies, enemies, motivation, DM-abuse waiting to happen in the form of an overbearing father… very solid background. I always try and put in a little potential DM-abuse • As for your writing style, at first it absorbed me into the work fairly well, but about half-way through (and I’m not sure why), it became much less effective. Odd, looking back I don't think I liked it. I won't be using ti again unless I get better comments from other judges Rules Use/Mechanics: • See above notes on costs to add spells to your spell book. • Item costs: Your +1 Twilight Mithral Chain shirt is technically a +2 item (in terms of cost), which means you should have paid 5,100gp for it. A Vest of Resistance +2 should cost 4,000gp. Also, you forgot to charge yourself 100gp for your familiar. I realize that some of this can be handled by your Item Creation feats, but you never noted what you have, or have not created, via those feats. I did not realize I was supposed to specify, I thought it was presumed. • I am curious about your bonus language selections: All elemental languages. While I like the theme, it really didn’t tie in with your story that much. Typically, Elven is portrayed as the “Artsy, Poetic” language. Was there a reason for selecting all elemental tongues? I had a more elemental theme in mind, his dream is to travel to elemental planes and paint things there. didn't pan out. Clarity: • Mild Red Ink. • Cited Sources. Thank you. It's better now that I have a citation system • The Spell section was a little cluttered, and needed to be cleaned up. Other than that, very neat entry.okay, mabe a little mroe cluttured then some of my entries[/QUOTE] Thematic Creativity: You've made a good case for him traveling, but aside from a mention of "fantastic locations," I'm not seeing him as going into the unknown. In fact, his mentor is more likely to be sending him to the known, as that's what he heard of, after all.... Actually, although I see not noted sufficiently enough, he was sent to places that the mentor had only heard rumors of, at least after Vic gained a few levels. I felt that was sufficiently unknown. apparently not. Background Content: A very interesting concept. I like the idea of the artist who adventures to paint pictures thereof, and of the transmuter fascinated with effigies and constructs. He has good allies in his background, and a nice enemy (though it could be stronger.) And, since you asked....I found the alternation choppy. I like the idea, but it was kind of abrupt in transition from the one to the other. Ah well, won't be using it again. One thing: Are you by any chance a fan of Full Metal Alchemist? Al the large sidekick and Edward the small one....You got a reference right, although I'm not a fan. Vic Manyana(last name spelled phonectically) was Ed's voice actor. Rules Use: Bloody people who make too few errors. Your only problems I spotted were in your armor. +1 Mithral Twilight Chain Shirt costs 5100. When it says "+1 bonus," it means to add +1 to the existing bonus (also +1 to yield +2) and then look that up on the table for cost. Also, your mithral buckler should be 2015. +1 bonus is 1000, mithral is 1000 for a shield. I have Craft Magics arms and armor, I get discounts. (It was a prereq for craft construct, and also why I didn't have +3 armor) Clarity: Very neat and tidy, nicely expanded, cited sources. Good job! Crap, i just noticed how that i screwed up my armor, it should be 3100, not 2100. |
| Orchomenos03-10-08, 01:40 PM | Rules Use/Mechanics: • Mechanics #1: HP Total: I think you short-changed yourself on HP. 6 + 24.5 (3.5 x 7) + 16 (2 x 8) = 46.5 HP. Apparently, you forgot your extra HP (from a High Con) at one level or another. • Rules Use #1: Mundane Gear: There’s one very simple reason your character prefers to go shirtless: you didn’t buy any clothes. In fact, you didn’t buy any mundane gear at all (ropes, spare weapons, food, bedroll, etc…). Of course, maybe the lack of clothing explains your captain’s general annoyance with your character… (“Seriously, you got a cut of the loot. Is it too much to ask?”) • Overall, very solid build. Well done. • Thanks so much for a classic stat block. Nicely done. • The only thing that would’ve helped in this scenario would’ve been a level-by-level table for your skill ranks. Clarity: • Red Ink • This is about the time (it usually happens once/competition) where I realize that I’ve never decided if I expect people to cite Expanded Psionic Handbook as a source… While it didn’t cost points, it’s