Welcome to Hero Craftsmen #15, 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 cheesy munchkins, in honor of April Fool's Day. We've covered the "munchkin" part by providing you tools to build a slightly more powerful character; it's up to you to provide the cheese. How? Well, really, that's entirely up to you. You can whip out some cheesy combination of rules and exploit the heck out of it; you could write up the world's cheesiest stereotypical background; you could be a cheese-maker turned adventurer. Whatever way you want to incorporate "cheese" into your character is fine with us.
The required level for this competition is 13th level, with 150,000gp to spend on magic items and equipment, though no more than 50,000gp can 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.
The Rules
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): 13th
Ability Score Generation: 36 pt. buy (DMG p.169)
Character Wealth: 150,000gp
Max. Value of any single item: 50,000gp
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, Complete Champion, Magic Item Compendium, Spell Compendium, Tome of Battle: Book of 9 Swords, Complete Psionic, Expanded Psionics Handbook, Races of Stone, Races of Destiny, Races of the Wild, and Races of the Dragon. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD is permitted. For this specific contest, no other material may be used, including any variant rules in Unearthed Arcana.
7) Additionally, the character must be created with the wealth parameters discussed above, 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 36 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, 16, 14, 10, 10, 8
18, 18, 10, 10, 8, 8
16, 16, 12, 12, 12, 12
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.
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): 13th
Ability Score Generation: 36 pt. buy (DMG p.169)
Character Wealth: 150,000gp
Max. Value of any single item: 50,000gp
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, Complete Champion, Magic Item Compendium, Spell Compendium, Tome of Battle: Book of 9 Swords, Complete Psionic, Expanded Psionics Handbook, Races of Stone, Races of Destiny, Races of the Wild, and Races of the Dragon. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD is permitted. For this specific contest, no other material may be used, including any variant rules in Unearthed Arcana.
7) Additionally, the character must be created with the wealth parameters discussed above, 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 36 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, 16, 14, 10, 10, 8
18, 18, 10, 10, 8, 8
16, 16, 12, 12, 12, 12
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.
- Captain Kickass McAwesome (Red Marvelous!), by Jo_Pistachio
- Ciash Ilshor, Stealth Cow, by JasonOrlandoHawk
- Chetwick Darrian "Che'Dar" Muenztyr, by Talisman
- Hank Morgan, by wrecan
- Weaknee Strangeskin, by Alxdude
- Cheese Wiz Caseus, by Kimokeo
- Atem, Pharaoh and High Priest, by Mercurius
- Berryl the busty unicorn-riding, dragon-slaying Amazon queen, by JackSnape
- Fip Gouda, by CheeseMan
- Calli d’Sterling, by Kit_the_Odd
I'm not entirely sure I know *how* to make a character that's munchkinny and cheesy enough. I'll have to put on my thinking cap for this one...
I've had this idea since April Fool's last year; I'm just glad the judges were interested in it!
When I select "Humanoid" as a Favored Enemy, I am required to select a subtype. I was curious if I could select a subtype that appears in the allowed material, but is strangely absent from Ranger's Favored Enemy list. Specifically, can I select Favored Enemy: Humanoid (Shapechanger), since it is a subtype that appears in the Monster Manual?
Can a ranger take lycanthropes or humanoids (shapechangers) as a favored enemy?
Yes and no. A ranger who takes favored enemy humanoid (human) gets its favored enemy bonus against humanoid lycanthropes that have the human subtype, and a ranger who takes favored enemy giant gets the bonus on lycanthropes that are of that type, and so on, but there is no type or subtype combination available to rangers that encompasses all lycanthropes.
I have a question concerning a Ranger's Favored Enemy:
When I select "Humanoid" as a Favored Enemy, I am required to select a subtype. I was curious if I could select a subtype that appears in the allowed material, but is strangely absent from Ranger's Favored Enemy list. Specifically, can I select Favored Enemy: Humanoid (Shapechanger), since it is a subtype that appears in the Monster Manual?
Huh. I didn't realize it wasn't in there.
I don't see why that would be a problem.
EDIT: ninja'd by the FAQ. I still don't see a problem taking humanoid (shapechanger) as a favored enemy. That would just mean that it would only count against shapechangers who are also humanoid (elves, dwarves, orcs etc), right?
Oh, and one thing about entries. If anyone creates a grizzled, old veteran warrior who specialized in throwing weapons, specifically spheroid-shaped ones, and who come from "a land of cheese," I'm deducting points. ;)
I wonder if anyone will get the reference.
As for Jason's question, I don't really have a problem with it either, but since they have posted an official WOTC answer for it, feel we should probably stick with that. We've been relatively stickler-y about that sort of thing in previous competitions, so we should probably be consistent. (Though, like I said, I'd probably let it slide in a game of my own, as long as the player and I took the time to determine exactly what was and was not included so it didn't get out of hand!)
That said, I'll be out of town for a few days, so if any other questions come up that require judge consensus, I'll put my two cents in on Monday.
Oh, and Go Musketeers! (Sorry, can't help myself;))
Please remember that we expect you to enter a complete character. Imagine that you will go directly from this competition to a table (or play-by-post forum, or whatever) where you will actually be playing the character you submit...and your DM does not look kindly on slowing down scenes or combat because you have to look up how this class ability or that feat affects what you already have. It's not necessary to give full text of feats or items or anything like that, but do at least make sure that everything is accounted for.
I have counted off a lot of points in recent competitions for people who simply did not list things that were important, and I don't enjoy marking down what were otherwise good characters for that reason. So please know what we expect....and that, having given this advice, I will be ruthless if characters are incomplete. :D
Lay on Hands (78 hp), smite evil 3/day (+6 atk, +13 dmg)
Now you don't need to look those up or remember them; they're right there on your character sheet.
That's the sort of thing Jenni is talking about.
Expect extraplanar races, gruesome assassinations, deadly venom and... cheddar?
Is the unarmed Swordsage variant official enough for use, or is it excluded much like the Unearthed Arcana material is?
Is the unarmed Swordsage variant official enough for use, or is it excluded much like the Unearthed Arcana material is?
Where's it found?
Where's it found?
Tome of Battle, p20, under Adaptation.
You're always welcome to do that; it just might adversely affect your final score. :P
One quick word of advice to contestants, based on some experiences from previous competitions:
Please remember that we expect you to enter a complete character. Imagine that you will go directly from this competition to a table (or play-by-post forum, or whatever) where you will actually be playing the character you submit...and your DM does not look kindly on slowing down scenes or combat because you have to look up how this class ability or that feat affects what you already have. It's not necessary to give full text of feats or items or anything like that, but do at least make sure that everything is accounted for.
I have counted off a lot of points in recent competitions for people who simply did not list things that were important, and I don't enjoy marking down what were otherwise good characters for that reason. So please know what we expect....and that, having given this advice, I will be ruthless if characters are incomplete. :D
And for the same reasons, it's a very good idea to buy AND LIST everything you own, including mundane, everyday equipment.
Don't just say 'Mundane stuff, Xgp'. Think whether you'll be able to answer if the DM asks "Do you have any chalk?"?
You're always welcome to do that; it just might adversely affect your final score. :P
But the theme of this contest encourages it and suggests that the manipulating would be ignored.
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, Complete Champion, Magic Item Compendium, Spell Compendium, Tome of Battle: Book of 9 Swords, Complete Psionic, Expanded Psionics Handbook, Races of Stone, Races of Destiny, Races of the Wild, and Races of the Dragon. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD is permitted. For this specific contest, no other material may be used, including any variant rules in Unearthed Arcana.
Of course, I'm not any sort of definitive authority.
EDIT: Bad wrecan. Bad.
By the way, how would that interact with metamagic feats or classes that advance casting progression?
Male star elf wilder 6, thrallherder 7.
5 foot 4, 119 pounds, 76 years old. Lawful good.
Worships justice as a concept.
Size- medium
Looks: In battle, he has a skin tight armoured suit, bright red, with some swirled in bits of white that look like flames. When not in battle gear, he looks like a typical star elf, with reddish hair, and a fairly fit, well rounded build.
stats:
Stre: 14 =14
Dex: 14 =14
Con: 14 -2 (race)+2 item =14
Inte: 8 =8
Wis: 10 +1 (level)+2 (item) =13
Cha: 18 +2 (race) +2 (level) +6 (item)=28
Dex: 14 =14
Con: 14 -2 (race)+2 item =14
Inte: 8 =8
Wis: 10 +1 (level)+2 (item) =13
Cha: 18 +2 (race) +2 (level) +6 (item)=28
Crunch
Ciash Ilshor, Stealth Cow
Male Minotaur Ranger* 5 (6 RHD + 2 LA + 5 Ranger = ECL 13)
Chaotic Good, Patron Deity: Ehlonna
7’6”, 713 lbs. (Large Size), Approximate Age: 37
Brown Fur, Brown Eyes, Black Horns
*Champion of the Wild variant (Complete Champion p.50)
Ability Score Mod
STR 28 +9
DEX 18 +4
CON 18 +4
INT 12 +1
WIS 12 +1
CHA 12 +1
HP(HD): 97 (11HD)
AC: 26 (+6 Armor, +4 Dex, +2 Deflection, +5 Natural, -1 size)
T: 15, FF: - (Natural Cunning)
Speed: 30ft
Initiative: +8 (+4 Dex, +4 Imp. Init.)
