Welcome to Hero Craftsmen #17, 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 the Underdark. Your goal for this Hero Craftsman contest is to make a character suitable for play in an underdark-based campaign.
The required level for this competition is 6th level, with 13,000gp to spend on magic items and equipment, though no more than 4,334gp 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): 6th
Ability Score Generation: 28 pt. buy (DMG p.169)
Character Wealth: 13,000gp
Max. Value of any single item: 4,334gp
Ruleset: 3.5
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, Complete Psionic, Lords of Madness, and Magic Item Compendium. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD is permitted. No other rules sources -- including any variant Unearthed Arcana rules available on non-official SRD sites -- are permitted for use in this round of the contest.
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, 14, 12, 10, 8, 8
15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10
8) One special rule regarding Crafting: When crafting a magic item from your character, you may pay the 50% gp cost and ignore the XP cost. However, your character must still meet all prerequisites in spells, minimum level requirements, etc., or account for the cost of hiring a spell caster to cast the spells for you.
9) Judges reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not follow the above rules, as they see fit.
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): 6th
Ability Score Generation: 28 pt. buy (DMG p.169)
Character Wealth: 13,000gp
Max. Value of any single item: 4,334gp
Ruleset: 3.5
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, Complete Psionic, Lords of Madness, and Magic Item Compendium. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD is permitted. No other rules sources -- including any variant Unearthed Arcana rules available on non-official SRD sites -- are permitted for use in this round of the contest.
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, 14, 12, 10, 8, 8
15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10
8) One special rule regarding Crafting: When crafting a magic item from your character, you may pay the 50% gp cost and ignore the XP cost. However, your character must still meet all prerequisites in spells, minimum level requirements, etc., or account for the cost of hiring a spell caster to cast the spells for you.
9) Judges reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not follow the above rules, as they see fit.
- Veit Ungart, Emerald Shield of Moradin, by JasonOrlandoHawk
- Gerome Rootwalker, by wrecan
- Difax, by gullas
- Milo Shortfellow, by Galeigh
- Sasha, by Heros_Backpack
- Mikail Ironsmelter, by Fleck
- K’neega Boronson of the Clan Bolbir, by Kit_the_Odd
First of all do you have to be any familiar with the "Underdark" setting for this competition ? Or when your talking about "Underdark" your talking about "underworld's in general"?
"underworld" in general is plenty of knowledge to participate. Generally speaking, as long as your character can survive long periods of time underground, you shouldn't have any problems with the contest.Are gunpowder weapons allowed? One of my ideas involves a character with two or three pistols fireing off magical bullets, but if the answer is no, I can stop thinking about her and concentrate on one of my other ideas.
I'm asking because the rules state that material from the dmg is allowed. But the dmg also contains rules for laser rifles and I think those would definitely raise an eyebrow.
I'm gonna give you a craptastic answer: That's really your decision to make. The items, as you pointed out, are in the DMG, in an "optional rules" section as I recall. We didn't say "no optional rules" in the the contest rules, so therefore I have to say that within the letter of the rules it's absolutely allowed.
However... remember that judges get to determine how well they think your character fits into a game as part of your score. It's utterly and completely subjective. Me, personally? Go for it. One of my favorite fantasy series is Joel Rosenberg's "Guardians of the Flame" series. Not only does it use gunpowder, but it also uses other "modern" things like telegraphs. So I absolutely think you can hit a fantasy "feel" while having firearms in a game.And anther question: Each end of a double weapon is enchanted seperately, right? It makes sense and I'm sure I've that rule somewhere, but I can't find it anywhere in my books.
Yes, that's correct.Creating magic double-headed weapons is treated as creating two weapons when determining cost, time, XP, and special abilities.
Shouldn't you have held off till HC16 was judged?
It was.
Yeah, I wish we'd remembered the MIC, at least. There's almost no interesting magic items for low level characters outside of it. Any chance we could put it in, Z?
And now in response....
Jason, it seems we forgot about the Magic Item Compendium. Oopsie.
And Doomsought, HC16 was judged. About two weeks ago, actually. There should be a link to it in the Hero Craftsman Suggestions thread, which Zherog linked above.
The paycheck I cashed yesterday was so nice...
Edit: I think the list of books has been expanded before. Just change the list ASAP, and it won't affect any early entries.
Edit #2: Actually, we have done that before... in the previous competition (we added Weapons of Legacy back onto the list). So... can we please have Magic Item Compendium?
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, Complete Psionic, Lords of Madness, and Magic Item Compendium. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD is permitted. No other rules sources -- including any variant Unearthed Arcana rules available on non-official SRD sites -- are permitted for use in this round of the contest.
Done
First of all do you have to be any familiar with the "Underdark" setting for this competition ? Or when your talking about "Underdark" your talking about "underworld's in general"?
"underworld" in general is plenty of knowledge to participate. Generally speaking, as long as your character can survive long periods of time underground, you shouldn't have any problems with the contest.
Cheers!
I'm going to make a super kewl drow ranger dual-weilding scimitars with a black panther figurine of wondrous power!
"Aren't you a violation of a certain fantasy author's intellectual property?!?
#7 under rules has "36 point buy" listed again, but I'm assuming that we're going by the "28 point buy" under "Character Creation Parameters," right?
Also, while I'm probably giving too much of my character build away by asking this question...
The Underdark Knight variant class feature on p.49 of Complete Champion says that you gain low-light vision while underground. If you already have low-light vision, you instead gain darkvision 60'. If you already had darkvision, you improve it's range by 30'.
So... what do I do if my character does not have Low-light vision, but does have Darkvision? Do I gain Low-Light Vision? Do I improve my Darkvision? Or do I get both benefits?
1) As I read it, non-clerics can take [Domain] Devotion feats, correct?
2) If I want to take advantage of the affiliation rules for The Anvil of Creation (p.6-8), do I pay the "Costs of Affiliation" (p.6), the "Titles, Benefits, & Duties" (p.7), or both? (I'm assuming both, but I want to be sure.)
Quick clarifications:
#7 under rules has "36 point buy" listed again, but I'm assuming that we're going by the "28 point buy" under "Character Creation Parameters," right?
Le sigh. Yes, 28 point buy. I'll go fix that.
The Underdark Knight variant class feature on p.49 of Complete Champion says that you gain low-light vision while underground. If you already have low-light vision, you instead gain darkvision 60'. If you already had darkvision, you improve it's range by 30'.
So... what do I do if my character does not have Low-light vision, but does have Darkvision? Do I gain Low-Light Vision? Do I improve my Darkvision? Or do I get both benefits?
This is based on not having the book in front of me...
Going by the info you provided, I'd say you get low-light vision. You only go to the "you get darkvision" bit of text if you already have low-light vision; you don't, so you never get into that area.
I'll need to get back to you on your other questions - unless Mercurius or jenni can give an answer, of course.
As for affiliations, I think that when they've come up in the past, you were expected to pay all the associated costs - those are requisite for getting benefits, so I'd say the answer is "both."
And I'm going to go with Zherog and say that you'd get Low Light Vision from that ability. Which is funny, since there aren't many PC races that have both low light and dark vision normally (I can't actually think of any). As it's worded, that's what you'd get, but I'm not sure what the intent was... Not that intent is how we judge here.