not a bad habit to start. About the Mundane Gear... this sounded obvious to me no character would go naked... And being on a ship, he wouldn't need a bedroll, or something like that... :rolleyes: About Expanded Psionic... It's not listed because I haven't used it. I used the SRD. Clarity: I am trying not to let the fact that I HATE this style of stat block count against you. In the future, could you put a couple more spaces in? Like the HP on a different line from the AC and the SQ and SA on separate lines and what not? Be easier on my poor weak eyes? :tiphat: Just finding it funny that the other judge congratulated me for this same statblock! |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-10-08, 05:21 PM | :tiphat: Just finding it funny that the other judge congratulated me for this same statblock! Bear in mind the fact that I'm eccentric, and associate the new stat block format with a lot of the 3.5 material I consider to be poorly designed (it seems like the quality of books went down about the same time as the new stat block). I'm also the kind of person who likes a condensed stat block. I always give contestants headaches because they give me too detailed of a breakdown of their attack bonuses and damage... jennibert is probably more sane than I am... As for mundane gear, it's just a good habit to carry extra supplies. You never know when you might need bait (rations), something to jam a door (a well placed dagger), or even a circumstance bonus on Diplomacy checks (Fine Wine). It doesn't have to be magical to accomplish incredible stunts. |
| Osprey03-10-08, 09:43 PM | Thanks to the Judges and Hooray! for the other Players! I had a good time imagining Marco de Soto, and he turned out to be a even better traveler than I thought. I’ll definitely keep an eye open for the next chance at character creation competition. I enjoy imagining new characters enough that I don’t really get upset when one gets eaten by a water troll, or strangled by a hangman’s tree, or plummets to his doom. :) I actually had some of the same reservations about him that the judges mentioned. It seemed like he was a good build, with a good party role, and a good background, but he was missing something. I know what he would do, and how he would do it, but not the WHY? His personality never developed enough, and I ran out of time to think about it more. :rolleyes: |
| Zherog03-11-08, 08:28 AM | jennibert is probably more sane than I am... Dude. The guy in a straight jacket at the local insane asylum might be more sane than you. :smirk: |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-11-08, 09:12 AM | Dude. The guy in a straight jacket at the local insane asylum might be more sane than you. :smirk: Z, that's not even a fair comparison. Of course Micheal is more sane than I am. Hero Craftsman Judge is it's own level of insanity. Insane asylum can't touch it. I was just offering comparisons relative comparisons within the same category. I'm not sure who the most eccentric judge for these threads is, but I'm at least noteworthy in my insanity. |
| Orchomenos03-11-08, 10:41 AM | Z, that's not even a fair comparison. Of course Micheal is more sane than I am. Hero Craftsman Judge is it's own level of insanity. Insane asylum can't touch it. I was just offering comparisons relative comparisons within the same category. I'm not sure who the most eccentric judge for these threads is, but I'm at least noteworthy in my insanity. Micheal... are you refering to the singer-formerly-known-as-a-black-singer? :P |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-11-08, 01:51 PM | No. That Micheal is not locked up in the local insane asylum. (Biting back all of the snide comments I want to make at this precise moment...) |
| Eldritch_Lord03-11-08, 05:37 PM | No. That Micheal is not locked up in the local insane asylum. (Biting back all of the snide comments I want to make at this precise moment...) The fact that you're on a first-name basis with a straitjacketed crazy person makes me a bit worried about your capacity to judge. |
| wrecan03-11-08, 06:26 PM | Thanks for the comments. I think the judges' criticisms were on point. I only had one small rules quibble: Your skill points add up, but you seem to have credited him with a +2 INT in adding up his total, instead of the correct +1. I think you forgot the +1 skill point/level for being human. |
| Eldritch_Lord03-11-08, 08:02 PM | I think you forgot the +1 skill point/level for being human. Well, at least I wasn't the only one to do that in this contest. |