BAB/Grapple: +11/+24
Space/Reach: 10ft/10ft
Saves:
Fort: +13 (+2 racial, +4 Ranger, +4 Con, +3 Cloak)
Ref: +16 (+5 racial, +4 Ranger, +4 Dex, +3 Cloak)
Will: +10 (+5 racial, +1 Ranger, +1 Wis, +3 Cloak)
Conditional Modifiers
+4 vs. hot/cold environment (non-lethal) damage, +4 to resist damage from suffocation
Immune: Blindness, Dazzling
Resist: Cold 5, Elec. 5, Fire 5
Full Attack: (Note: +7 damage vs. humans, +5 damage vs. dragons)
+2 Keen Shortsword (main hand): +19/+14/+9, 1d8+11, 17-20/x2, & +2 Keen Shortsword: +19, 1d8+6, 17-20/x2, & Gore: +12, 1d8+4, 20/x2
or
+1 Comp. Longbow: 15/+10/+5, 2d6+8, 20/x3, 110ft
or
Powerful Charge: +21, 6d6+13, 20/x2
or
Quarterstaff: +18/+13/+8, 1d8+9, 20/x2 & ("off-hand") +18, 1d8+4, 20/x2, & Gore: +12, 1d8+4, 20/x2
Attack(s): (Note: +7 damage vs. humans, +5 damage vs. dragons)
+2 Keen Shortsword: +21, 1d8+11, 17-20/x2
+1 Comp. Longbow: +15, 2d6+8, 20/x3, 110ft
Gore: +19, 1d8+9, 20/x2
Quarterstaff: +20, 1d8+13, 20/x2
Throwing Hammer: +14, 1d6+9, 20/x2, 20ft
Special Qualities/Attacks:
Darkvision 60ft
+4 racial bonus to Listen, Search, & Spot
Natural Weapon: Gore (1d8)
Powerful Charge (Ex): Replaces Gore (4d6)
Natural Cunning (Ex): Immune to Maze Spells, Never Lost, Never Flat-footed
Scent (Ex): Recognize Odors, Detect Opponents by Scent, Track by Scent
Proficiencies: Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons, Light Armor, Shields
Favored Enemy: Humanoids (Human) +4 skills/+7 damage
Favored Enemy: Dragons +2 skills/+5 damage
Wild Empathy (Ex) +8 (+5 class, +1 Cha., +2 Synergy)
Animal Companion: Pristine (Eagle, see below)
Hold Breath: 12 hours
Double Carrying Capacity
Light 3/day (CL 4)
Commune 1/day (4 questions) (CL 9)
Feats:
Track (Ranger Bonus)
Endurance (Ranger Bonus)
Two Weapon Fighting (Ranger Bonus)
Improved Favored Enemy* (Ranger Bonus, CoW variant)
1: Power Attack
3: Quick Draw
6: Improved Initiative
9: Open Minded^
*Complete Warrior p.101
^Complete Adventurer p.111
Skills:
Languages: Common, Giant (Initial), Terran (Bonus), Sylvan, Draconic (purchased)
Skill Tricks: Never Outnumbered
Bluff: +1 (+1 Cha), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Handle Animal: +6 (5 ranks, +1 Cha)
Hide: +15 (10 ranks, +4 Dex, +5 competence, -4 size)
Intimidate: +10 (9 ranks, +1 Cha)
Jump: +15 (6 ranks, +9 Str)
Listen: +13 (8 ranks, +1 Wis, +4 racial), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Move Silently: +19 (10 ranks, +4 Dex, +5 competence)
Search: +5 (+1 Int, +4 racial)
Sense Motive: +1 (+1 Wis), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Spot: +5 (+1 Wis, +4 racial), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Survival: +11 (10 ranks, +1 Wis), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Swim: +12 (3 ranks, +9 Str)
Male Minotaur Ranger* 5 (6 RHD + 2 LA + 5 Ranger = ECL 13)
Chaotic Good, Patron Deity: Ehlonna
7’6”, 713 lbs. (Large Size), Approximate Age: 37
Brown Fur, Brown Eyes, Black Horns
*Champion of the Wild variant (Complete Champion p.50)
Ability Score Mod
STR 28 +9
DEX 18 +4
CON 18 +4
INT 12 +1
WIS 12 +1
CHA 12 +1
HP(HD): 97 (11HD)
AC: 26 (+6 Armor, +4 Dex, +2 Deflection, +5 Natural, -1 size)
T: 15, FF: - (Natural Cunning)
Speed: 30ft
Initiative: +8 (+4 Dex, +4 Imp. Init.)
BAB/Grapple: +11/+24
Space/Reach: 10ft/10ft
Saves:
Fort: +13 (+2 racial, +4 Ranger, +4 Con, +3 Cloak)
Ref: +16 (+5 racial, +4 Ranger, +4 Dex, +3 Cloak)
Will: +10 (+5 racial, +1 Ranger, +1 Wis, +3 Cloak)
Conditional Modifiers
+4 vs. hot/cold environment (non-lethal) damage, +4 to resist damage from suffocation
Immune: Blindness, Dazzling
Resist: Cold 5, Elec. 5, Fire 5
Full Attack: (Note: +7 damage vs. humans, +5 damage vs. dragons)
+2 Keen Shortsword (main hand): +19/+14/+9, 1d8+11, 17-20/x2, & +2 Keen Shortsword: +19, 1d8+6, 17-20/x2, & Gore: +12, 1d8+4, 20/x2
or
+1 Comp. Longbow: 15/+10/+5, 2d6+8, 20/x3, 110ft
or
Powerful Charge: +21, 6d6+13, 20/x2
or
Quarterstaff: +18/+13/+8, 1d8+9, 20/x2 & ("off-hand") +18, 1d8+4, 20/x2, & Gore: +12, 1d8+4, 20/x2
Attack(s): (Note: +7 damage vs. humans, +5 damage vs. dragons)
+2 Keen Shortsword: +21, 1d8+11, 17-20/x2
+1 Comp. Longbow: +15, 2d6+8, 20/x3, 110ft
Gore: +19, 1d8+9, 20/x2
Quarterstaff: +20, 1d8+13, 20/x2
Throwing Hammer: +14, 1d6+9, 20/x2, 20ft
Special Qualities/Attacks:
Darkvision 60ft
+4 racial bonus to Listen, Search, & Spot
Natural Weapon: Gore (1d8)
Powerful Charge (Ex): Replaces Gore (4d6)
Natural Cunning (Ex): Immune to Maze Spells, Never Lost, Never Flat-footed
Scent (Ex): Recognize Odors, Detect Opponents by Scent, Track by Scent
Proficiencies: Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons, Light Armor, Shields
Favored Enemy: Humanoids (Human) +4 skills/+7 damage
Favored Enemy: Dragons +2 skills/+5 damage
Wild Empathy (Ex) +8 (+5 class, +1 Cha., +2 Synergy)
Animal Companion: Pristine (Eagle, see below)
Hold Breath: 12 hours
Double Carrying Capacity
Light 3/day (CL 4)
Commune 1/day (4 questions) (CL 9)
Feats:
Track (Ranger Bonus)
Endurance (Ranger Bonus)
Two Weapon Fighting (Ranger Bonus)
Improved Favored Enemy* (Ranger Bonus, CoW variant)
1: Power Attack
3: Quick Draw
6: Improved Initiative
9: Open Minded^
*Complete Warrior p.101
^Complete Adventurer p.111
Skills:
Languages: Common, Giant (Initial), Terran (Bonus), Sylvan, Draconic (purchased)
Skill Tricks: Never Outnumbered
Bluff: +1 (+1 Cha), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Handle Animal: +6 (5 ranks, +1 Cha)
Hide: +15 (10 ranks, +4 Dex, +5 competence, -4 size)
Intimidate: +10 (9 ranks, +1 Cha)
Jump: +15 (6 ranks, +9 Str)
Listen: +13 (8 ranks, +1 Wis, +4 racial), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Move Silently: +19 (10 ranks, +4 Dex, +5 competence)
Search: +5 (+1 Int, +4 racial)
Sense Motive: +1 (+1 Wis), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Spot: +5 (+1 Wis, +4 racial), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Survival: +11 (10 ranks, +1 Wis), +4 vs. humans, +2 vs. dragons
Swim: +12 (3 ranks, +9 Str)
Skill Breakdown
Skill Breakdown: (Skill Points: 27 Minotaur, 35 Ranger, 5 Feat)
Minotaur RHD: Intimidate 9 ranks, Jump 6 ranks, Listen 8 ranks, Never Outnumbered Skill Trick (CS p.87), Speak Language (Sylvan)-2 ranks (cc)
Ranger: Survival 10 ranks, Hide 10 ranks, Move Silently 10 ranks, Speak Language (Draconic) 2 ranks (cc), Swim 3 ranks
Open Minded: Handle Animal 5 ranks
Minotaur RHD: Intimidate 9 ranks, Jump 6 ranks, Listen 8 ranks, Never Outnumbered Skill Trick (CS p.87), Speak Language (Sylvan)-2 ranks (cc)
Ranger: Survival 10 ranks, Hide 10 ranks, Move Silently 10 ranks, Speak Language (Draconic) 2 ranks (cc), Swim 3 ranks
Open Minded: Handle Animal 5 ranks
OK, define 'cheese'. I'm not certain what you mean.
Archivist with Leadership and a Warlock companion.
Arcane Casting Swordsage="Why yes I would like unlimited use of any spell ever printed." (The CharOp boards won't even touch that one.)
Or Gorgonzolla Man, Lord of the Swiss.
Or something with a truely groan worthy concept or backstory.
Really there is quite a lot you can do for this.
I've been dying to mix up a higher level meleeish bard built around Dragonfire Inspiration (trade Inspire Courage bonus for elemental damage to yours and everyone elses attacks, 1d6 dmg per +1 IC bonus). I was thinking about maybe a draconic goliath bard/warblade.
I guess I'll have to think of something else.
I'll have one up shortly if I can get my idea to work. Otherwise it might be a few days, but I'll definitely try to enter something.
That said, I am using the XPH...
(stealth subscription)
...
Chetwick Darrian "Che'Dar" Muenztyr, mercenary and cheesemaker
"In the name of the Lollipop!"