Stats
Veit Ungart, Emerald Shield of Moradin
Male Dwarf Paladin (Underdark Knight Variant) 5/ Stonelord 1
LG medium humanoid (Auras: Good (Strong), Courage: 10ft (+4 vs. fear))
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Terran (Bonus)
Age: 61, Height: 4’ 5”, Weight: 197 lb
Deity: Moradin, Dwarf-Father
The Anvil of Creation Affiliation Score: 8
Base Abilities
Str 14 (6 points)
Dex 8 (0 points)
Con 14 (6 points)
Int 12 (4 points)
Wis 12 (4 points)
Cha 15 (8 points)
Current Abilities (modifier)
Str 14 (+2)
Dex 8 (-1)
Con 16 (+3) (+2 Racial)
Int 12 (+1)
Wis 12 (+1)
Cha 14 (+2) (-2 Racial, +1 @ Level 4)
Initiative: -1 (-1 Dex)
Senses: Listen +1, Spot +1, Stonecunning, Low-Light Vision, Darkvision 60ft
AC 22 (+9 armor, +3 Shield, +1 Natural, -1 dex)
Touch 9, Flatfooted 22
Conditional: +4 Dodge vs. Giants
HP 54 (5d10 + 1d8 + 18 Con)
Fort +12 (+4 Pal, +2 Stonelord, +3 Con, +2 Cha, +1 Resist)
Ref +3 (+1 Pal, -1 Dex, +2 Cha, +1 Resist)
Will +5 (+1 Pal, +1 Wis, +2 Cha, +1 Resist)
Conditional: Immune to Fear & Disease (including supernatural/magical diseases), +2 vs. poison & spells/spell-like effects, +4 vs. hot/cold environment [non-lethal] & damage from suffocation
BAB: +6/+1, Grapple: +8
Speed: 20’ (Underground: 30’), 1/day: +5ft/1 minute
Melee: (Smite Evil: 2/day: Attack/Damage: +2/+5)
+1 Warhammer: +9/+4, 1d8+3, 20/x3
Armor Spikes: +8/+3, 1d6+2, 20/x2
Ranged:
Throwing Axes: +5/+0, 1d6+2, 20/x2, 10ft
Special Abilities
-Darkvision 60ft
-Stonecunning (+2 Search vs. unusual stonework, Intuit Depth)
-Weapon Familiarity (Dwarven Waraxe, Dwarven Urgrosh)
-Stability (+4 vs. Bull Rush/Trip)
-+2 on saves vs. poison, spells, & spell-like effects
-+1 Attack vs. orcs & goblinoids
-+4 Dodge bonus to AC vs. Giants
-+2 Appraise & Craft checks related to stone/metal
-Detect Evil @ will
-Smite Evil 2/day: (Attack/Damage: +2/+5)
-Divine Grace (Add Charisma bonus to Saving Throws)
-Lay on Hands: 10 points of healing/day
-Aura of Courage: Immune to fear, Allies within 10ft gain +4 morale bonus vs. fear
-Divine Health: Immune to diseases, including supernatural/magical diseases
-Turn Undead: 5/day: +4/2d6+4 (As 2nd level Cleric, +2 synergy bonus Know (Religion))
-Spells (see below)
-Underdark Knight (While Underground: +10ft speed, +2 circumstance bonus to Balance, Climb, & Jump, Low-light Vision)
-Earth’s Blood (Sp): 1/day: Heal 1d8+1 Hit Points (material component: mud)
-Initiate of the Forge: 1/day: +5ft land speed for 1 minute
Feats:
Endurance (1st Level):
+4 to varied checks & saves, sleep in light/medium armor
Earth Devotion (3rd Level):
1/day: Ignore the effects of difficult terrain OR Create difficult terrain (earth/stone only): You may expend one use of Turn Undead to gain an additional use of this feat. Duration: 1 minute
-Ignore Difficult Terrain: +5 Sacred Bonus to Balance, Climb, & Jump, You ignore the effects of difficult terrain
-Create Difficult Terrain: Change two 5ft squares of earth or stone terrain from normal to difficult terrain. They must touch each other. First square must be within 30ft.
Power Attack (6th Level):
Take a penalty to attack & add that as a bonus to damage.
Skills: (Paladin: 24 skill points, Stonelord 3 skill points), ACP: -6
Appraise: +1 (+1 Int): +2 racial (stone/metal), +2 synergy (craft) vs. stonework
Concentration: +9 (6 ranks, +3 Con)
Craft (Stoneworking): +11 (6 ranks, +1 Int, +2 racial, +2 circumstance (tools))
Diplomacy: +4 (+2 Cha, +2 synergy (Sense Motive))
Knowledge (religion): +7 (6 ranks, +1 Int)
Search: +1 (+1 Int): +2 racial bonus to notice unusual stonework
Sense Motive: +7 (6 ranks, +1 Wis)
Survival: +4 (3 ranks, +1 Wis)
Possessions (all prices in gp):
Powdered Emerald (Ingested, PrC requirement): 1,000gp
Tithes & Crafts Donated to The Anvil of Creation (Rank 1 requirements): 600gp
Amulet of the Dwarf-Father¹: 3,025gp/1lb
+1 Spiked Full Plate: 2,700gp/60lbs
+1 Heavy Shield: 1,170gp/5lbs
+1 Warhammer: 2,312gp/5lbs
Cloak of Resistance +1: 1,000gp/1lb
Throwing Axe x2: 16gp/4lbs
Bag of Endless Caltrops: 800gp/2lbs
Everful Mug: 200gp/-
Explorer’s Outfit: free at character creation/doesn’t count against encumbrance
Cleric’s Vestments: 5gp/6lbs²
Artisan’s Outfit: 1gp/4lbs²
Artisan’s Tools, mw: 55gp/5lbs
Backpack & Bedroll: 2.1gp/7lbs
Silk Rope & Grappling Hook: 11gp/7lbs
Rations (x4): 2gp/4lbs
Holy Water: 25gp/1lb
Waterskin: 1gp/4lbs
Cash: 7pp, 4gp, 9sp
Total Gear Value: 13,000gp
Total Weight: 106lbs (Medium Load)
Light Load: 58lbs, Medium Load: 116lbs, Heavy Load: 175lbs
Equipment Notes
¹Amulet of Natural Armor +1 (2,000gp), Silver Holy Symbol (25gp), & Emerald Gemstone (1,000gp: Stonelord requirement) = 3,025gp
²This item is typically left at home, and is not calculated into Veit’s weight carried or load.
²This item is typically left at home, and is not calculated into Veit’s weight carried or load.
Also, Gleemax deleted every single one of my subscriptions, so I get to spend some time trying to find my favorite threads again. Yippee.
Also, I forgot to mention in the first post: the winner of this contest will be eligible for the ever-elusive custom title that we're supposed to be receiving from Community Management.
In other news, I'm sorely tempted to create an entry for this contest, despite the fact that I'm a judge...
Actually, to be entirely honest, it wouldn't bother me a bit. The only book I might have wanted would have been Races of Stone... but there's not much in that book that would have matched up with the build I was aiming for this time around.
If I have enough time, I'll be submitting an entry.
Thanks
VB
This contest starts when this post is posted, and is due to end at 11:59pm GMT on Friday, July 18th, giving you about 2 1/2 weeks to enter your characters.
Judging will be completed within two weeks of the close of the contest.
*
In other news: Where's the rest of the entries? Come on, folks! I guess I forgot to mention it -- a custom title (Hero Craftsman Gold Medalist) is available to the winner.
.Neither is the DMG.
That bites.
So, the PH is not allowed?
Neither is the DMG.
That bites.
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, Complete Psionic, Lords of Madness, and Magic Item Compendium. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD is permitted. No other rules sources -- including any variant Unearthed Arcana rules available on non-official SRD sites -- are permitted for use in this round of the contest.
Cheers!
I have an idea...we'll see whether it comes together or not...
[goes off to ponder]
All right, guys, we're going on vacation for the next week, and there better be some entries by the time we get back, or we will be sorely disappointed......:D
Are you kidding? Do you have any idea how easy it'll be to just judge one entry? We won't even have to bother scoring. Man, that'll be sweet.
Are gunpowder weapons allowed? One of my ideas involves a character with two or three pistols fireing off magical bullets, but if the answer is no, I can stop thinking about her and concentrate on one of my other ideas.
I'm asking because the rules state that material from the dmg is allowed. But the dmg also contains rules for laser rifles and I think those would definitely raise an eyebrow.
And anther question: Each end of a double weapon is enchanted seperately, right? It makes sense and I'm sure I've that rule somewhere, but I can't find it anywhere in my books.
Description
Gerome either appears as a typical gnome, silver hair, gleaming ice blue eyes, standing about three and a half feet in height and weighing about 45 pounds, wearing well-crafted hide armor, a large wooden shield, five shortspears and a belt pouch jangling with change, or as a vicious silver-streaked dire badger with rage and murder in its eyes! In gnome form, he will be riding bareback on his dire badger companion named Francis. In dire badger form, the two of them mercilessly charge their prey, or explore the underdark in their freshly dug tunnels.
Personality
In gnome form, Gerome is winsome but quiet. A mischievous glint in his eyes hides a fundamentally impatient nature. He is restless to explore the underworld and find new challenges. In badger form, he is aggressive and vicious, spoiling for a fight.
Gerome prefers his badger form to his humanoid form, but at the moment he can only spend about half his day as a badger. As his powers grow, however, his gnome personality will begin to become subsumed into his feral badger personality. Unless he finds a reason to maintain a connection to humanoids, the original Gerome the Gnome might be lost forever, and only the badger will remain.
History
Gerome was born, ironically, in his parent’s root cellar, where they hid as their village was overrun and occupied for almost a year by a family of stone giants and their goblin servants. For almost a year, Gerome and his family stayed hidden in that cellar, living on roots, jams and rainwater until a band of adventurers slew the goblins and most of the giants (only one – a particularly vicious stone giantess child named Opalia – escaped).
The gnomes slowly rebuilt their village, but while other children relished the sunlight, Gerome found that he enjoyed the dank cozy close quarters of his root cellar. He had gathered a collection of burrowing friends, mostly moles and mice, with whom he spoke. Then, one day, his life changed forever. While sitting in his cellar, a hole burst open in the floor, and out leapt an earth elemental! Gerome almost died of fright, when the elemental changed form into a human. It was a druid named Cormoran, and he was gravely injured.