| jennibert03-11-08, 09:21 PM | Thanks for the comments. I think the judges' criticisms were on point. I only had one small rules quibble: I think you forgot the +1 skill point/level for being human. Actually, no. I just meant that when you added up the ranks and stat bonuses and whatever for his total modifiers for his INT based skills, you seem to have an extra +1 I couldn't account for :) As for the above comments on my sanity.....I plead the fifth as to my own. :D |
| JasonOrlandoHawk03-11-08, 09:35 PM | The fact that you're on a first-name basis with a straitjacketed crazy person makes me a bit worried about your capacity to judge. Hey now... that's what qualifies me to judge. :cool: I submit that the definition of insanity is doing the same activity over and over, and expecting a different result each time. "If I judge this contest again, maybe the contestants will actually give me the cakes they keep promising." |
| Kimokeo03-11-08, 10:17 PM | Thanks for the Feedback on Rya'lin. As with many of my entries, I must admit I am more in it for the creative fun. I use DMGenie but I don't know how to present the HTML file for viewing. So, it becomes choppy. If you could see the character sheet it creates, it would explain much that my C&P failed to provide (like costs of all items, bardic abilities, correct spells, etc.) Anyway, the +5 to Concentration was my mistake. To create items, it is easier to copy an existing item and edit. I forgot to change the skill the item affects (concentration) to the one intended (the ferroniere - diplomacy). Not sure why I lost a whip in the equipment. The statistics had two whips. One was for offense and one for pleasure. Gnome lady of the night. What's wrong with that? Unless, you're not a gnome I guess. As for allies, family, and friends - her allies love her. They just can't let anyone know they know her. Define 'is' syndrome effects many of her friends. As for family - well mom and dad are gone and her only siblings, brothers, are heading for death. Friends? Well, if you have a Jackson, you can be my friend:D She'd fit in any group. Instead of the party having to seek out their thrills in town (like many groups I've seen), it's in the party. It's great stress relief - read Shogun. As for skill point expenditures -the computer program keeps track of points, so I know it's accurate. This missing 1pt is actually a 1/2 point that doesn't appear on the sheet. The program knows there's a 1/2 point, but since a 1/2 point doesn't affect the score, it drops the .5 from the math. The spells:Detect poison, Endure elements, Ghoul touch, Touch of fatigue. Wow, that's a glitch. I had to go back into my program as my character sheet doesn't list them but they came up on the HTML. Dang. Those -1's are the way the script writes spells you don't have. I'll remember to just delete them off. The gold is accurate as I rechecked the numbers. Next time I'll have to find a way to present the html so everything is there to check and double check. There is nothing in travelling in the unknown, unless your dressed in lingerie. |
| Eldritch_Lord03-11-08, 10:19 PM | I submit that the definition of insanity is doing the same activity over and over, and expecting a different result each time. "If I judge this contest again, maybe the contestants will actually give me the cakes they keep promising." Wait...are you saying that to imply that we should or shouldn't call you crazy? And when is HC 15 going to start? Anyone? |
| Endarrion03-11-08, 10:35 PM | And when is HC 15 going to start? Anyone? As soon as some eligible judges either get on the Feedback thread or PM me so we can get one together ;) Seriously though, for all those eligible judges, Zherog said he would coordinate if no one else wanted to (but not judge) so if you're uncomfortable with coordinating but still want to judge (like me :) ) then lets get this show on the road! I half expected to see some PMs in my inbox the day after #14 ended, but I didn't think it would take this long! |