--Che'Dar
Appearance
Chetwick Darrian Muenztyr, or "Che'Dar" as most call him, is a male halfling of average height and appearance. His hair is brown and his eyes bright blue, although his expression is often sour - as if he has just bitten into a cheese and is waiting to see whether it is spoiled or not. He is fairly muscular for a halfling, but is even stronger than he looks. He favors brightly-colored clothing which adds to his impression of foolishness and harmlessness, although he wears a large black cloak for when stealth is required.
The most noticeable thing about Che'Dar is the massive, five-foot-long, bulbous-headed darkwood greatclub that is always slung over his shoulder. It almost drags on the ground, yet he carries it everywhere, no matter how inappropriate it is.
The most noticeable thing about Che'Dar is the massive, five-foot-long, bulbous-headed darkwood greatclub that is always slung over his shoulder. It almost drags on the ground, yet he carries it everywhere, no matter how inappropriate it is.
Too worried about your performance this time around? ;)
Hmn, Building the Fro-Mage a most powerful Cheeseomancer.
His name must be Caseus. (google it and find out why)
Would his allignment be toward lawfull, or chaotic Gouda?
Ranks in Profession: Dairy Farmer, a must.
The origin of his tale would be that one day a terrible group of evil Wizards, Intolerant of his lactose ways, came to his dairy farm while he was out one night, and set it to the flame, aswell as slayed his beloved wife Bel (who he lovingly had nick named his Baby Bel). His mission in life, now one of revenge, to hunt down the wizardly Lactose Intolerants, known also as the Order of L.I.
Justice is a dish best served cold... with some champaign.. and crackers.
Dear Sam,
I don’t right know if you will ever get this letter, and I don’t know how to send it to you. But I’ll hold onto it just in case. I know you’d love to hear this story. You always loved stories, even before you started writing them.
We are Americans, you and I. We born and reared in Hannibal, in the State of Missouri – anyway, just over the river, in the country. So I am an American – and practical; yes, and nearly barren of sentiment, I suppose – or poetry, in other words. My father was a blacksmith, my uncle was a horse doctor, and I was both, along at first. Then I went over to the great arms factory and learned my real trade; learned all there was to it; learned to make everything: guns, revolvers, cannon. Why, I could make anything a body wanted – anything in the world, it didn't make any difference what; and if there wasn't any quick new-fangled way to make a thing, I could invent one – and do it as easy as rolling off a log.
But that wasn’t enough for me, Sam, or you either. You headed East to New York to be a reporter. I headed West to Texas and became a Ranger. First, I made guns for the Rangers, but later, I slung ‘em and I was as good a shot as the Rangers could provide, and they are known to be good shots.
Well, a man like that is a man that is full of fight – that goes without saying. With a couple of thousand rough men, one has plenty of that sort of amusement. I had, anyway. At last I met my match, and I got my dose. It was during a misunderstanding conducted with crowbars with a fellow we used to call Hercules. He laid me out with a crusher alongside the head that made everything crack, and seemed to spring every joint in my skull and made it overlap its neighbor. Then the world went out in darkness, and I didn't feel anything more, and didn't know anything at all – at least for a while.
When I came to again, I was sitting under an oak tree, on the grass, with a whole beautiful and broad country landscape all to myself – nearly. Not entirely; for there was a fellow on a horse, looking down at me – a fellow fresh out of a picture-book. He was in old-time iron armor from head to heel, with a helmet on his head the shape of a nail-keg with slits in it; and he had a shield, and a sword, and a prodigious spear; and his horse had armor on, too, and a steel horn projecting from his forehead, and gorgeous red and green silk trappings that hung down all around him like a bedquilt, nearly to the ground.
“Fair sir, will ye just?” said this fellow.
“Will I which?”
“Will ye try a passage of arms for land or lady or for—”
“What are you giving me?” I said. “Get along back to your circus, or I'll report you.”
Now what does this man do but fall back a couple of hundred yards and then come rushing at me as hard as he could tear, with his nail-keg bent down nearly to his horse's neck and his long spear pointed straight ahead. I saw he meant business, so I was up the tree when he arrived.
He allowed that I was his property, the captive of his spear. There was argument on his side – and the bulk of the advantage – so I judged it best to humor him. We fixed up an agreement whereby I was to go with him and he was not to hurt me. I came down, and we started away, I walking by the side of his horse. We marched comfortably along, through glades and over brooks which I could not remember to have seen before – which puzzled me and made me wonder – and yet we did not come to any circus or sign of a circus. So I gave up the idea of a circus, and concluded he was from an asylum. But we never came to an asylum – so I was up a stump, as you may say. I asked him how far we were from San Antonio. He said he had never heard of the place; which I took to be a lie, but allowed it to go at that. At the end of an hour we saw a far-away town sleeping in a valley by a winding river; and beyond it on a hill, a vast gray fortress, with towers and turrets, the first I had ever seen out of a picture.
And that’s when I realized I wasn’t in Texas, or even Mexico. I was in a whole other world. And what a world it is, Sam, let me tell you! A world with magic and elves and things right out of Jack and the Beanstalk!
But no guns. At least, none but the ones I make. Oh, they have all the makings for it. Black powder and iron. And I made myself a good set of tools, and a bullet press.
Let me tell you, the natives were right impressed with my guns. And I was right impressed with their magic. So we helped each other out. I became a gun for hire and the townsfolk would help teach me a bit of their magic. Found a goodly steed I named Lariat. Smartest horse I ever seen. Together, with the guns and bullets I’ve had wizards enhance we’re nigh unstoppable. I've even managed to learn a magic spell or two myself. I know a spell for letting me see in the dark, and another for running real fast. Others, too. Too many to name, and I don't even know a fraction of the stuff here.
I have had many an adventure, I assure you and picked up quite a few magical trinkets I’m sure will fascinate you, as well as a pound or two of gold. Amulets and rings of protection, and bags with no bottom! I’ve become a good right hunter too, by necessity. Pretty good at catching game, and criminals too, but now I’ve got bigger sport – creatures called cockatrices, frost worms and owlbears. I’ve heard there are even dragons around these parts, though I’ve never seen one.
Still, what I wouldn’t give for a cup of coffee or a chew of Virginia tobacco!
Well, I have to go. I’ll write more later, Sam. Have to meet a gnome (really, a gnome) about a job.
Truly,
Hank
Friends and Enemies
Morgan has met a few people in his travels, and offends many of them. Fortunately, his guns make more of an impression than he does, and his reputation as a true and honest friend have served him well amongst those with whom he cares to acquaint himself.
Amyas “Clarence” le Poulet: Hank Morgan’s most trusted friend. A young aristocrat fascinated with Morgan’s technology. He tutors Hank in fitting in to the fantasy realm.
Alisande “Sandy”: A pretty but somewhat flighty sorceress who sought Morgan’s assistance. Morgan found her terribly annoying at first, but she proved to be quite useful and pleasant. She has enchanted most of Hank’s guns and bullets.
Sir Sagramor le Desirous: Your average haughty, block-headed knight. He angers quickly and holds a grudge. He resents Hank’s use of Use Rope to best him in a duel of honor.
Sir Dinadan: A multiclass fighter/bard and occasional traveling companion. Considered funny by the “locals”, Hank doesn’t understand his jibes at all.
Sir Kay: A cowardly and ineffective knight who resents Morgan as a political rival.
Marco A humble charcoal-burner, and sometimes ally (usually supplying Hank with raw materials)
Dowley: A prosperous blacksmith, extremely proud of his position as a self-made man. He often works with Morgan when he makes his arms.
Amyas “Clarence” le Poulet: Hank Morgan’s most trusted friend. A young aristocrat fascinated with Morgan’s technology. He tutors Hank in fitting in to the fantasy realm.
Alisande “Sandy”: A pretty but somewhat flighty sorceress who sought Morgan’s assistance. Morgan found her terribly annoying at first, but she proved to be quite useful and pleasant. She has enchanted most of Hank’s guns and bullets.
Sir Sagramor le Desirous: Your average haughty, block-headed knight. He angers quickly and holds a grudge. He resents Hank’s use of Use Rope to best him in a duel of honor.
Sir Dinadan: A multiclass fighter/bard and occasional traveling companion. Considered funny by the “locals”, Hank doesn’t understand his jibes at all.
Sir Kay: A cowardly and ineffective knight who resents Morgan as a political rival.
Marco A humble charcoal-burner, and sometimes ally (usually supplying Hank with raw materials)
Dowley: A prosperous blacksmith, extremely proud of his position as a self-made man. He often works with Morgan when he makes his arms.
How can this be a munchkin competition if we can't even have access to the cheesy rules abuse of the PHBII and Unearthed Arcana?
Just noticed the PHBII isn't on the list of approved sources, which blows one of my ideas down.
How can this be a munchkin competition if we can't even have access to the cheesy rules abuse of the PHBII and Unearthed Arcana?
But they allow ToB. The humanity!
But they allow ToB. The humanity!
I was going to respond to that, but decided I don't want this to become a pro/anti-ToB argument.
But I was hoping to take advantage of a bit of the retraining rules in the PHBII, so it's a shame that's not allowed anymore. Just have to do some other cheese instead.
I think I'll go with Mozzarella. I'm rather fond of it.
Mozzarella is a good cheese. I am also fond of Gouda, Havarti, Port-Salut, and Chevre. All contestants, please take note, in case you wish to send bri--I mean gifts.
:whatsthis
Duly noted. I shall send my gift with all of the demonstrated haste that other Hero Craftsman contestants have shown in previous competitions.
Weaknee Strangeskin, the Blue (as in race) Wilder
History
Weaknee was born into a large tribe of goblins in which blues rarely appeared. However, his tribe understood the psionic potential of blues, and thanks in part to his unusually powerful personality and keen intelligence he was placed in a position of very high status: the tribe witch doctor. It was his duty to perform rituals, interpret omens, and perform psychic readings for the entire tribe of 500 goblins.