Gerome helped Cormoran into his parents’ house and there, Cormoran began a long convalescence. His injuries were supernatural, not physical in nature, and it took Cormoran some time to unlock the means of his restoration. As he researched and rested, he would tell Gerome stories of his travels underground, and Gerome’s eyes widened as he learned of the mysteries, wonders and dangers of that world.
Cormoran required an assistant in his studies, and thus began Gerome’s training as a druid. Gerome learned quickly, much to Cormoran’s pleasure. Eventually, they managed to cure Cormoran of the curses laid upon him.
Cormoran then revealed that the reason for his travels in the underworld was that a tribe of grimlocks had discovered an ancient artifact that threatened to release a great evil on the world. Thankfully, the grimlocks’ blindness prevents them from reading the glyphs on the artifact. But Cormoran fears other evil races, spriggans, duergar, drow, even the mad derro might come into its possession and activate its dark powers. Cormoran asked Gerome to accompany him on his next venture into the darkness and Gerome readily agreed.
Cormoran and Gerome traveled for many years with a variety of adventuring companions, many of whom did not survive. Finally, the pair tracked down the leader of the grimlocks, a barbarian lord named Mosscent. The battle ended when Gerome grabbed the artifact as Cormoran pushed Mosscent over a large cliff, and then wild shaped into a sparrow to fly to safety.
Cormoran, his quest finally achieved, prepared to return to the forests of his youth. But Gerome has no interest in leaves and clouds. He had a taste of rocks, earth and roots, and he would not abandon it. Gerome said fare well to his mentor and decided that the caverns beneath the soil would be his grove. Cormoran gave him the surname “Rootwalker” and then gave him his pearl of power as a farewell present.
Shortly thereafter, Gerome encountered Francis, a dire badger who was being harried by a pair of vicious cave trolls. Gerome drove the cave trolls away, and the gnome and badger became quick loyal companions. Gerome is always looking for more companions with which to travel, to explore the underworld he has made his home and to defend his “grove” from evil.
Friends and Enemies
Cormoran: Gerome’s mentor lives peacefully in his wooded grove above the earth. Gerome might be able to call upon him for a favor or two as they parte don good terms. However, Cormoran has grown concerned of late about Gerome’s obsession with badger psychology. He fears his pupil might be more threatened by demons within than without.
Francis: Gerome’s dire badger companion is a steadfast and loyal ally. However, even Francis is sometimes concerned with Gerome’s violent behavior. Francis fears it is because Gerome mostly only turns into a badger when it is time to fight, and has not been able to fully enjoy the pleasures of a badger at play. Francis cannot understand why anybody would ever want to live with only two legs, and is thus more friendly to a party’s mounts than to the adventurers’ themselves… unless they rub his belly. He likes anybody who will rub his belly.
Mosscent: The grimlock barbarian’s corpse was never discovered, and barbarians are notoriously difficult to kill. Mosscent may maraud the underdark still, biding his time until he can wreak revenge on the young druid who helped humiliate him.
Opalia: One of the few reasons Gerome might be lured above-ground (other than to get supplies) is a chance to get revenge on the stone giantess who plagued his village. Gerome was too young to have any actual memories of her, but the stories his parents told of her brutality gave him nightmares as a child. Were he to discover where she lived, he would drop everything to destroy her.
Gerome’s Stats
(boldface numbers represent his stats when Gerome wild shapes into a dire badger)
Abilities
Str 10 14 (12-2 for race)
Dex 10 17
Con 14 19 (12+2 for race)
Int 10
Wis 18 (17+1 for level)
Cha 11
Defenses
AC 19 16 (+1 size +3 shield +5 armor) (+3 Dex +3 natural) (shield has missile deflection quality, +4 dodge against giant-type)
Fort +7 +9 (+5 [druid] +2 +4 [con])
Reflex +2 +5 (+2 [druid] +3 Dex)
Will +9 (additional +4 against spell-like abilities of the fey, additional +2 racial against illusions) (+5 [druid] +4 [Wis])
Combat
hp 42 (8 [1st] + 22 [2nd-6th] + 12 [con])
Initiative +0 +3
Attack: Shortspear +5 melee 1d4 or shortspear +4 ranged 1d4/20’ increment Claw +2 melee (1d4+4) (+4 [BAB] +1 ) (+1 racial against kobolds and goblinoids)
Full Attack: As standard attack 2 claws +6 melee (1d4+4) and bite +1 melee (1d6+3)
Move 20 ft. (30 ft. when mounted) 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft.
Size: Small Medium
Powers
Languages: Common, Gnome and badger
Feats: Spell Focus (Conjuration) (CL1), Augment Summoning (CL3), Natural Spell (CL6)
Skills (36 points): Handle Animal +9 (+13 with animal companion) (5 ranks +4 Wis), Heal +6 (+8 with kit) (2 ranks +4 Wis), Hide +4 +3 (0 ranks +4 size) (0 ranks +3 Dex), Knowledge (dungeoneering) +6 (6 cross-class ranks), Knowledge (nature) +9 (5 ranks +2 druid +2 synergy), Listen +6 (0 ranks + 4 Wis + 2 race), Ride +9 (7 ranks +2 synergy), Survival +11 (+13 in above-ground natural environments and underground) (5 ranks +4 Wis +2 druid)
Racial Abilities: Alchemical proficiency (+2 on Craft [alchemy]) (unutilized), favored class (bard) (unutilized), illusion focus (+1 to DC of any illusions cast), low-light vision, spell-like Abilities (CL 1, DC 10+SL, 1/day— dancing lights, ghost sound, prestidigitation, speak with animals [burrowing mammal only, duration 1 minute]), Weapon familiarity (gnome hooked hammer) (unutilized).
Class Abilities: Animal Companion (see Francis, below), Wild Empathy (improve attitude of an animal per Diplomacy charts, but use 1d20+8 (+6 druid levels +2 synergy) to determine the wild empathy check result rather than Diplomacy skill), Woodland Stride (move through any sort of undergrowth at normal speed and without taking damage or suffering any other impairment), Trackless Step (leave no trail in natural surroundings and cannot be tracked), Wild Shape (turn into any Small or Medium creature with the animal type with which he is familiar and back again twice per day for earlier of 6 hours duration or dismissal as the alternate form special ability, except gear melds with new form and becomes nonfunctional, changing form is a standard action and doesn’t provoke an attack of opportunity, and each use heals 6 hit points).
As a dire badger, Gerome enters a rage the turn after taking damage gaining +4 Strength, +2 Constitution, and -2 AC. Once enraged, he will not stop fighting until his opponent or he is dead.
Spells Typically Memorized (5 4 4 3):
Zero: Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic
First: Cure Light Wounds, Detect Snares and Pits, Goodberry, Speak with Animals
Second: Bear’s Endurance, Bull’s Strength, Delay Poison, Flaming Sphere
Third: Cure Moderate Wounds, Meld into Stone, Stone Shape
Gerome’s Gear (which meld with his form when he wild shapes) (23.6 lbs. total)
Explorer's outfit, holly & mistletoe, small heavy wooden shield of arrow deflection +1, small hide armor +2, 5 small shortspears, small belt pouch containing pearl of power (1st), 20 pp, 47 gp and 4 sp.
Animal Companion (stats unmodified by spells)
Francis, Dire Badger, Medium Animal, HD 5d8+28 (50 hp), Init +4, Spd 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft., AC 20 (+4 Dex, +5 natural +1 armor), touch 14, flat-footed 16, BAB/Grp +3/+5, AT Claw +5 melee (1d4+2), FAt 2 claws +5 melee (1d4+2) and bite +0 melee (1d6+1), S/R 5 ft./5 ft., SA Rage (on round after taking damage, +4 Strength, +4 Constitution, and -2 AC until it or opponent is dead), SQ Evasion, link, low-light vision, scent, share spells, Saves (including cloak of resistance) Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +6, Abilities Str 15, Dex 18, Con 20, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10, Skills Listen +7, Spot +7, Feats Alertness, Toughness, TrackB, Tricks Attack, Come, Defend, Fetch, Guard, Heel, Stay, Track, AL TN.
Francis’ Gear (25.8 lbs. and 94.4 lbs. when ridden)
Bracers of armor +1, cloak of resistance +1 and a backpack containing a healer’s kit, 30 goodberries, 150 unenchanted berries, 1 week of medium badger trail rations, 1 week of small gnome rations, wand of cure light wounds, 2 potions of protection from arrows 10/magic, small bedroll, small winter blanket, 50’ silk rope with grappling hook, miner’s pick and sunrod.