| jennibert03-11-08, 10:53 PM | As soon as some eligible judges either get on the Feedback thread or PM me so we can get one together ;) Seriously though, for all those eligible judges, Zherog said he would coordinate if no one else wanted to (but not judge) so if you're uncomfortable with coordinating but still want to judge (like me :) ) then lets get this show on the road! I half expected to see some PMs in my inbox the day after #14 ended, but I didn't think it would take this long! This is because one of the prereqs for being a Hero Craftsman judge is the Procrastination feat. It's right there in the prestige class and everything, along with 8 ranks in Knowledge(D&D rules), 4 ranks in Search (for finding those rules errors!), and Special: Must have been awarded 6 points worth of medals in previous Hero Craftsman Competitions (or be grandfathered in by starting the fun). On a slightly separate note, I will be willing to judge again. I do enjoy it, though if we have time for another before 4e, I will probably wish to compete at least once more at that point. Oh, and I'm all for letting Zherog coordinate, as past experience has taught me I forget to update things (damn that procrastination feat!). |
| Endarrion03-11-08, 10:57 PM | Yay jennibert! So we have 2 judges and a coordinator so far. We need at least 1 more judge right? Once we get that squared away we can brainstorm ideas and before you know it . . . BLAM! new HC. |
| Lokiyn03-12-08, 01:21 AM | Originally when I posted the character I had allotted myself about three hours to convert the spreadsheet tables into a proper character for posting, because of some various issues that arose in real life I wound up posting after less than thirty minutes of slamming tables into text formats and proofreading, so of course a few errors crept in, although not as bad as it may seem. The Ability scores are correct and as intended, after fiddling with the numbers a bit I finally settled on a 10/10/10/18/14/8 or (2pt+2pt+2pt+16pt+6pt+0pt = 28 pts) and bumped the charisma with the final 2 from ability adjustment. Why such a sub optimal method? I mean sure I could have gone 10/10/14/16/14/10 with more hit points and then bumped in to 18, but I ended up needing all 7 skill points per level (2 base + 1 human + 4 Int) for the skills. As for the Skills themselves ChaLev 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 Syn Totals Int 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 10 Craft [Stoneworking] Cha 0 0 0 0.5 1 1 1 2 3 0 5 Diplomacy Int 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 4 12 Knowledge [Arcana] Int 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 4 12 Knowledge [Architecture and Engineering] Int 0 1 2 3 4 4 4 9 4 13 Knowledge [Nature] Int 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 8 Knowledge [Religion] Cha 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 5 0 5 Preform (Stringed Instruments) Wis 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 2 10 Profession (Beekeeper) Wis 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 2 10 Profession (Gardener) Dex 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 Ride Int 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 4 17 Spellcraft On a per level breakdown you can see how it comes together I will admit though that I had made two mistakes in the original chart, originally I wound up putting Appraise 4(+4) rather than Knowledge Religion 4(+4) as an added mistake I also rather than combining it to +8 I wound up deleting the (+4) and leaving it 4 I apparently had a holdover synergy bonus to knowledge nature from a former skill set with survival in it. So the numbers for nature were off. The skill set seemed a little odd, because as I mention I only listed skills with ranks, and only the totals. So it seemed as if I had to many cross class skills in some cases and too few class skills in another. In reality they all line up (aside from as I mentioned nature) and diplomacy has a unique +3 bonus to reach its total, however in my haste I failed to split diplomacy up to reference the fact that the +3 bonus is only to Fey and Magical Beasts (although it was referenced in Seelie Courtier In addition, it was my error in the equipment section, I originally had allocated funds for scribing these spells into the spell book, but mistakenly added additional spells later, going back I can find two equipment sheets on my drive, one with 6 homunculi and one with 8 with the one with the lesser homunculi having a higher number of “purchased” spells. I can only imagine that I wound up posting the equipment table from the older version and the more recent spell list from the word document. So yeah, my mistake; Irritating, but the truth. Transmuter (Evocation/Necromacy); Unselee, referencing the Unseelie summons list special The domain spells were the transmutation spells, as I mentioned I screwed up with the wrong equipment list. 0th level spells and spell book pages. totally