For most of his life Weaknee had absolutely no potential for psionics or magic. He was utterly incapable of psychic feats. Instead, he invented an elaborate system of ambiguous prophecy and psychic reading that would fit just about anybody and sounded very mystical. His interpretation of omens was entirely made up in his own guesswork regarding goblin religion and the rituals he performed were as much invented as traditional. Weaknee’s creativity kept him in his high status position despite his lack of capability.
Unfortunately, the tribe witch doctor was a critical position within the tribe. Weaknee’s ineptitude caused a major decline in his tribe. Without the support and guidance of the gods or the magic power of true ritual, the tribe became weak. Raids became increasingly more difficult and less successful, resources dried up, and the population declined. It looked as the Weaknee’s tribe would be completely wiped out by neighbouring tribes. Until Weaknee’s real psionic powers became apparent.
Weaknee was never physically strong. However, as he aged he became very weak, even for a goblin. Eventually, in his old age, even normal clothing became an encumbrance to him, and his movement and reflexes became so awkward and weak that he had trouble even moving. He became very sedentary and never left his bed except as ritual demanded. If his invented rituals and clever stories were not so valued by his tribe, they would certainly have replaced him. This time spent without moving gave Weaknee much time to think and focus his thoughts. After a time, his latent psionic powers began to manifest themselves. At first, he learned to push small objects with his mind. As time passed, he learned to use his power to lift himself from the ground, making movement bearable. He learned to shape energy with his mind. He even began to concentrate and divine information psionically. His insights and powers were a valuable asset to the tribe, and their decline stabilized. Weaknee was given the rare honour of a surname, Strangeskin.
One day during meditation, Weaknee discovered a truly dreadful power. He discovered a psionic method for changing his shape into almost any conceivable form. Since then he has not advanced psionically, but has defeated numerous threats to his tribe and expanded their territory enormously.
Weaknee was born into a large tribe of goblins in which blues rarely appeared. However, his tribe understood the psionic potential of blues, and thanks in part to his unusually powerful personality and keen intelligence he was placed in a position of very high status: the tribe witch doctor. It was his duty to perform rituals, interpret omens, and perform psychic readings for the entire tribe of 500 goblins.
For most of his life Weaknee had absolutely no potential for psionics or magic. He was utterly incapable of psychic feats. Instead, he invented an elaborate system of ambiguous prophecy and psychic reading that would fit just about anybody and sounded very mystical. His interpretation of omens was entirely made up in his own guesswork regarding goblin religion and the rituals he performed were as much invented as traditional. Weaknee’s creativity kept him in his high status position despite his lack of capability.
Unfortunately, the tribe witch doctor was a critical position within the tribe. Weaknee’s ineptitude caused a major decline in his tribe. Without the support and guidance of the gods or the magic power of true ritual, the tribe became weak. Raids became increasingly more difficult and less successful, resources dried up, and the population declined. It looked as the Weaknee’s tribe would be completely wiped out by neighbouring tribes. Until Weaknee’s real psionic powers became apparent.
Weaknee was never physically strong. However, as he aged he became very weak, even for a goblin. Eventually, in his old age, even normal clothing became an encumbrance to him, and his movement and reflexes became so awkward and weak that he had trouble even moving. He became very sedentary and never left his bed except as ritual demanded. If his invented rituals and clever stories were not so valued by his tribe, they would certainly have replaced him. This time spent without moving gave Weaknee much time to think and focus his thoughts. After a time, his latent psionic powers began to manifest themselves. At first, he learned to push small objects with his mind. As time passed, he learned to use his power to lift himself from the ground, making movement bearable. He learned to shape energy with his mind. He even began to concentrate and divine information psionically. His insights and powers were a valuable asset to the tribe, and their decline stabilized. Weaknee was given the rare honour of a surname, Strangeskin.
One day during meditation, Weaknee discovered a truly dreadful power. He discovered a psionic method for changing his shape into almost any conceivable form. Since then he has not advanced psionically, but has defeated numerous threats to his tribe and expanded their territory enormously.
Just noticed the PHBII isn't on the list of approved sources, which blows one of my ideas down.
That's my fault.
I'm pretty sure PHB2 was on the list of books we discussed as allowing into the mix, but when I put the list together I must've forgotten to add it. Sorry. List updated. I don't recall seeing you before, Alxdude. (though I'm old, so my memory sucks) Welcome to the contest!
That's my fault.
I'm pretty sure, too, since I've had it somewhat corroborated by one of the judges. C'est la vie, I can't take advantage of the Retraining Rules, so I'll have to do some more creative multiclassing.
My stats are largely done at this point, just gotta put it all together, and then get to work making this background work....
Mozzarella is a good cheese. I am also fond of Gouda, Havarti, Port-Salut, and Chevre. All contestants, please take note, in case you wish to send bri--I mean gifts.
What's wrong with Wensleydale?
On another note, just over a week left! Let's see some cheese, everyone!
Languages spoken: Halfling, Common, Draconic, Ignan, Terran, Sylvan
Skills and Feats: Appraise +17, Concentration +18, Knowledge (Arcana) +25, Knowledge (Planes) +13, Profession (Cook) +6, Profession (Gambler) +5, Sleight of Hand +10, Spellcraft +27, Spot +10, Tumble +10; Feats: Danger Sense, Energy Penetration Cheese +2, Energy Substitution, Fickle Finger of Fate, Improved Initiative, Scribe Scroll, Sculpt Spell, Silent Spell, Spin Fate, Still Spell.
Special Abilities: Familiar, Immunity to Sleep, Resistance To Energy: Cheese 5.
Wiz Spells Known Specialist (Evocation – Restricted: Enchant/Necromancy)
Spells per day (5/8/7/7/6/6/4): 0--Acid splash*, Arcane mark, Dancing lights, Detect magic, Detect poison, Flare, Ghost sound, Light, Mage hand, Mending, Message, Open/close, Prestidigitation, Ray of frost*, Read magic, Resistance, 1--Burning hands*, Disguise self, Endure elements, Feather fall, Grease, Magic missile, Obscuring mist, Reduce person, True strike, 2--Fox's cunning, Scorching ray*, Shatter, Web, 3—Fireball* Fly, Gaseous form, Lightning bolt*, Shrink item, 4--Fire shield*, Polymorph, Wall of fire*, 5--Baleful polymorph, Cone of cold*, Permanency, Wall of force, 6—Cheese (Acid) fog, Chain lightning*, Contingency, Flesh to Cheese (stone).
Possessions: 57 pp, 4 gp, 4 sp, Mouse familiar, Headband of intellect +6, Tome of clear thought +1, Ring of protection +1, Cloak of resistance +1, Bracers of armor +3, Amulet of health +4, Quicken lesser rod of metamagic, Belt of giant strength +4, Heward's handy haversack, 3 Traveler's outfit, Bedroll, Everburning torch, Waterskin, Waterskin, 5 Masterwork artisan's tools, 3 Wizard's spellbook (blank), Merchant scale, 5 Spell component pouch, 20 Hunk of cheese, Potion of cure serious wounds, 2 Potion of cure moderate wounds, 2 Potion of cure light wounds, Dust of sneezing and choking, 2 Magnifying glass, 5 Iron pot (used metal to create block of swiss cheese iron), Tiny morningstar mw, Artisan's outfit. (All weight is that of Tiny for equipment-light load)
Caseus is a permanently reduced halfling woman who grew up with four older brothers. A family of cheesemakers, Caseus came to know about many different cheeses. Her desire to adventure came about due to other wayfarers who needed cheese for their long journeys. The sustaining benefits of cheese and its longevity made it a desired fare of food for travelers.
Caseus was the most intelligent of her lot, and as such, her parents wanted her to learn magic. So, they sent her to live with a Cyclops, learned to make and store cheese from its goats and sheep. The Cyclops, a fine wizard in his own eye, taught all he could to young Caseus.
Caseus spent her adventurers with some very close friends from childhood. She loved to spend money on food, particularly fine cheeses. So, when her pocket would begin to empty, she would enter the gaming houses. She was quite good at the tables, and grew an interesting reputation. This kept her on the move, going town to town.
During her travels, she began more and more disinterested in the surface towns, and began to search into the unknown parts of the world. She met many unusual creatures, her favorites being elementals. She happened once upon a most, unusual Mephit. It was a stroke of luck, guided by her own desired fate, to meet. She met Rennet, a male Cheese Mephit. In the depth of a volcano, she met with this sticky fellow. Befriending him and rescuing him, she came to learn about another facet of the planes of elements: Cheese.
Already a master of Cheese and its element, the Mephit guided Caseus, now a maturing woman, onto a new path. A path that would eventually in her life, bring about a total transformation. She will become herself, Cheese.
Fate brought her to the current path of her life. The life of the savant is to become one with the cheese.
She has five points to spin fate, she can force another, friend or foe, to possibly change their fate (roll), she can affect any cause by spinning one's fate, she can even seal one's fate - one way or the other, for good or bad. She can even save herself from dying and even change her fate.
She is resistance to Cheesy Magic, Immune to the effects of sleep - although eating cheese before bed is known to be beneficial. She is even better in defeating another's resistance when she uses cheese against them.
Caseus doesn't like to lose. She will always want to go first, have the best chance to win, force the other to lose. She is an excellent ally and a most dangerous enemy.
Her magic is quite unlike anyone has ever seen. All her magic element spells are cheese - hot and sticky. Her spells likewise, are quite altered. Like, Cheesy Hands, Cheesy Ray, Cheese Balls and Cheese Curl (her Bolt curls). Her Wall of Cheese and Cheese Shield are interesting displays of her magnificent magic.
Her Cone of Cheese, Chain Cheese, Flesh to Cheese, Cheesy Fog are her most hideous of uses.