[SIZE="4"]Wealth and Weight Calculations
Abilities
Str 10 14 (12-2 for race)
Dex 10 17
Con 14 19 (12+2 for race)
Int 10
Wis 18 (17+1 for level)
Cha 11
Defenses
AC 19 16 (+1 size +3 shield +5 armor) (+3 Dex +3 natural) (shield has missile deflection quality, +4 dodge against giant-type)
Fort +7 +9 (+5 [druid] +2 +4 [con])
Reflex +2 +5 (+2 [druid] +3 Dex)
Will +9 (additional +4 against spell-like abilities of the fey, additional +2 racial against illusions) (+5 [druid] +4 [Wis])
Combat
hp 42 (8 [1st] + 22 [2nd-6th] + 12 [con])
Initiative +0 +3
Attack: Shortspear +5 melee 1d4 or shortspear +4 ranged 1d4/20’ increment Claw +2 melee (1d4+4) (+4 [BAB] +1 ) (+1 racial against kobolds and goblinoids)
Full Attack: As standard attack 2 claws +6 melee (1d4+4) and bite +1 melee (1d6+3)
Move 20 ft. (30 ft. when mounted) 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft.
Size: Small Medium
Powers
Languages: Common, Gnome and badger
Feats: Spell Focus (Conjuration) (CL1), Augment Summoning (CL3), Natural Spell (CL6)
Skills (36 points): Handle Animal +9 (+13 with animal companion) (5 ranks +4 Wis), Heal +6 (+8 with kit) (2 ranks +4 Wis), Hide +4 +3 (0 ranks +4 size) (0 ranks +3 Dex), Knowledge (dungeoneering) +6 (6 cross-class ranks), Knowledge (nature) +9 (5 ranks +2 druid +2 synergy), Listen +6 (0 ranks + 4 Wis + 2 race), Ride +9 (7 ranks +2 synergy), Survival +11 (+13 in above-ground natural environments and underground) (5 ranks +4 Wis +2 druid)
Racial Abilities: Alchemical proficiency (+2 on Craft [alchemy]) (unutilized), favored class (bard) (unutilized), illusion focus (+1 to DC of any illusions cast), low-light vision, spell-like Abilities (CL 1, DC 10+SL, 1/day— dancing lights, ghost sound, prestidigitation, speak with animals [burrowing mammal only, duration 1 minute]), Weapon familiarity (gnome hooked hammer) (unutilized).
Class Abilities: Animal Companion (see Francis, below), Wild Empathy (improve attitude of an animal per Diplomacy charts, but use 1d20+8 (+6 druid levels +2 synergy) to determine the wild empathy check result rather than Diplomacy skill), Woodland Stride (move through any sort of undergrowth at normal speed and without taking damage or suffering any other impairment), Trackless Step (leave no trail in natural surroundings and cannot be tracked), Wild Shape (turn into any Small or Medium creature with the animal type with which he is familiar and back again twice per day for earlier of 6 hours duration or dismissal as the alternate form special ability, except gear melds with new form and becomes nonfunctional, changing form is a standard action and doesn’t provoke an attack of opportunity, and each use heals 6 hit points).
As a dire badger, Gerome enters a rage the turn after taking damage gaining +4 Strength, +2 Constitution, and -2 AC. Once enraged, he will not stop fighting until his opponent or he is dead.
Spells Typically Memorized (5 4 4 3):
Zero: Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic
First: Cure Light Wounds, Detect Snares and Pits, Goodberry, Speak with Animals
Second: Bear’s Endurance, Bull’s Strength, Delay Poison, Flaming Sphere
Third: Cure Moderate Wounds, Meld into Stone, Stone Shape
Gerome’s Gear (which meld with his form when he wild shapes) (23.6 lbs. total)
Explorer's outfit, holly & mistletoe, small heavy wooden shield of arrow deflection +1, small hide armor +2, 5 small shortspears, small belt pouch containing pearl of power (1st), 20 pp, 47 gp and 4 sp.
Animal Companion (stats unmodified by spells)
Francis, Dire Badger, Medium Animal, HD 5d8+28 (50 hp), Init +4, Spd 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft., AC 20 (+4 Dex, +5 natural +1 armor), touch 14, flat-footed 16, BAB/Grp +3/+5, AT Claw +5 melee (1d4+2), FAt 2 claws +5 melee (1d4+2) and bite +0 melee (1d6+1), S/R 5 ft./5 ft., SA Rage (on round after taking damage, +4 Strength, +4 Constitution, and -2 AC until it or opponent is dead), SQ Evasion, link, low-light vision, scent, share spells, Saves (including cloak of resistance) Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +6, Abilities Str 15, Dex 18, Con 20, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10, Skills Listen +7, Spot +7, Feats Alertness, Toughness, TrackB, Tricks Attack, Come, Defend, Fetch, Guard, Heel, Stay, Track, AL TN.
Francis’ Gear (25.8 lbs. and 94.4 lbs. when ridden)
Bracers of armor +1, cloak of resistance +1 and a backpack containing a healer’s kit, 30 goodberries, 150 unenchanted berries, 1 week of medium badger trail rations, 1 week of small gnome rations, wand of cure light wounds, 2 potions of protection from arrows 10/magic, small bedroll, small winter blanket, 50’ silk rope with grappling hook, miner’s pick and sunrod.
[SIZE="4"]Wealth and Weight Calculations
Don't worry, you'll get at least one more entry. I'm mulling over some ideas at the moment.
Yay!
Are gunpowder weapons allowed? One of my ideas involves a character with two or three pistols fireing off magical bullets, but if the answer is no, I can stop thinking about her and concentrate on one of my other ideas.
I'm asking because the rules state that material from the dmg is allowed. But the dmg also contains rules for laser rifles and I think those would definitely raise an eyebrow.
I'm gonna give you a craptastic answer: That's really your decision to make. The items, as you pointed out, are in the DMG, in an "optional rules" section as I recall. We didn't say "no optional rules" in the the contest rules, so therefore I have to say that within the letter of the rules it's absolutely allowed.
However... remember that judges get to determine how well they think your character fits into a game as part of your score. It's utterly and completely subjective. Me, personally? Go for it. One of my favorite fantasy series is Joel Rosenberg's "Guardians of the Flame" series. Not only does it use gunpowder, but it also uses other "modern" things like telegraphs. So I absolutely think you can hit a fantasy "feel" while having firearms in a game.
And anther question: Each end of a double weapon is enchanted seperately, right? It makes sense and I'm sure I've that rule somewhere, but I can't find it anywhere in my books.
Yes, that's correct.
Creating magic double-headed weapons is treated as creating two weapons when determining cost, time, XP, and special abilities.
Badgers? We don't need no stinkin' badgers!
I'm gonna give you a craptastic answer: That's really your decision to make. The items, as you pointed out, are in the DMG, in an "optional rules" section as I recall. We didn't say "no optional rules" in the the contest rules, so therefore I have to say that within the letter of the rules it's absolutely allowed.
However... remember that judges get to determine how well they think your character fits into a game as part of your score. It's utterly and completely subjective. Me, personally? Go for it. One of my favorite fantasy series is Joel Rosenberg's "Guardians of the Flame" series. Not only does it use gunpowder, but it also uses other "modern" things like telegraphs. So I absolutely think you can hit a fantasy "feel" while having firearms in a game.
Thanks for your answers. I guess I'll take my chances. I mean it's the first Hero Craftsman for me, so it's not like I've got a reputation to lose.
...bribe the HC#17 judges by offering each of them an identical amount of everything that I have received from Hero Craftsman contestants during my tenures as judge.
As such, I plan on offering an endless stream of "Are you done yets?" beginning the moment the entry deadline has passed.
Stats
barbarian 6
CN male Kobold(humanoid rep.)
Small size (3ft,30lb)
age: 12
darkvision 60ft
ligh sensitivity
+1 nat armor
+2 on craft(trapmakin),profession(miner)and search
speed: 40ft(30+10)
language:draconic
HP: 6d12+6 (48) w.rage=60
Abilities:
Str 14 (16-4racial+2itembonus)
Dex19(16+2racial+1level)
Con12(14-2racial)
Int 8
Wis 10
Cha 8
AC 10+4(dex)+5(armor)+1(size)+1(nat)=21(19 while raging)
Fort 5+1(con)= 6
Reflex 2+4(dex)= 6(8 b.cause of trapsense)
Will 2+0(wis)= 2(4 while raging)
bab+6/+1
Grapple 6+1-4(size)= +3
attacks
+1 greataxe = +10/+5 1d10+4 X3
when raging = +12/+7 1d10+8 X3
+1 creatclub = +9/+5 1d8+4 X2
when raging = +11/+6 1d8+4 X2
Barbarian Class features
Illiteracy
rage 2/day(+4str,+4con,+2wil,-2ac.+2hp/lvl for 5 rounds)
uncanny dodge( retain dex in AC while flat footed)
Improved uncanny dodge(can't be flanked unless its a rouge +4 lvl higher then the barbarian levels.)
