I recently converted from basic to 1e, and I've noticed that there tend to be a few "loopholes" (for lack of better word) in the old PHB and DMG. I guess it's possible that I just overlooked some of these items, I suppose. Anyway, I've got a few questions that I'm hoping someone here can shed some light on. Here's the first batch:
1) How many times do you add the strength bonus/penalty to the thief's backstab?
2) Are speed factors associated with different thrown items (like oil, or non-weapons like a stone, or cup, or vial, etc.)?
3) If a weapon is "+1" or any number, does that always mean that it is magical, or could it be that the weapon is just exceptional in its craftsmanship? Will these weapons be able to hit monsters that can only be affected by magical weapons?
4) If a PC is knocked out or killed after drinking a potion but before the potion has a chance to take effect, will the effects still occur? That is, if a character drinks a healing potion and is knocked out to -1 hit points, for example, will he still be healed once the potion kicks in?
Thanks a lot!
Hi everyone,
I recently converted from basic to 1e, and I've noticed that there tend to be a few "loopholes" (for lack of better word) in the old PHB and DMG. I guess it's possible that I just overlooked some of these items, I suppose. Anyway, I've got a few questions that I'm hoping someone here can shed some light on. Here's the first batch:
1) How many times do you add the strength bonus/penalty to the thief's backstab?
Once. Multiply all normal damage, then add strength bonuses.
2) Are speed factors associated with different thrown items (like oil, or non-weapons like a stone, or cup, or vial, etc.)?
Just treat them all as missile weapons (which, although IDHTBIFOMRN, is as I recall a speed factor of "1")...
3) If a weapon is "+1" or any number, does that always mean that it is magical, or could it be that the weapon is just exceptional in its craftsmanship? Will these weapons be able to hit monsters that can only be affected by magical weapons?
Generally, treat +1 or better weapons as magical for all cases unless the description of the weapon indicates otherwise, e.g., a sword described as "so sharp as to function as a +2 longsword but otherwise normal".
4) If a PC is knocked out or killed after drinking a potion but before the potion has a chance to take effect, will the effects still occur? That is, if a character drinks a healing potion and is knocked out to -1 hit points, for example, will he still be healed once the potion kicks in?
Potion consumption/effect is, unless the individual potion description indicates otherwise, instantaneous. If a character drinks a potion of healing and is raised to say 10 h.p. from an original total of 3, and in a later segment struck for 9 h.p. of damage, he is still concious and able to function (but should probably leave!). On the other hand, if a player announces, prior to initiative, that he or she is going to consume a potion of healing but party initiative is lost and a segment of melee ocurrs before that character can imbibe the potion, and that character has 3 h.p. and is struck for 9 h.p. worth of damage, then the potion was not consumed in time: the character is now at -6 and dying, the potion lying unopened beside them, or leaking out, or smashed (at the Dungeon Master's discretion).
Thanks a lot!
Happy to help!
Potion consumption/effect is, unless the individual potion description indicates otherwise, instantaneous. QUOTE]
When I used to play, my rule was that potion effects were instantaneous. However, the 1e DMG says under the "Treasure (Potions)" section, "Potions take effect 2-5 segments after they are imbibed;" and it does not say anything to the contrary under the potion of healing description. That is why I bring this up.
Thanks for responding!
1e, man that takes me back a ways. Still have my books someplace. :/
4) If a PC is knocked out or killed after drinking a potion but before the potion has a chance to take effect, will the effects still occur? That is, if a character drinks a healing potion and is knocked out to -1 hit points, for example, will he still be healed once the potion kicks in?
When I used to play, my rule was that potion effects were instantaneous. However, the 1e DMG says under the "Treasure (Potions)" section, "Potions take effect 2-5 segments after they are imbibed;" and it does not say anything to the contrary under the potion of healing description. That is why I bring this up.
With this in consideration, I'd think the healing potion would still function, as long as the -10hp rule is in place. If not, the potion won't work. It can only heal a character, not bring one back from the dead.
Hi everyone,
I recently converted from basic to 1e, and I've noticed that there tend to be a few "loopholes" (for lack of better word) in the old PHB and DMG. I guess it's possible that I just overlooked some of these items, I suppose. Anyway, I've got a few questions that I'm hoping someone here can shed some light on. Here's the first batch:
Keep in mind that 1e, in many ways, was written in a manner that left a lot of stuff to the DM.
1) How many times do you add the strength bonus/penalty to the thief's backstab?
once, backstab multiplier is applied to the weapon damage not modifiers. This is a consitant concept throughout the system, and only rarely changes.
2) Are speed factors associated with different thrown items (like oil, or non-weapons like a stone, or cup, or vial, etc.)?
Yes, but you decide what those speed factors are. Speed factor applies to everything.
3) If a weapon is "+1" or any number, does that always mean that it is magical, or could it be that the weapon is just exceptional in its craftsmanship? Will these weapons be able to hit monsters that can only be affected by magical weapons?
both, however, when listed in modules it is refering to magical item, unless otherwise noted. See the DSG for details on exceptionally made items.
4) If a PC is knocked out or killed after drinking a potion but before the potion has a chance to take effect, will the effects still occur? That is, if a character drinks a healing potion and is knocked out to -1 hit points, for example, will he still be healed once the potion kicks in?
Up to the DM, I would say yes if it occurred in the same round. As already noted potions take 2-5 segments to take effect.
Thanks a lot!
Welcome to the 1e club
Check out www.dragonsfoot.org for great forums and material.
Follow the rules, unless you prefer something different. The rules aren't set in stone.
1e, man that takes me back a ways. Still have my books someplace. :/
tried to email/pm you.
Looking to sell? contact me pls
2) Missile weapons don't have speed factors in 1E.
3) If it's +1 in 1E then it's magic.
4) It depends on the potion. A potion takes effect 2-5 segments after being imbibed. Strictly by the book, a healing potion would not work if you drank it and were then knocked out before the effects kicked in. Once you hit zero hit points, only time will work, unless you want to waste a wish or heal spell.
Scott
Some items state that they in fact are treated as a magical weapon (they are super sharp/tough/light)
Some items are +1 in damage only, and this is due to physical nature/composition of the weapon in question. Jagged edges or the like. these are NOT magical.
The basis for items being magical or not is due to creatures that are harmed by magical items of a certain level of power or higher.
As I seem to recall, we had debate about if a creature not effected by normal items would be hit by a weapon that was magicla, but no plusses.
~Eshombrule
***Missile weapons dont have a speed factor AFAIK. Speed is only used as a tiebreaker in melee combat, where missile weapons generally cannot be used
3) If a weapon is "+1" or any number, does that always mean that it is magical, or could it be that the weapon is just exceptional in its craftsmanship? Will these weapons be able to hit monsters that can only be affected by magical weapons?
***Sure, though it wouldnt affect magic only monsters, unless you decide so. Maybe its a blessed sword ?
4) If a PC is knocked out or killed after drinking a potion but before the potion has a chance to take effect, will the effects still occur? That is, if a character drinks a healing potion and is knocked out to -1 hit points, for example, will he still be healed once the potion kicks in?
***I'd say he'd be healed, though he'd be subject to a weeks worth of bedrest, as per normal when you drop below 0. If he died, then dead he is.
Cheers!