She hasn't quite figured out how to turn someone into a stick of Cheese, but her Baleful conjurings have been rather gruesome.
Her favorite tactic is to pull out her block of iron, which looks like a block of Swiss cheese with a spikes and hooks in the base. Permanently shrunk, she will cause it to take form. Then, by turning into a gaseous form, she would use Still, Silent spells from within the block of iron, peeking out of the holes to cast spells. She will also use Sculpt to SwissCheese the area of effect to protect her friends.
Another combat form she prefers is to polymorph into a Will O Wisp and then go gaseous. Trying to hit a Gaseous Wisp is quite difficult.
She doesn’t use her Morningstar in combat. But, when looked at real close, one would realize that is looks more like a cheese grater than a Morningstar.
The Tome provided her the point towards 28 INT. She is permanently shrunken, with permanent read and detect magic cast upon herself. She likes to ride her mouse familiar.
Appraise - 8, Concentration - 16, Know:Arcana - 16, Know:Planes - 4, Prof:Cook - 6, Prof:Gambler - 5, Sleight of Hand - 5, Spellcraft - 16, Spot - 8, Tumble -5
Hpts:max 1st level, 2/3pts for hpts. 4th/8th/12th to Int, Tome used for extra point @ 13th level after skill point expenditures. +2 spot from familiar included his skill bonus.
Didn't see it. I added the last couple lines to explain the Skill points s[ent on skills and hpts calc'd. Not sure how the smiley showed up??
The iron pots were used to create the iron swiss cheese block.
The smiley showed because you wrote "Know:" with a P after it. It makes it a tongue smiley. :P You would be better off with "Know (Planes)" if you didn't want to spell out "knowledge"
Now I know how some of those others appeared in my other posts. lol
reason for editing...
...
No sweat. You can edit for any reason within 30 minutes. You were well within that time frame.
edit: also, list updated.
For everybody who has entered those far -- If your character does not appear on the Big List of Entries, please send me a PM or post so I can resolve it.
Fluff
Striding purposefully down the brazier lit corridor, the Pharaoh considered his goal. It was chaos in his country. Despite his successful defeat of the beast from the stars, a new demon lord was working through a powerful summoner in an attempt to subvert his kingdom and destroy the world. And yet, here he was, not leading his men and nation into battle, but walking towards the arena, to participate in a shadow game. His most prized consort had done what she could to convince him not to participate - defeat in a shadow game meant death, and the kingdom would be lost without him, both as a figure of government and spirituality. Nevertheless, this had to stop. The high priest of a rival faction had challenged him, despite the fragility of his kingdom, in a clear bid to gain control of the throne. This was not the time for factional rivalries, though his opponent had never been one to let personal squabbles lie.
This was unacceptable. Too long now had he allowed the ambitious high priest to make a bid for his crown, and to interfere in more important matters. While he would like nothing more than to forge an alliance with him, it was not likely to happen in time. Perhaps the demon had infiltrated the church, and was pitting the two high priests against each other for its own benefit? It was possible. The Pharaoh sighed. Yes, if he could resolve this shadow game without the death of his opponent, he would gladly do so, but he suspected things had already gone too far. He passed his best friend, the high priest of a third faction, and shook his head. He would not ask for help. And they both knew, the high priest of the Law had never been defeated by the high priest of the Luck. And the Pharaoh would not bring himself to lose his best friend, because he could only trust him should things go wrong in this fight.
He stepped into the arena, drawing his focus from the amulet he wore about his neck. His opponent greeted him in his snide manner. He merely took his place in the alcove above the battlefield, placing the core of his holy symbol, the sacred relic of his forefathers, upon the dais before him. Silence spread throughout the attendees, the priests and nobles and merchants alike. The Pharaoh looked into the eyes of his rival, reached down, and placed his hand on the dais.
"It's time to duel!" And the shadow game began...
History
Atem was born to the reigning Pharaoh and high priest in a time of prosperity. The subjects were well tended, monsters seldom attacked the lands, and even the four factions of the church were at something resembling peace. As Atem grew, he was inducted into the priesthood, where he was taught to commune with the Cards, the over-deities who ruled the world and all within. Naturally drawn to the faction of his parents, he was taught that the Cards were benevolent - that with proper respect given, they would grant greater powers, that they would carry you through the most adverse of times. He showed a great deal of promise and skill as a priest, though he had several rivals. Some he won over into friendship, such as Joey, devotee of the Luck of the Cards, while he often ran up against one rival in particular - Kaiba, devotee of the Law of the Cards.
Like all things, though, the idyllic times of the kingdom were not to last. First, Atem's parents were both slain by an ambitious rival's assassins. Though he was apprehended, they could not be restored to life, and Atem became the new Pharaoh at the age of 16. His grandfather tended to a great deal of the business of state while Atem continued to learn, but he was an able and wise ruler in his own right. His ability to lead was first tested when the exiled Pegasus used his dark rituals to steal the soul of Atem's grandfather in a bid to gain control of the kingdom.
Aided by Joey and several other friends, Atem traveled personally to Pegasus's island kingdom, besting his legion of summoners and monsters. He faced Kaiba, who had been manipulated by Pegasus into aiding him, and defeated the fiendish schemer himself in a deadly shadow game. While Pegasus was utilizing the stolen powers of countless souls and a powerful artifact, Atem had the power of his friends and the support of the Cards behind him, and was able to vanquish the scheming sorcerer. Reclaiming his grandfather's soul, the Pharaoh returned to his people and assumed the throne by himself.
When the three false gods arrived, avatars of disruption and power, Atem and his allies faced off against their power. With his increased skill and strength, the Pharaoh conquered and banished each of them, gaining the ability to utilize his greater spells to bring them to his aid as he did so. He wrested control of Slypher from a possessed servant of the false gods' master, Marik, and defeated Kaiba as he wielded the false god Obelisk against him in a bid for the throne. Finally, he defeated the mindbender and brought peace back to his realm, all the while increasing his connection to the Cards and learning the true names of the three powerful false gods, binding them to him to be summoned when needed.
Atem was later called upon to defeat Dartz, who had been corrupted by the rain of green fire from the Star of Orichalcos. Dartz had set about attempting to awaken the elder evil known as the Leviathan, which, if set loose, would usher in the end of the world. Fortunately, Atem and Joey received aid from Kaiba, and they managed to gain the assistance of several celestial dragons once the aspect of Leviathan rose from the depths. Dartz was slain by the combined might of the priests, further weakening the elder evil's aspect, which was destroyed before the final seal was made manifest and the true beast awoke.
And now, Atem's kingdom is under assault by a powerful priest of the demon prince Zorc, who is already attempting to gain the ancient artifacts of the Pharaoh's kingdom to summon the monster to the world and usher in the end of days. The bandit servants of this villain, Bakura, have already begun to rampage across the kingdom, and Atem suspects some of his own court may very well be in league with his enemies.
Adventures
Atem adventures to protect his kingdom and his friends. He is interested in gaining the ability to control stronger monsters and to understand the true nature of the Cards, but his primary focus will be on defeating villains who plot to destroy his nation or its people.
Character
Atem has milk chocolate brown skin, dark blue-violet eyes, and crazy spiked hair that's purple, black, and blond. He wears his armor in most instances, utilizing its glamored property to make it appear as ceremonial garb (which leaves his manly chest exposed). He covers up the sounds of the armor moving by making a large amount of golden jewelry appear on his person. His reliquary holy symbol appears as an inverted golden pyramid with a stylized eye on one side. Contained within the pyramid is a deck of master-crafted cards, which Atem draws when he begins a shadow game.
Atem is a serious and focused ruler, with a strong sense of loyalty to his friends and subjects. As is his right as a ruler, he has several concubines, though he favors Tea above them all. He is a shrewd tactician skilled at thinking several moves ahead of his opponent, but he is also strong at improvisation when his opponents' abilities are unknown to him.
Striding purposefully down the brazier lit corridor, the Pharaoh considered his goal. It was chaos in his country. Despite his successful defeat of the beast from the stars, a new demon lord was working through a powerful summoner in an attempt to subvert his kingdom and destroy the world. And yet, here he was, not leading his men and nation into battle, but walking towards the arena, to participate in a shadow game. His most prized consort had done what she could to convince him not to participate - defeat in a shadow game meant death, and the kingdom would be lost without him, both as a figure of government and spirituality. Nevertheless, this had to stop. The high priest of a rival faction had challenged him, despite the fragility of his kingdom, in a clear bid to gain control of the throne. This was not the time for factional rivalries, though his opponent had never been one to let personal squabbles lie.
This was unacceptable. Too long now had he allowed the ambitious high priest to make a bid for his crown, and to interfere in more important matters. While he would like nothing more than to forge an alliance with him, it was not likely to happen in time. Perhaps the demon had infiltrated the church, and was pitting the two high priests against each other for its own benefit? It was possible. The Pharaoh sighed. Yes, if he could resolve this shadow game without the death of his opponent, he would gladly do so, but he suspected things had already gone too far. He passed his best friend, the high priest of a third faction, and shook his head. He would not ask for help. And they both knew, the high priest of the Law had never been defeated by the high priest of the Luck. And the Pharaoh would not bring himself to lose his best friend, because he could only trust him should things go wrong in this fight.
He stepped into the arena, drawing his focus from the amulet he wore about his neck. His opponent greeted him in his snide manner. He merely took his place in the alcove above the battlefield, placing the core of his holy symbol, the sacred relic of his forefathers, upon the dais before him. Silence spread throughout the attendees, the priests and nobles and merchants alike. The Pharaoh looked into the eyes of his rival, reached down, and placed his hand on the dais.
"It's time to duel!" And the shadow game began...