Trap sense (+2 reflex vs traps)
Feats
Weapon focus(G.axe)
Power Attack
Cleave
Skills
Climb 4+2(+4in rage)+5(ring)-1(armor)=+10(+12)
jump 4+2(+4in rage)-1(armor)=+5(+7)
listen 7+0=+7
survival 8+0=+8
hide 2+4+4(size)-1(armor) =+9
search 0+0+2(racial bonus)=+2
spot 0 +0=0
Skill points total= 28
Items
+1 greataxe = 20+300+2000=2320gp , 6lb
+1 greatclub= 5+300+2000=2305gp , 4lb
gauntlets of ogre power +2str= 4000 gp , 2lb
+1chainshirt= +1000+150=1150gp 12,5lb
ring of climbing +5 in climb= 2500
backpack 0,5lb
waterskin 0,5lb
explorers outfit 2lb
total value: 12275 gp
barbarian 6
CN male Kobold(humanoid rep.)
Small size (3ft,30lb)
age: 12
darkvision 60ft
ligh sensitivity
+1 nat armor
+2 on craft(trapmakin),profession(miner)and search
speed: 40ft(30+10)
language:draconic
HP: 6d12+6 (48) w.rage=60
Abilities:
Str 14 (16-4racial+2itembonus)
Dex19(16+2racial+1level)
Con12(14-2racial)
Int 8
Wis 10
Cha 8
AC 10+4(dex)+5(armor)+1(size)+1(nat)=21(19 while raging)
Fort 5+1(con)= 6
Reflex 2+4(dex)= 6(8 b.cause of trapsense)
Will 2+0(wis)= 2(4 while raging)
bab+6/+1
Grapple 6+1-4(size)= +3
attacks
+1 greataxe = +10/+5 1d10+4 X3
when raging = +12/+7 1d10+8 X3
+1 creatclub = +9/+5 1d8+4 X2
when raging = +11/+6 1d8+4 X2
Barbarian Class features
Illiteracy
rage 2/day(+4str,+4con,+2wil,-2ac.+2hp/lvl for 5 rounds)
uncanny dodge( retain dex in AC while flat footed)
Improved uncanny dodge(can't be flanked unless its a rouge +4 lvl higher then the barbarian levels.)
Trap sense (+2 reflex vs traps)
Feats
Weapon focus(G.axe)
Power Attack
Cleave
Skills
Climb 4+2(+4in rage)+5(ring)-1(armor)=+10(+12)
jump 4+2(+4in rage)-1(armor)=+5(+7)
listen 7+0=+7
survival 8+0=+8
hide 2+4+4(size)-1(armor) =+9
search 0+0+2(racial bonus)=+2
spot 0 +0=0
Skill points total= 28
Items
+1 greataxe = 20+300+2000=2320gp , 6lb
+1 greatclub= 5+300+2000=2305gp , 4lb
gauntlets of ogre power +2str= 4000 gp , 2lb
+1chainshirt= +1000+150=1150gp 12,5lb
ring of climbing +5 in climb= 2500
backpack 0,5lb
waterskin 0,5lb
explorers outfit 2lb
total value: 12275 gp
I'm sure you could of petitioned for the judges to allow Races of the Dragon material.
What? A PC Kobold that isn't a sorcerer, and doesn't have wings?
I was actually at first going to make a kobold paladin but I found out that a kobold barbarian was way cooler then some "sorcery blastin flying" thing :P
No Judges Allowed
Here are some of my thoughts on your entries:
Gerome Rootwalker
Yeah... your entry intimidates me. My only real question is why you chose "rations" instead of "feed" for your Badger. It's cheaper, and probably more appropriate to what your badger would actually eat.
No Judges Allowed
The better question is why isn't Gerome also eating feed when in badger form? My thought was that Gerome thought of Francis as a buddy, not a steed. (And Francis, when acting as a steed, merely thinks of itself as carrying a wounded comrade -- wounded because Gerome has two non-functioning legs when in gnome form). So Gerome feeds Francis "real" food. Of course, at some point Gerome is going to start thinking of feed as "real food", which may save him some coin
I also realized too late I forgot to include armor check penalties in my skill calculations.
Thanks for the kind words! I haven't had a chance to read the other entries
My only real question is why you chose "rations" instead of "feed" for your Badger. It's cheaper, and probably more appropriate to what your badger would actually eat.
The better question is why isn't Gerome also eating feed when in badger form? My thought was that Gerome thought of Francis as a buddy, not a steed. (And Francis, when acting as a steed, merely thinks of itself as carrying a wounded comrade -- wounded because Gerome has two non-functioning legs when in gnome form). So Gerome feeds Francis "real" food. Of course, at some point Gerome is going to start thinking of feed as "real food", which may save him some coin
I also realized too late I forgot to include armor check penalties in my skill calculations.
Thanks for the kind words! I haven't had a chance to read the other entries
Judges only, no contestants
So, how's your vacation going? ;)
So, how's your vacation going? ;)
no judges allowed
Ah thanks Jason for pointing out my mistakes , I was kind of in a hurry postin this character before going to work so there ya have it. Oh and a "creat" is supoesed to be "great" :P.
Dang spotted another mistake , the bab on the great club is suposed to be +4normally...guess I'll be cross my fingers for a good backstory points:D
Ah thanks Jason for pointing out my mistakes , I was kind of in a hurry postin this character before going to work so there ya have it. Oh and a "creat" is supoesed to be "great" :P.
Dang spotted another mistake , the bab on the great club is suposed to be +4normally...guess I'll be cross my fingers for a good backstory points:D
...in other news, wrecan, my earlier post has been appropriately edited.
So, you learned how to edit posts without leaving an "edited by" tag as well? We are both vbullettin masters.
I have actually done this - if you edit your post immediately after posting it, the "edited by" line doesn't show up.
Race: Male Halfling
Alignment/Diety: Chaotic Neutral/ Olidammara
Class: Rogue/5, Thief Acrobat/1
Size: Small
Languages: Common, Halfling, Dwarven (Bonus)
"Rope? I don't need no stinking rope."
Fluff 'n Stuff
Description: Milo stands about 4 feet tall and weighs 50 lbs, He has Brown hair and green eyes. His skin is a shade of peach and his physique is that of an athlete, a constant reminder of his years of training. He also bears a scar on his left cheek and a tattoo of Olidammara's symbol on his back.
Personality: Milo is a very cheery fellow, so much so that it is difficult to tell when he is joking or not, but he is also very realistic. Despite his chosen profession he prefers flight over fight and will flee at any opportunity during a fight. His skills however, cannot be questioned, he takes great pride in his ability to maneuver through difficult terrain, especially that found in ancient tombs and scale any wall(his favorite places to rob).
History(as told by Milo): "So you want to know about my past, haha sure why not. I have time. I bet you're expecting me to start with my childhood and how difficult it was, but I won't bore you with such trivial details, instead I will tell about some of my adventures. I'll start with how I got this scar"
"It was my first time raiding an old tomb. In my arrogance I thought I could do it alone. Everything was going smoothly at first, no problems with the traps or the inhabitants of the tomb, but the trap guarding the main burial chamber proved too much for my inexperienced self and it went off in my face, nearly killing me. I can't remember most of the events after that, but I can tell you I somehow made it out and was found by a passing merchant who was able to tend my wounds. This scar is a permanent reminder of this incident."
"Now, you may not be able to see it, but I have a tattoo on my back. The story behind it is an interesting one. I got in celebration of my sheer luck in escaping a Dragon's horde alive. The whole adventure itself was just supposed to be a standard hit and run on a local ancient ruins, but we didn't realize that it had been taken over by a Black Dragon to be used to store its horde. We went in and met little resistance by anything other than traps, all of which i was able to stop until we came across a room filled will piles of gold and other valuable items. We didn't see the Dragon hiding in the darkness and when he finally attacked, he relieved our wiggly fingers of his head leaving us without any magical back up. The fighter and cleric followed suit. Naturally I bolted, with the dragon on heels. I thought for sure I was doomed when I heard the Dragon inhale, but suddenly the ground beneath me disappeared and I found myself sliding through a stone tube. The tube finally ended and I fell into a lake. It took me a second to realize that I had triggered the trap I chose to bypass on our way in. It was then I realized Olidammara was watching over me, and I had his mark tattooed onto my back."
Description: Milo stands about 4 feet tall and weighs 50 lbs, He has Brown hair and green eyes. His skin is a shade of peach and his physique is that of an athlete, a constant reminder of his years of training. He also bears a scar on his left cheek and a tattoo of Olidammara's symbol on his back.