unimportant I had 68 pages worth of spells, I would have needed 64 cantrips to even matter, there aren’t even that many in existence (I count roughly 28i-33ish). It’s a total non issue unless I’m buying huge, huge quantities of spells for the spell book. Scroll Level (SL*CL*25)+Recording Cost(100*Spell Level) with a Scribe From scroll spellcraft check Max (15+9)= 24 (19 for the scope of these spells Take 10 Spellcraft = 27 Hmm…. Uhh Summon Familiar; Since it’s not really of any importance from a meta-game perspective, Erana has a Hedgehog Familiar (DMG pg203) because its cute. That covers the “rules” aspect of the comments, now into the “flavor” bitsNow for the Flavor aspects of it. Or to say it another way, the implementation of the character. Why is this character a PC rather than an NPC? Off the top of my head I can think of two or three reasons. Setting up waystations is expensive, aside from the incidental materials that aren’t available in the local area she’s got to cover her personal expenses. Erana needs seeds and or samplings and the group is going in an area with them Erana’s in an extended apprenticeship, i.e. more than a regular apprentice but less than an independent, that means that she can work on her own projects as well. Most backgrounds are basically what the characters do on their own, so its of course up to the players and the dungeon master to bring the party together. Very very few parties start with all their backstories fused together. Erana has indirect conections to fey, it would be incredibly easy to tie in fey looking for help from the grandfather and getting the granddaughter instead. maybe it’s the summer or fall, a normally terrible time to plant orchards and gardens. Remember it’s the players job to integrate themselves into the party not the dm, you can completely delete backstory from a character with no changes, party integration is roleplaying, thus something done during game play, not before. it’s the dm’s job to provide antagonists, plot hooks, Mainly that angers me because most adventures don’t need tragic over the top nonsense for backstories, well adjusted normal people who stumble into adventure are just as valid. As for Combat. As I mention there are three major combat sections to Erana Homunculi.Encounter range Min Max Avg 20 120 70 Deep Forest 20 120 70 Hills, Rugged 20 160 90 Medeium Forest 30 180 105 Sparse Forest 20 200 110 Hills, Gentle 240 1440 840 Plains Homunculi Hide Take 10 (24) Homunculi Spot take 10 (14) With 6 Homunculi (the intended number) Maintaining a Perimeter whose spot penalty never drops below say, +4. They form a circle 105 Ft in radius, which on average spots any hostiles, unless they are in the habit of constantly hiding while moving long before they get even near Erana Misdirection and summoningMirror Image and summons monsters serve to defray any direct combat and either a.) the Summons deal with the encounter or b.) Erana is long gone leaving mirror images behind. Since an appropriate encounter for a level 8 character is a CR 4 monster Few of them have the legs to catch Erana with summons running blocker. Speed,Look at the above table, at most in the forest terrain you can spot people at a max of 110 feet. Riding a phantom speed puts Erana’s movement at 360 feet per round (double moves) or 36 Miles per hour. Even more so technically the steed could run increasing that to 72 Miles per hour.Catch that Of course that not even counting the ability to spontaneously convert Spells into a list of spontaneous spells from the Unseelie , mainly (Bestow Curse 4th; Poison 3rd) using mirror image to divert direct attacks while working in close enough to use poison or bestow curse, of course as any experienced summoner knows, using summons to provoke attacks of opportunity to deplete the AoO pool before moving in for the touch. Low Ac non Direct damage casters are my favorite character type they do work and work very well. It’s beyond foolish to assume that High AC and Hp Damage is the only way to go, generally its more efficient to simply not be there (displacement effects, mirror images, effigies, etc. And its more fun to churn out flankers and control the battlefield with walls and illusions than toss a few silly fireballs. |
| Zherog03-12-08, 08:27 AM | Next time I'll have to find a way to present the html so everything is there to check and double check. You can present HTML code by using the CODE tag to block it out. Just a quick example: <b>Hero Craftsman roxxors my boxxors</b> |