History
Atem was born to the reigning Pharaoh and high priest in a time of prosperity. The subjects were well tended, monsters seldom attacked the lands, and even the four factions of the church were at something resembling peace. As Atem grew, he was inducted into the priesthood, where he was taught to commune with the Cards, the over-deities who ruled the world and all within. Naturally drawn to the faction of his parents, he was taught that the Cards were benevolent - that with proper respect given, they would grant greater powers, that they would carry you through the most adverse of times. He showed a great deal of promise and skill as a priest, though he had several rivals. Some he won over into friendship, such as Joey, devotee of the Luck of the Cards, while he often ran up against one rival in particular - Kaiba, devotee of the Law of the Cards.
Like all things, though, the idyllic times of the kingdom were not to last. First, Atem's parents were both slain by an ambitious rival's assassins. Though he was apprehended, they could not be restored to life, and Atem became the new Pharaoh at the age of 16. His grandfather tended to a great deal of the business of state while Atem continued to learn, but he was an able and wise ruler in his own right. His ability to lead was first tested when the exiled Pegasus used his dark rituals to steal the soul of Atem's grandfather in a bid to gain control of the kingdom.
Aided by Joey and several other friends, Atem traveled personally to Pegasus's island kingdom, besting his legion of summoners and monsters. He faced Kaiba, who had been manipulated by Pegasus into aiding him, and defeated the fiendish schemer himself in a deadly shadow game. While Pegasus was utilizing the stolen powers of countless souls and a powerful artifact, Atem had the power of his friends and the support of the Cards behind him, and was able to vanquish the scheming sorcerer. Reclaiming his grandfather's soul, the Pharaoh returned to his people and assumed the throne by himself.
When the three false gods arrived, avatars of disruption and power, Atem and his allies faced off against their power. With his increased skill and strength, the Pharaoh conquered and banished each of them, gaining the ability to utilize his greater spells to bring them to his aid as he did so. He wrested control of Slypher from a possessed servant of the false gods' master, Marik, and defeated Kaiba as he wielded the false god Obelisk against him in a bid for the throne. Finally, he defeated the mindbender and brought peace back to his realm, all the while increasing his connection to the Cards and learning the true names of the three powerful false gods, binding them to him to be summoned when needed.
Atem was later called upon to defeat Dartz, who had been corrupted by the rain of green fire from the Star of Orichalcos. Dartz had set about attempting to awaken the elder evil known as the Leviathan, which, if set loose, would usher in the end of the world. Fortunately, Atem and Joey received aid from Kaiba, and they managed to gain the assistance of several celestial dragons once the aspect of Leviathan rose from the depths. Dartz was slain by the combined might of the priests, further weakening the elder evil's aspect, which was destroyed before the final seal was made manifest and the true beast awoke.
And now, Atem's kingdom is under assault by a powerful priest of the demon prince Zorc, who is already attempting to gain the ancient artifacts of the Pharaoh's kingdom to summon the monster to the world and usher in the end of days. The bandit servants of this villain, Bakura, have already begun to rampage across the kingdom, and Atem suspects some of his own court may very well be in league with his enemies.
Adventures
Atem adventures to protect his kingdom and his friends. He is interested in gaining the ability to control stronger monsters and to understand the true nature of the Cards, but his primary focus will be on defeating villains who plot to destroy his nation or its people.
Character
Atem has milk chocolate brown skin, dark blue-violet eyes, and crazy spiked hair that's purple, black, and blond. He wears his armor in most instances, utilizing its glamored property to make it appear as ceremonial garb (which leaves his manly chest exposed). He covers up the sounds of the armor moving by making a large amount of golden jewelry appear on his person. His reliquary holy symbol appears as an inverted golden pyramid with a stylized eye on one side. Contained within the pyramid is a deck of master-crafted cards, which Atem draws when he begins a shadow game.
Atem is a serious and focused ruler, with a strong sense of loyalty to his friends and subjects. As is his right as a ruler, he has several concubines, though he favors Tea above them all. He is a shrewd tactician skilled at thinking several moves ahead of his opponent, but he is also strong at improvisation when his opponents' abilities are unknown to him.
portrait
<- Atem 
<- With Tea prior to defeating Dartz.
<- Atem <- With Tea prior to defeating Dartz.
Everybody has a bit over three days to finish up your cheese.
Welcome to the contest, Kaldair!
Everybody has a bit over three days to finish up your cheese.
By "finish up," do you mean "mail?"
You still have over 48 hours left! Entry deadline isn't until Sunday at 11:59pm GMT (7:59pm EDT, 6:59pm CDT, 5:59pm MDT and 4:59pm PDT). I believe you're CDT...
anyway, for a character of Old age, i just gotta make a note of at what levels he hit Middle and Old? (for skill point purposes)
edit: ah crap more questions.
how much info do i need to include for Leadership?
there somewhere i can find the gold value of a building (house and/or pub)?
you just gave me an idea you'll wish you hadn't
anyway, for a character of Old age, i just gotta make a note of at what levels he hit Middle and Old? (for skill point purposes)
Correct.
how much info do i need to include for Leadership?
Minimum info is your leadership score and name/race/class/level for your cohort. Something like "Bob Smith, human fighter 10" is perfectly fine.
Followers can be defined just as vaguely. Something as simple as, "among Cheddar's followers is a 5th level expert blacksmith, who crafts all his metal items."
You're free to provide more than that, of course. But if you give more details about your cohort or follower, it can have an adverse affect on your mechanics score, because it's more chances to make a mistake.
there somewhere i can find the gold value of a building (house and/or pub)?
I don't know if that info is defined anywhere... I think some of that sort of info can be found in Stronghold Builder's Guidebook.
there somewhere i can find the gold value of a building (house and/or pub)?
I don't know if that info is defined anywhere... I think some of that sort of info can be found in Stronghold Builder's Guidebook.
Basic building prices according to the SRD (and the DMG - Urban Adventures section)
Simple house 1,000 gp
Grand house 5,000 gp
Mansion 100,000 gp
Tower 50,000 gp
Keep 150,000 gp
Castle 500,000 gp
Huge castle 1,000,000 gp
Moat with bridge 50,000 gp
Does anything in that fit what you're thinking of?
i'm lookin at maybe a 'grand house' upstairs (5000gp), but triple cost for being brick (15k), and the pub downstairs being equivalent (another 15k), but double cost for being a place of business (30k) for a total cost of 45000gp
that seem a fair cost judgely dudes and gal? (sorry for the hassel, but the supreme cheese concept wont work without it)
that seem a fair cost judgely dudes and gal? (sorry for the hassel, but the supreme cheese concept wont work without it)
Without specifically saying yes or no, I'll say your logic seems imminently reasonable. As with other things that have the potential to be sticking points, it's always good to show your work in your entry. That way, even if a judge disagrees with your final price, they can at least see how you arrived at it.
Imagine you are walking through the mall and browsing the fantasy posters in the record store
Berryl the busty unicorn-riding, dragon-slaying Amazon queen
Fluffy stuff
Description-
Berryl is almost exactly 7 feet tall. Her measurements are 42-32-38. Her skin is fair and smooth. She wears her flowing blonde hair in a loose mane that falls to her lower back. Atop her head is a bejeweled crown.
Her gleaming silver armor is cut to expose her muscular midriff and her ample cleavage including a small crescent moon birthmark on her right breast. Around her waist she wears an armored skirt in the roman style. On her feet she wears a pair of stiletto-heeled leather boots that reach just above her knees, leaving a half-inch of thigh visible below her skirt.
She holds a massive spear that stands over twice her height. It’s broad head glints silvery in the sun. Always at close hand are Asteri her unicorn mount and Opal the great white tiger.
Background-
Berryl was orphaned at a young age and never knew her parents. Luckily, she was found by a kindly priestess from an Amazonian tribe; there were only a few men there kept as sires for the priestesses. She grew up there and learned the arts of the priestesses and the warriors. Her life was safe and happy until when she was 20 and a black dragon ravaged the village. All the other women were killed so Berryl took on the role of queen, and left to find the dragon who had done this. Since this time she has traveled the lands searching out and slaying evil dragons.
She relied on her toughness and beauty to survive those times. Her outlook is sunny, but when the time for fighting comes her eyes narrow and she can defeat almost any enemy when the need arrives. She especially enjoys killing dragons and proving herself against men.
In her travels she came across a giant who kept a selection of animals in a zoo. The giant took a fancy to Berryll and tried to cage her. She killed the cruel giant and freed the menagerie, but two of the animals would not leave her side, a regal unicorn and a tiger cub. Berryll nursed them back to health and reared the cub. When the unicorn offered it's service as a mount she released her warhorse. These two have become her traveling companions. They protect her to the best of their ability in thanks for their freedom.
Combat
Berryll is uniquely suited to fighting large creatures without help. Fighting groups of smaller creatures may be harder for her since she excels at combat at 15 ft and cannot employ her signature weapon against adjacent foes. Opal stays at her side and the tiger and Asteri attempt to take care of close enemies. If needed Berryll changes to her longsword to fight adjacent foes.
Description-
Berryl is almost exactly 7 feet tall. Her measurements are 42-32-38. Her skin is fair and smooth. She wears her flowing blonde hair in a loose mane that falls to her lower back. Atop her head is a bejeweled crown.
Her gleaming silver armor is cut to expose her muscular midriff and her ample cleavage including a small crescent moon birthmark on her right breast. Around her waist she wears an armored skirt in the roman style. On her feet she wears a pair of stiletto-heeled leather boots that reach just above her knees, leaving a half-inch of thigh visible below her skirt.
She holds a massive spear that stands over twice her height. It’s broad head glints silvery in the sun. Always at close hand are Asteri her unicorn mount and Opal the great white tiger.
Background-
Berryl was orphaned at a young age and never knew her parents. Luckily, she was found by a kindly priestess from an Amazonian tribe; there were only a few men there kept as sires for the priestesses. She grew up there and learned the arts of the priestesses and the warriors. Her life was safe and happy until when she was 20 and a black dragon ravaged the village. All the other women were killed so Berryl took on the role of queen, and left to find the dragon who had done this. Since this time she has traveled the lands searching out and slaying evil dragons.