Personality: Milo is a very cheery fellow, so much so that it is difficult to tell when he is joking or not, but he is also very realistic. Despite his chosen profession he prefers flight over fight and will flee at any opportunity during a fight. His skills however, cannot be questioned, he takes great pride in his ability to maneuver through difficult terrain, especially that found in ancient tombs and scale any wall(his favorite places to rob).
History(as told by Milo): "So you want to know about my past, haha sure why not. I have time. I bet you're expecting me to start with my childhood and how difficult it was, but I won't bore you with such trivial details, instead I will tell about some of my adventures. I'll start with how I got this scar"
"It was my first time raiding an old tomb. In my arrogance I thought I could do it alone. Everything was going smoothly at first, no problems with the traps or the inhabitants of the tomb, but the trap guarding the main burial chamber proved too much for my inexperienced self and it went off in my face, nearly killing me. I can't remember most of the events after that, but I can tell you I somehow made it out and was found by a passing merchant who was able to tend my wounds. This scar is a permanent reminder of this incident."
"Now, you may not be able to see it, but I have a tattoo on my back. The story behind it is an interesting one. I got in celebration of my sheer luck in escaping a Dragon's horde alive. The whole adventure itself was just supposed to be a standard hit and run on a local ancient ruins, but we didn't realize that it had been taken over by a Black Dragon to be used to store its horde. We went in and met little resistance by anything other than traps, all of which i was able to stop until we came across a room filled will piles of gold and other valuable items. We didn't see the Dragon hiding in the darkness and when he finally attacked, he relieved our wiggly fingers of his head leaving us without any magical back up. The fighter and cleric followed suit. Naturally I bolted, with the dragon on heels. I thought for sure I was doomed when I heard the Dragon inhale, but suddenly the ground beneath me disappeared and I found myself sliding through a stone tube. The tube finally ended and I fell into a lake. It took me a second to realize that I had triggered the trap I chose to bypass on our way in. It was then I realized Olidammara was watching over me, and I had his mark tattooed onto my back."
Welcome to the contest, Galeigh.
No Judges Allowed
Milo Shortfellow
I have nothing but profound respect for Halflings, as my first Hero Craftsman entry was a Halfling Cleric named Milo Tosscobble. I wish you the best of luck. You have a very neat entry, btw. Nicely done.
Briefly glancing over your entry, I noticed a couple of things:
-Technically, you have a +1 "size" bonus to AC, not a +1 "racial" bonus.
-Weapon Finesse isn't a legitimate Level 1 feat for your character b/c it requires a +1 BAB. Still, you could switch either of your other two feats out, and your build would remain almost identical.
Other than that, very nice entry! Welcome aboard.
Note: Please don't edit your entry... you'll get disqualified. I'm just one of the regular judges, and I usually provide feedback even if I'm competing.
I have nothing but profound respect for Halflings, as my first Hero Craftsman entry was a Halfling Cleric named Milo Tosscobble. I wish you the best of luck. You have a very neat entry, btw. Nicely done.
Briefly glancing over your entry, I noticed a couple of things:
-Technically, you have a +1 "size" bonus to AC, not a +1 "racial" bonus.
-Weapon Finesse isn't a legitimate Level 1 feat for your character b/c it requires a +1 BAB. Still, you could switch either of your other two feats out, and your build would remain almost identical.
Other than that, very nice entry! Welcome aboard.
Note: Please don't edit your entry... you'll get disqualified. I'm just one of the regular judges, and I usually provide feedback even if I'm competing.
Also, just a reminder to everybody else: just a bit over 24 hours left to get your entry in!
No Judges AllowedMilo Shortfellow
I have nothing but profound respect for Halflings, as my first Hero Craftsman entry was a Halfling Cleric named Milo Tosscobble. I wish you the best of luck. You have a very neat entry, btw. Nicely done.
Briefly glancing over your entry, I noticed a couple of things:
-Technically, you have a +1 "size" bonus to AC, not a +1 "racial" bonus.
-Weapon Finesse isn't a legitimate Level 1 feat for your character b/c it requires a +1 BAB. Still, you could switch either of your other two feats out, and your build would remain almost identical.
Other than that, very nice entry! Welcome aboard.
Note: Please don't edit your entry... you'll get disqualified. I'm just one of the regular judges, and I usually provide feedback even if I'm competing.
Stats
Sasha
Female deep halfling Ranger 5/Horizon walker 1
TN small humanoid
Initiative +7 (+3 Dex, +4 feat), Senses: Listen +13, Spot +11
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Halfling
Age 28, Height 2’ 5”, Weight 33 lb
Deity: None
AC 19 (+5 armor, +3 dex, +1 size) Touch 14, Flatfooted 16
HP 36 (6d8 + 6 Con)
Fort +8 (+4 Ranger, +2 HW, +1 Con, +1 race)
Ref +8 (+4 Ranger, + 3 Dex, +1 race)
Will +4 (+1 Ranger, +2 Wis, +1 race)
(+2 morale bonus on all saves vs fear)
Speed 20’
Melee: Morningstar, +8/+3, Dam 1d6+1, x2
Ranged: +1 comp longbow (Str +1), +11/+6/, Dam 1d6+2, x3, Range 165ft
BAB +6/+1 (+5 Ranger, +1 HW) Grapple +3
Base Abilities (28 pt array - 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10)
Str 13
Dex 14
Con 12
Int 11
Wis 15
Cha 10
Current Abilities (modifier)
Str 12 (+1) (-2 race, +1 level)
Dex 16 (+3) (+2 race)
Con 12 (+1)
Int 11 (+0)
Wis 15 (+2)
Cha 10 (+0)
Special Abilities
Animal Companion (Issla - Med Viper)
Conbat Style (archery)
Darkvision 120' (60' race + 60' class)
Favored enemy (Abberations) +2
Favored enemy (Vermin) +4
Stonecunning
Terrain mastery (Underground)
Wild empathy +7 (+5 class, +2 synergy)
Feats: Endurance (Class bonus), Far Shot, Improved Initiative, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot (Class bonus) Track (Class bonus)
Skills:
Appraise +0 (+2 for stone and metal) (+2 race)
Climb +12 (+1 Str, 9 ranks, +2 circ (kit))
Handle Animal +8 (8 ranks)
Hide +16 (+3 Dex, 9 ranks, +4 size)
Knowledge (geography) +8 (+0 Int, 8 ranks)
Listen + 13 (+2 Wis, 9 ranks, +2 race)
Ride +5 (+3 Dex, +2 synergy)
Spot +11 (+2 Wis, 9 ranks)
Possessions (all prices in gp):
+1 Mithral chain shirt (2,100)
+1 Composite Longbow (Str +1) (2,500)
Heward's Handy Haversack (2000)
Quiver of Ehlonna (1800)
Rope of Climbing (3000)
Wand of CLW (25 charges left) (375)
60 arrows (3)
20 cold iron arrows (2)
20 silver arrows (41)
Morningstar (8)
Flint and steel (1)
7 days trail rations (3.5)
Winter blanket (0.5)
Everburning torch (110)
Bedroll (0.1)
2 bags caltrops (2)
Miner's pick (3)
Hammer (0.5)
14 pitons (1.4)
Shovel (2)
Waterskin (1)
Whetstone (0.02)
Clay mug (0.02)
1 empty flask (0.03)
2 pieces chalk (0.02)
1 day's firewood (0.01)
4 flasks holy water (100)
Belt pouch (1)
Explorer's outfit (free at creation)
8 days animal feed (0.4)
Spell component pouch (5)
2 scroll cases (2)
Climber's kit (80)
2 scrolls of Detect snares and pits (50)
2 scrolls of Speak with animals (50)
4 scrolls of [i[Delay poison[/i] (100)
2 potions ot Magic Fang (100)
2 potions of [i]Shield of Faith[i] (100)
1 oil of Bless weapon (100)
1 vial Silversheen (250)
5 tindertwigs (5)
10 torches (0.1)
Cash: 102gp, 4sp
TOTAL OWNED: 13,000gp
Typical Spell Selection: (Saves DC12 + spell level)
1st lvl
Endure Elements
Level breakdown
Level 1-5 Ranger 1-5