She relied on her toughness and beauty to survive those times. Her outlook is sunny, but when the time for fighting comes her eyes narrow and she can defeat almost any enemy when the need arrives. She especially enjoys killing dragons and proving herself against men.
In her travels she came across a giant who kept a selection of animals in a zoo. The giant took a fancy to Berryll and tried to cage her. She killed the cruel giant and freed the menagerie, but two of the animals would not leave her side, a regal unicorn and a tiger cub. Berryll nursed them back to health and reared the cub. When the unicorn offered it's service as a mount she released her warhorse. These two have become her traveling companions. They protect her to the best of their ability in thanks for their freedom.
Combat
Berryll is uniquely suited to fighting large creatures without help. Fighting groups of smaller creatures may be harder for her since she excels at combat at 15 ft and cannot employ her signature weapon against adjacent foes. Opal stays at her side and the tiger and Asteri attempt to take care of close enemies. If needed Berryll changes to her longsword to fight adjacent foes.
Roughly two hours to go until the deadline. Where's the flurry of last-minute posts? ;)
Of course, I've been feverish most the weekend, which explains part of the rush.
Hope I make it.
Born and raised in the Six Winds Pub owned by his father in the bustling city of Parmesanshire, Fip was destined for the glorious life of a Commoner. As he grew, he learned his father’s barkeeping trade, and eventually took over the pub when his father died in a tragic and cliché non-specific accident. For the next 35 years Fip perfected the art of Commonering and in a fit of metagame boasting declared himself the ‘highest level commoner in the campaign’. He soon attracted many followers, some not even Commoners, and now has a full unpaid staff at the Six Winds. There’s Patsy, the bouncer, Fip’s apprentice cook Colby ‘Pepper’ Jack, Stilton McMagic the dwarf Adept with a hilariously low Charisma score who toils endlessly to invent a ‘Transmute Water to Booze’ spell, Nonn Playeur Charraktor, Professional Drunk, and Swiss Stenson, Fip’s trusty ‘Adventuring Party Bring-Togetherer’. Many of the townsfolk consider Fip more their leader than the Mayor, including Brewmaster Romano amd his delivery boy Stilton.
Nowadays many an adventuring party meet for the first time in the Six Winds (with some help from Swiss), and learn of some mundane goblin attack or something else equally run-of-the-mill from Fip, who knows most everything going on nearby. Most end up getting killed by Kobolds.
Fip Gouda
Male Human, age 56 (Middle aged at lvl 8, Old at lvl 12)
Commoner 13
Neutral Good, No patron deity
Size: Medium
Height: 5’8” Weight: 155lb
Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown, Shaggy
Skin: Tan
Str: 12 +1 (6 pts, -3 Old, +1 at lvl 4)
Dex: 12 +1 (6 pts, -3 Old, +1 at lvl 8)
Con: 12 +1 (6 pts, -3 Old, +1 at lvl 12)
Int: 16 +3 (6 pts, +2 Old)
Wis: 16 +3 (6 pts, +2 Old)
Cha: 16 +3 (6 pts, +2 Old)
HP: 50 (13d4+13)
AC: 15 (Base 10 + 1 Dex), T: 11, FF: 10
Speed: 30ft
Init: +1
Saves:
Fort: +5 (+4 Base, +1 Con)
Ref: +5 (+4 Base, +1 Dex)
Will: +7 (+4 Base, +3 Wis)
BAB, Grapple: +6/+1, +7 (+6 BAB, +1 Str)
Attacks:
Club: +6 melee, 1d6+1, x2, 20ft, Bludgeoning
Racial/Class Abilities:
Human Traits
Skills:
(70 skill points)
Bluff: +7 (2 ranks [cross-class], +3 Cha, +2 Persuasive)
Climb: +2 (1 rank, +1 Str)
Craft (Cooking): +11 (8 ranks, +3 Int)
Handle Animal: +6 (3 ranks, +3 Cha)
Intimidate: +5 (+3 Cha, +2 Persuasive)
Gather Information: +6 (3 ranks [cross-class], +3 Cha)
Listen: +11 (6 ranks, +3 Wis, +2 Alertness)
Knowledge (Local): +6 (3 ranks [cross-class], +3 Int)
Profession (Barkeeper): +19 (16 ranks, +3 Wis)
Sense Motive: +6 (3 ranks [cross-class], +3 Wis)
Spot: +11 (6 ranks, +3 Wis, +2 Alertness)
Swim: +3 (2 ranks, +1 Str)
Use Rope: +7 (6 ranks, +1 Dex)
Speak Language: Common [automatic initial], Halfling [bonus initial], Elven [bonus initial]
Feats:
1: Run
1: Endurance
3: Diehard
6: Alertness
9: Leadership
12: Persuasive
Items: (Gear Total: 149999.87 gp/16 lb)
Light Load: ≤43 lb Medium Load: 44-86 lb Heavy Load: 87-130 lb
On Person:
Backpack (2 gp/2lb)
Waterskin (1 gp/4lb)
Silk Rope (10 gp/5lb)
Artisan’s Outfit (free/doesn’t count)
Club (-/3 lb)
Loaf of Bread (2 cp/.5 lb)
Cheese (1 sp/.5 lb)
Bag of Tricks (Rust) (3000gp/-)
Coins (10 gp, 15 sp, 25 cp/1 lb)
Not on Person:
In the Six Winds Pub:
Six Winds Pub (45000gp*/-)
Masterwork Tools (Cooking) (50gp/1lb) (in Six Winds)
Cheddar (Dog) (25gp/50lb)
Portable Hole (20000gp/-) (in Six Winds)
Coins (8190 pp/163.8lb) (in Portable Hole)
Leadership:
Level: 17 (13 + 3 Cha + 1 ‘Fairness and Generosity’)
Cohort: Swiss Stenson, lvl 12 human Rogue
Followers: 30 lvl 1, 3 lvl 2, 1 lvl 3, 1 lvl 4
Notable Followers: Patsy, lvl 4 human Warrior
Colby ‘Pepper’ Jack, lvl 3 human Expert (Cook)
Haplan Romano, lvl 2 human Expert (Brewer)
Bleu Hampford, lvl 2 halfling Commoner
Stilton McMagic, lvl 2 dwarf Adept
Nonn Playeur Charraktor, lvl 1 human Expert (Drunkard)
*
a 'grand house' upstairs (5000gp), but triple cost for being brick (15k), and the pub downstairs being equivalent (another 15k), but double cost for being a place of business (30k) for a total cost of 45000gp
Background
Growing up Calli was treated as a princess, probably because she was one. She excelled in everything. She was just flat out the best. Then, on her 16th birthday, she found out that she had been cursed as a child. After eating a magic apple her entire country fell into a magical sleep, and they would stay that way until she had found her one true love, woke him up, turned him into a pixie, kissed him, and gotten him to agree to marry her.
She called a bunch of her princess friends together, but that didn’t last long. Jazz Min hooked up with some street rat, Cindy cut her foot on one of her stupid glass shoes and got left behind, Belle ended up running off with some dude that looked like a minotaur, and Blanche decided to stay with this group of 7 dwarves. So now she is looking for some other group to hang out with.
Growing up Calli was treated as a princess, probably because she was one. She excelled in everything. She was just flat out the best. Then, on her 16th birthday, she found out that she had been cursed as a child. After eating a magic apple her entire country fell into a magical sleep, and they would stay that way until she had found her one true love, woke him up, turned him into a pixie, kissed him, and gotten him to agree to marry her.
She called a bunch of her princess friends together, but that didn’t last long. Jazz Min hooked up with some street rat, Cindy cut her foot on one of her stupid glass shoes and got left behind, Belle ended up running off with some dude that looked like a minotaur, and Blanche decided to stay with this group of 7 dwarves. So now she is looking for some other group to hang out with.
Family History
Callie’s geneology is a bit confused, for years everyone thought her father was a pixie. It was only after she was born that he admitted he was actually a celestial dragon. The fey were a bit annoyed at the whole thing, but by then it was done and there wasn’t much they could do about it.
Callie’s geneology is a bit confused, for years everyone thought her father was a pixie. It was only after she was born that he admitted he was actually a celestial dragon. The fey were a bit annoyed at the whole thing, but by then it was done and there wasn’t much they could do about it.
hahahaha!
Procratinators of the world unite!!!
-sometime next week-
Used what I think was the concensous that the 30 minute editing window extended past the regular deadline. Hopefully I'm right.
if you don't - it is still here, but you don't have to read it.
Character Design Notes and Inspiration
Well the basic concept of the mechaincs was "the fewest actual levels and/or hit dice", because so many munchkin/cheesy characters have a lot of level adjustment. I actually thought of trying to fit in one more +1 LA template, but I figured that with as few hit points as I'd have at level 13 I'd probably need Evasion from Rogue 2 just to live. Even with the invisible, flying, big AC monster this was going to be. (see also the Ring of Nine Lives )
Background wise I started with a comment from my wife that my idea sounded kind of like Tinker Belle. (As if Tink ever breathed fire, ha!) But then I morphed that into something my 3 year old daughter has made me all too familiar with - Disney Princesses. And hey, what could be more cheesy than Disney Princesses, right? So most of the background is kind of what I might expect my daughter to come up with for her first PC - in 5 to 10 years. One can hope.
I ran out of time to detail all of the options this character has. Oh well.
Well the basic concept of the mechaincs was "the fewest actual levels and/or hit dice", because so many munchkin/cheesy characters have a lot of level adjustment. I actually thought of trying to fit in one more +1 LA template, but I figured that with as few hit points as I'd have at level 13 I'd probably need Evasion from Rogue 2 just to live. Even with the invisible, flying, big AC monster this was going to be. (see also the Ring of Nine Lives
)Background wise I started with a comment from my wife that my idea sounded kind of like Tinker Belle. (As if Tink ever breathed fire, ha!) But then I morphed that into something my 3 year old daughter has made me all too familiar with - Disney Princesses. And hey, what could be more cheesy than Disney Princesses, right? So most of the background is kind of what I might expect my daughter to come up with for her first PC - in 5 to 10 years. One can hope.
I ran out of time to detail all of the options this character has. Oh well.
* runs off to add Kit's entry to the list *
edit: and, list updated!
Thank you to our 10 entrants for sharing your cheese with us! Please, please verify that I have your entry on the master list. I'll assume no news is good news; if your entry is missing or otherwise has something wrong, please let me know.
Oh, and CheeseMan, please bear in mind that the following comment has been made without actually reading any of your entry...
And thanks to all our entrants for having such good senses of humor
And thanks to all our entrants for having such god senses of humor
Well, you know me. As a frequent DM, I do have a god complex. :D
Procratinators of the world unite!!!
Yes! We should set up a meeting, or...
...
...let me get back to you on that.
(Yes this is on topic...I discovered this in the course of judging.)
So, I never knew that Races of the Wild had a random elf name generator in it. How very distracting.....
(Yes this is on topic...I discovered this in the course of judging.)
So does Races of Stone for its races.
[indent]Amulet of:
+3 Deflection AC
+3 Natural Armor
+3 Profane Armor
+3 Luck bonus to AC
+3 Insight bonus to AC
+3 Sacred bonus to AC
Craft Wondrous Item, CL requirement of 9, cost to craft =~= 40,000gp.[/indent]
Due to the fact that all the enchantments have "Similar Abilities" according to the the sidebar on page 282 of the DMG you only have to pay full price for the first ability, and each additional ability comes at a discount. Making this ridiculous item of +18 AC legal (price wise) for creation in such a competition.
Also, I'd have go digging, but I think there's an issue with an item granting both a sacred and profane bonus.
Also, I'd have go digging, but I think there's an issue with an item granting both a sacred and profane bonus.
Yeah, i didn't let the players have both of them, but still a +15 to AC is pretty extreme (in that campaign they were all Epic and instead of buying Epic Armor they spent their obscene amounts of money buying amulets of +25 armor class). And, theoretically, you could have one person put the Sacred bonus on it, take it to the back of the shop and have another caster put the Profane bonus on it ... kinda kills the idea of making it yourself ... maybe True Neutrals could cast both ....
Unless i misinterpreted the sidebar i mentioned, i did all the calculations correctly. It's just a good cheesy loophole in my opinion.
For "other bonuses" (i used all 4 listed) it's 2500 x bonus squared.
So it comes down to 2 bonuses costing 18k and 4 costing 22.5k.
As per the sidebar, you pay full price for the most expensive enchantment, 3/4ths for the second most expensive and half price for the rest.
22.5 * (1 + 0.75 + 0.5 + 0.5) + 18 = 79.875k
Which, if you make it yourself, can be gotten for half price and a lot of time that occurs before the campaign starts. The spirit of Cheese at it's finest methinks.
Multiple Similar Abilities: For items with multiple similar abilities that don’t take up space on a character’s body use the following formula: Calculate the price of the single most costly ability, then add 75% of the value of the next most costly ability, plus one-half the value of any other abilities.
I've underlined the bit that kills your amulet.
To get what you want with this amulet, you need to look at the "Adding New Abilities" section:
ADDING NEW ABILITIES
A creator can add new magical abilities to a magic item with no restrictions. The cost to do this is the same as if the item was not magical. Thus, a +1 longsword can be made into a +2 vorpal longsword, with the cost to create it being equal to that of a +2 vorpal sword minus the cost of a +1 sword.
If the item is one that occupies a specific place on a character’s body the cost of adding any additional ability to that item increases by 50%. For example, if a character adds the power to confer invisibility to her ring of protection +2, the cost of adding this ability is the same as for creating a ring of invisibility multiplied by 1.5.
With this method, it would have a market price of 177,750. (22.5*1.5 = 33.75; 18*1.5 = 27; 22.5 + 33.75 + 33.75 + 33.75 + 27 + 27 = 177.75)
With this method, it would have a market price of 177,750. (22.5*1.5 = 33.75; 18*1.5 = 27; 22.5 + 33.75 + 33.75 + 33.75 + 27 + 27 = 177.75)
Curses! Well ... that's 1 point for the rules i guess. Still you can get around that by modifying it to be a rock you carry in your pocket rather than an amulet. It'll "not occupy a slot on your person" and there's a flat multiple of twice the price, and you can use the discounted pricing that i originally quoted for a do-it-yourself price of 80k .... which i guess ends up being about the same as what you got.
On a related note, i never knew why this item wasn't more common:
[indent]Belt of Bigness:
Continuous effect of Enlarge Person[/indent]
A cheap 4k since it's a first level spell (even with continuous added), and it ends up giving you reach (great when combined with a reach weapon and combat reflexes), bumping your damage dice up by one, increasing damage out by 1 and reducing AC by 2 (not too bad if you're a barbarian and have $#!* AC to begin with).
Curses! Well ... that's 1 point for the rules i guess. Still you can get around that by modifying it to be a rock you carry in your pocket rather than an amulet. It'll "not occupy a slot on your person" and there's a flat multiple of twice the price, and you can use the discounted pricing that i originally quoted for a do-it-yourself price of 80k .... which i guess ends up being about the same as what you got.
Yeah, you can unslot it - you don't even need to make a rock; it can still be an "amulet" that wouldn't take the neck slot (which is convenient in that you could still wear a necklace, such as a periapt of wisdom or hand of glory. Making it unslotted would use your method, but as you said the price would double.
However... If you wish to go cheesy in item creation:
Other Considerations: Once you have a final cost figure, reduce that number if either of the following conditions applies:
—Item Requires Skill to Use: Some items require a specific skill to get them to function. This factor should reduce the cost about 10%.
—Item Requires Specific Class or Alignment to Use: Even more restrictive than requiring a skill, this limitation cuts the cost by 30%.
So, when you make it you have it require one rank in a skill the character has, and make it only function for that character's alignment; now you get 40% off the price - so the slotted version would have a market price of 106650, and your unslotted version would have a market price of 96000.
(I don't allow players to use those discount rules, incidentally, because they're so cheesy)
Other Considerations: Once you have a final cost figure, reduce that number if either of the following conditions applies:
—Item Requires Skill to Use: Some items require a specific skill to get them to function. This factor should reduce the cost about 10%.
—Item Requires Specific Class or Alignment to Use: Even more restrictive than requiring a skill, this limitation cuts the cost by 30%.
Oooh that's beautiful! Does that mean if it can only be used by True Neutral Elven Sorcerers with ranks in Use Obscure Magic Device you can get some 90% reduction or something along those lines?
Other Considerations: Once you have a final cost figure, reduce that number if either of the following conditions applies:
—Item Requires Skill to Use: Some items require a specific skill to get them to function. This factor should reduce the cost about 10%.
—Item Requires Specific Class or Alignment to Use: Even more restrictive than requiring a skill, this limitation cuts the cost by 30%.
Oooh that's beautiful! Does that mean if it can only be used by True Neutral Elven Sorcerers with ranks in Use Obscure Magic Device you can get some 90% reduction or something along those lines?
What's anyone think of my Belt of Bigness? It's one of my favorite magic items, and doesn't even feel much like cheating o me.
Oooh that's beautiful! Does that mean if it can only be used by True Neutral Elven Sorcerers with ranks in Use Obscure Magic Device you can get some 90% reduction or something along those lines?
Well, the best interpretation gets you a 70% discount -- 30% for class, 30% for alignment, and 10% for skill.
I've seen arguments that the 30% only applies once, whether you use class, alignment, or both. It's been a while, but it was one of those rules debates where both sides had reasonable arguments. I think if you were to whip up something like that for this contest, each judge would have to interpret the rule and make their own ruling.
But those discounts are definitely cheese-tastic, whether you "stack" the class and alignment ones or not.
How 'bout now?
Are you done, judges?
Are you? Done yet?
How about some comments? Or scores. Or both.
Now? Now? Are you done?
It's been ten days. Plenty of time. You should be ready now.
Are you done? Huh? Huh?
[note: this is all CheeseMan's fault]
i find your lack of pestering judges for results disturbing
I've been pestering them, don't worry. ;)
*goes off to bury herself in piles of books...until she realizes that she doesn't have any cheese on hand and gives up in disgust*
*goes off to bury herself in piles of books...until she realizes that she doesn't have any cheese on hand and gives up in disgust*
*cough*
If certain people would be home during normal hours, the Special Delivery people could get a signature and actually deliver the Wisconsin Supremo Collection that someone may have sent...as a gesture of appreciation for the hard work of a certain person who, coincidentally, happens to be a judge.
I clearly need to have a discussion with my wife, and remind her to please not open packages addressed to me...
Maybe they thought you couldn't be bribed and addressed it to her instead. A wife's nag can be a powerful ally.
I see you know my wife...
No, I just know that nag is the first level ability of the wife PrC. :P
Allow me to oppose the words of the Anti-Anime cult
How dare you accuse me of starting a cult!!!
(Please ignore the Mind Flayer in a Priest outfit avatar)
Any chance of seeing comments from other judges? I'll tell you what, if you post comments, I'll send an additional bri.. "gift package" containing double the original package's contents.
Last set of comments.
You've got me. I have a soft spot for commoners.
well, he *was* inspired by Joe Wood
Any chance of seeing comments from other judges? I'll tell you what, if you post comments, I'll send an additional bri.. "gift package" containing double the original package's contents.
So, you're offering double...nothing? ;)
I'll see what I can come up with on such an enticing offer....