Maxed class skills (6 points/level, x4 for 1st): Climb, Handle Animal, Hide, Knowledge (geography), Listen, Spot
Level 1 feat: Imp Initiative, Track (bonus)
Level 2 feat: Rapid Shot (bonus)
Level 3 feat: Endurance (bonus), Point Blank shot
Level 4 ability: Str +1
Level 6 - Ranger 5/Horizon Walker 1
Feat: Far shot
Terrain mastery (Underground)
Skills: 1 point each (4 available) to Climb, Hide, Listen, Spot
Sasha
Female deep halfling Ranger 5/Horizon walker 1
TN small humanoid
Initiative +7 (+3 Dex, +4 feat), Senses: Listen +13, Spot +11
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Halfling
Age 28, Height 2’ 5”, Weight 33 lb
Deity: None
AC 19 (+5 armor, +3 dex, +1 size) Touch 14, Flatfooted 16
HP 36 (6d8 + 6 Con)
Fort +8 (+4 Ranger, +2 HW, +1 Con, +1 race)
Ref +8 (+4 Ranger, + 3 Dex, +1 race)
Will +4 (+1 Ranger, +2 Wis, +1 race)
(+2 morale bonus on all saves vs fear)
Speed 20’
Melee: Morningstar, +8/+3, Dam 1d6+1, x2
Ranged: +1 comp longbow (Str +1), +11/+6/, Dam 1d6+2, x3, Range 165ft
BAB +6/+1 (+5 Ranger, +1 HW) Grapple +3
Base Abilities (28 pt array - 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10)
Str 13
Dex 14
Con 12
Int 11
Wis 15
Cha 10
Current Abilities (modifier)
Str 12 (+1) (-2 race, +1 level)
Dex 16 (+3) (+2 race)
Con 12 (+1)
Int 11 (+0)
Wis 15 (+2)
Cha 10 (+0)
Special Abilities
Animal Companion (Issla - Med Viper)
Conbat Style (archery)
Darkvision 120' (60' race + 60' class)
Favored enemy (Abberations) +2
Favored enemy (Vermin) +4
Stonecunning
Terrain mastery (Underground)
Wild empathy +7 (+5 class, +2 synergy)
Feats: Endurance (Class bonus), Far Shot, Improved Initiative, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot (Class bonus) Track (Class bonus)
Skills:
Appraise +0 (+2 for stone and metal) (+2 race)
Climb +12 (+1 Str, 9 ranks, +2 circ (kit))
Handle Animal +8 (8 ranks)
Hide +16 (+3 Dex, 9 ranks, +4 size)
Knowledge (geography) +8 (+0 Int, 8 ranks)
Listen + 13 (+2 Wis, 9 ranks, +2 race)
Ride +5 (+3 Dex, +2 synergy)
Spot +11 (+2 Wis, 9 ranks)
Possessions (all prices in gp):
+1 Mithral chain shirt (2,100)
+1 Composite Longbow (Str +1) (2,500)
Heward's Handy Haversack (2000)
Quiver of Ehlonna (1800)
Rope of Climbing (3000)
Wand of CLW (25 charges left) (375)
60 arrows (3)
20 cold iron arrows (2)
20 silver arrows (41)
Morningstar (8)
Flint and steel (1)
7 days trail rations (3.5)
Winter blanket (0.5)
Everburning torch (110)
Bedroll (0.1)
2 bags caltrops (2)
Miner's pick (3)
Hammer (0.5)
14 pitons (1.4)
Shovel (2)
Waterskin (1)
Whetstone (0.02)
Clay mug (0.02)
1 empty flask (0.03)
2 pieces chalk (0.02)
1 day's firewood (0.01)
4 flasks holy water (100)
Belt pouch (1)
Explorer's outfit (free at creation)
8 days animal feed (0.4)
Spell component pouch (5)
2 scroll cases (2)
Climber's kit (80)
2 scrolls of Detect snares and pits (50)
2 scrolls of Speak with animals (50)
4 scrolls of [i[Delay poison[/i] (100)
2 potions ot Magic Fang (100)
2 potions of [i]Shield of Faith[i] (100)
1 oil of Bless weapon (100)
1 vial Silversheen (250)
5 tindertwigs (5)
10 torches (0.1)
Cash: 102gp, 4sp
TOTAL OWNED: 13,000gp
Typical Spell Selection: (Saves DC12 + spell level)
1st lvl
Endure Elements
Level breakdown
Level 1-5 Ranger 1-5
Maxed class skills (6 points/level, x4 for 1st): Climb, Handle Animal, Hide, Knowledge (geography), Listen, Spot
Level 1 feat: Imp Initiative, Track (bonus)
Level 2 feat: Rapid Shot (bonus)
Level 3 feat: Endurance (bonus), Point Blank shot
Level 4 ability: Str +1
Level 6 - Ranger 5/Horizon Walker 1
Feat: Far shot
Terrain mastery (Underground)
Skills: 1 point each (4 available) to Climb, Hide, Listen, Spot
hello?
See how I said "shortest"? It's a pun. It's funny. Hello? Anybody?
Screw you guys.
A dwarf, gnome and two halflings. This may be the shortest competition yet!
hello?
See how I said "shortest"? It's a pun. It's funny. Hello? Anybody?
:heehee
I guess that's what happens when you try to come in under schedule...
Also, just a reminder to everybody else: just a bit over 24 hours left to get your entry in!
so its time to get started on mine?
A dwarf, gnome and two halflings. This may be the shortest competition yet!
hello?
See how I said "shortest"? It's a pun. It's funny. Hello? Anybody?
Screw you guys.
wrecan, I'm afraid that joke was a little over our heads.
still all
to small
to ride a roller coaster.
Although, as a point of advice: don't mock the coordinating judge. ;)
Although, as a point of advice: don't mock the coordinating judge. ;)
To which I add the critical modifier:
...where he can read it.
No Judges Allowed, Including Coordinators
Hey Heros, I just wanted to say your entry looks awesome. When I get a chance, I'll pour over it and desperately hope I can find an error... so that I maintain some hope of earning a medal. You continue to impress me w/ your ability to create high-quality entries using only Core material.
Oh... and everyone snicker and make comments like Z is being slammed.
Oh... and everyone snicker and make comments like Z is being slammed.
LN Male (psionic) Duergar Ranger 3/Psychic Warrior 2 (+1 LA = ECL 6)
Languages: Common, Dwarf, Goblin (bonus language), Undercommon
Age: 67, Height: 4’5”, Weight: 186 lb
Deity: Fharlanghn
Abilities:
Str: 12 (+1) (4 points)
Dex: 16 (+3) ((8 points, +1 to Ability @ level 4)
Con: 14 (+2) (4 points, +2 racial modifier )
Int: 12 (+1) (4 points)
Wis: 14 (+2) (6 points)
Chr: 6 (-2) (2points, -4 racial modifier)
Initiative: +3
Senses: Listen +9, Spot +9, Stonecunning, Darkvision 120ft
AC: 18 (22 with shield bonus from force screen) (+5 armor, +3 Dex)
Touch: 13, Flatfooted: 15
HP: 36 (5d8 + 10 Con), PP: 6 (1 class, +2 Wis, +3 racial)
Fort: +8 (+3 Ranger, +3 Psychic Warrior, +2 Con)
Ref : +6 (+3 Ranger, +0 Psychic Warrior, +3 Dex)
Will : +3 (+1 Ranger, +0 Psychic Warrior, +2 Wis)
BAB: 4, Grapple: 5
Melee:
+1 Shortsword: +8/+3, 1d6+2, 19-20/x2 or
dual-wielded +1 Shortswords: +6/+6, 1d6+2, 19-20/x2
Ranged:
Masterwork Pistol (with +1 Bullets): +8, 1d10+1, 20/x3, 50ft or
dual-wielded Masterwork Pistols (with +1 Bullets): +4/+4, 1d10+1, 20/x3, 50ft
Special Abilities:
• Darkvision out to 120 feet.
• Immunity to paralysis, phantasms, and poison.
• +2 racial bonus on saves against spells and spell-like effects.
• Stability: Duergar are exceptionally stable on their feet. A duergar receives a +4 bonus on ability checks made to resist being bull rushed or tripped when standing on the ground (but not when climbing, flying, riding or otherwise not standing firmly on the ground).
• Stonecunning: This ability grants a duergar a +2 racial bonus on Search checks to notice unusual stonework, such as sliding walls, stonework, traps, new construction (even when built to match the old), unsafe stone surfaces, shaky stone ceilings, and the like. Something that isn’t stone but that is disguised as stone also counts as unusual stonework.
A gray dwarf who merely comes within 10 feet of unusual stonework can make a Search check as if he were actively searching, and a duergar can use the Search skill to find stonework traps as a rogue can. A duergar can also intuit depth, sensing his approximate depth underground as naturally as a human can sense which way is up. Duergar have a sixth sense about stonework, an innate ability that they get plenty of opportunity to practice and hone in their underground homes.
• Psi-Like Abilities: 1/day—expansion, invisibility. These abilities affect only the duergar and whatever he carries. Manifester level is equal to Hit Dice (minimum 3rd).
• Naturally Psionic: Duergar gain 3 bonus power points at 1st level. This benefit does not grant them the ability to manifest powers unless they gain that ability through another source, such as levels in a psionic class.
• +1 racial bonus on attack rolls against orcs (including half-orcs) and goblinoids (including goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears).
• +4 dodge bonus to Armor Class against creatures of the giant type (such as ogres, trolls, and hill giants).
• Light Sensitivity (Ex): Duergar are dazzled in sunlight or within the radius of a daylight spell.
• Duergar have a +4 racial bonus on Move Silently checks and a +1 racial bonus on Listen and Spot checks. They have a +2 racial bonus on Appraise and Craft checks that are related to stone or metal.
Class Features:
Favored Enemy: Abberations
Wild Empathy
Feats:
Endurance*, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (firearms), Point Blanc Shot**, Psionic Shot**, Track*, Two-Weapon Fighting*, Weapon Finesse
* Ranger Class Features
** Psychic Warrior Bonus Feat
Skills:
Ranger (42):
Climb: +6 (6, +1 Str, -1 acp)
Hide: +8 (6, +3 Dex, -1 acp)
Knowledge (dungeoneering): +7 (6, +1 Int)
Listen: +9 (6, +2 Wis, +1 racial)
Move Silently: +12 (6, +3 Dex, +4 racial, -1 acp)
Spot: +9 (6, +2 Wis, +1 racial)
Survival: +8 (6, +2 Wis)
Psychic Warrior (6):
Concentration: +5 (3, +2 Con)
Knowledge (psionics): +4 (3, +1 Int)
Psychic Warrior Powers Known:
1.- Biofeedback, Force Screen
Equipment:
+1 Shortsword 2310 gp/ 2 lb (x2)
Masterwork Pistol 550 gp/ 3 lb (x3)
+1 Bullets (50) 2350 gp / 10 lb
+1 Chain Shirt 1250 gp/ 25 lb
small powder keg 250 gp/ 20 lb
powder horn 35 gp/ 2 lb (x3)
backpack 2 gp/ 2 lb
bedroll 1 sp/ 5 lb
flint and steel 1 gp
grappling hook 1 gp/ 4 lb
hammer 5 sp/ 2 lb
silk rope (100 ft) 20 gp/ 10 lb
waterskin 1 gp / 4 lb
whetstone 2 cp/ 1 lb
climber’s kit 80 gp/ 5 lb
trail rations 5 sp/ 1 lb
Total Cost: 10331 gp, 1 sp, 2 cp, Total Weight: 108 lb (heavy encumbrance)
2500 gp stored in family vault
Money: 168 gp, 8 sp, 8 cp
Appearance:
Greasy thin, black hair clings to Mikail’s head. His pale skin betrays the fact that he never walked under the sun. He seldom smiles, but if he does he displays his crooked teeth. He shaves of his beard whenever he stays in a town for a longer time but doesn’t bother with shaving while he travels. His wears worn brown leather clothing and a dirt-grey cloak. Two shortswords hang from his belt and a pistol is tucked into it. Two more pistols and a powder horn are tucked into a belt hanging diagonally from his left shoulder to his right waist.
Tactics:
Though Mikail is no coward he tries to avoid unnecessary battles by sneaking past his adversaries or even taking another route if he finds a path blocked. If he does chose to enter battle, he prefers to do it in a spot of his own chosing, from a hidden spot, psioniocally focused and with his force screen up. Getting in his first shot, expending his focus to turn it into a psionic shot is his key to quickly ending a fight. In a drawn out fight he prefers to stay back and shoot his pistols. If forced into melee he fights defensivly if he has allies who can come to his aid, otherwise he tries to get rid of his opponent(s) as quickly as possible allowing him to retreat into the shadows. If he is ambushed or when a battle is going badly he uses his invisibility power to flee. He doesn’t like using his expansion power, since he feels simply to clumsy when he is enlarged (while using expansion he looses his Weapon Finesse due to the Dex penalty).
Background Story:
Mikail is the black sheep of the Ironsmelter family. He is lacking the industriousness so common among duergar. Instead of learning how to smelt iron and other metals he spends his time exploring the underdark, or hunting abberations for pleasure. He spends more time in the deep gnome city of Glowing Rocks (a common meeting place for adventurers and underdark explorers) than his hometown of Redforge. The gnomes of Glowing Rocks are also the ones who build his pistols and provide him with gunpowder in exchange for him keeping the abberation population down..
His family only grudgingly tolerates Mikail’s disrespectable lifestyle because he has two older brothers, who have taken over the smelting business. His family can still rely on Mikail in case of a feud with one ofother smelter families. His training as psychic warrior is the result of his father’s effords to teach his children to defend the family business with force, if necessary.
note: Milo may be short but He can still jump over you :O
Background
K’neega was born of noble parents – in all senses of the word. K’neega was the oldest child of Boron Grimsolson and Biblia Garinsdotter. His father was the clan warchief and next in line for the clan throne. His mother was the clan loremaster, and in Clan Bolbir that was all but equivalent to the clan chief. The name Bolbir means “Secret Keeper” in Dwarven. Gorin Grimsolson was the clan chief and K’neega’s uncle, and Gorin had no children. Because Boron had no desire to be clan chief he persuaded his brother to declare K’neega as his heir rather than himself. So K’neega was taught in all the learning and skills of his parents. They were a happy and loving family, and for a young dwarf as strong and as curious as K’neega it was an idyllic childhood.
Clan Bolbir was a clan of learning and great knowledge of making. Magical and mundane crafting alike were brought to some of their highest expressions in the shops and forges and laboratories of Clan Bolbir. To prepare him for his role as leader K’neega was sent to learn about and from several of the clans related to Clan Bolbir.
K’neega loved to learn from the other clans about all subjects. While he was not taught many crafting skills (those being his clan’s specialty) he learned much about the world – and about fighting. After a year with the other clans K’neega did not receive any communication from his family for over a month. Even his letters requesting news went unanswered. Concerned, he returned to his home.
He found Clan Bolbir all but wiped out. Many were killed and most of the structures in the clanhold were destroyed. His father and uncle had both been killed. Even worse, his mother has been captured along with most other craftmasters. But they were not kept long, the other survivors said that the captives were taken into main hall and were in there about an hour each. When they came out almost all of their memories were gone. Most remembered their name and could fulfill the basic tasks of living, but some lost even that. He gathered the survivors and got them going to the nearest clan for safety and then set off alone (as the only one capable of going and fighting) to rescue the captives. That was 2 years ago.
Survivors heard comments among the raiders that they are looking specifically for those of great knowledge. The raiders that were seen were of all sorts of underground denizens. Duergar, grimlocks, troglodytes, skum, and at least a few drow. No one saw inside the main hall, except those that lost their memories, and none of them can tell what happened in there.
K’neega searches now for information on what happened to his clan. He hopes not only for revenge, but also to somehow obtain the return of the minds, knowledge, and memories of his mother and the other clan elders. That knowledge was the basis for his clan – without it there is no clan. He looks not only to destroy his enemies, but also to re-establish his clan. K’neega is the heir to the clan leadership, but he has no clan to lead.
Over the last 2 years K’neega has searched far, wide, and deep for clues about the destruction of his clan. Some of that has been alone, but most has been as a member of various adventuring parties. K’neega likes working with groups not only because they are able to accomplish more than he can as an individual, but also because he still loves to learn about anything he can. Along the way he found a faithful animal companion, a large dog he named Tome. The dog was hesitant the first time K’neega tried to take him underground, but since has become very comfortable in the close quarters they often end up in. He has learned to apply much of what he learns in fighting. There are always new tricks and tips on opponents’ weaknesses and how to fight them better.
He recently helped to stop a rampaging group of derro. In doing so he found evidence that this group had been part of the band that attacked Clan Bolbir. He also found evidence that the derro had been controlled by someone else – and the clues pointed to aberrations deep underground. K’neega is currently looking for a group interested in following this new information with him.
K’neega was born of noble parents – in all senses of the word. K’neega was the oldest child of Boron Grimsolson and Biblia Garinsdotter. His father was the clan warchief and next in line for the clan throne. His mother was the clan loremaster, and in Clan Bolbir that was all but equivalent to the clan chief. The name Bolbir means “Secret Keeper” in Dwarven. Gorin Grimsolson was the clan chief and K’neega’s uncle, and Gorin had no children. Because Boron had no desire to be clan chief he persuaded his brother to declare K’neega as his heir rather than himself. So K’neega was taught in all the learning and skills of his parents. They were a happy and loving family, and for a young dwarf as strong and as curious as K’neega it was an idyllic childhood.
Clan Bolbir was a clan of learning and great knowledge of making. Magical and mundane crafting alike were brought to some of their highest expressions in the shops and forges and laboratories of Clan Bolbir. To prepare him for his role as leader K’neega was sent to learn about and from several of the clans related to Clan Bolbir.
K’neega loved to learn from the other clans about all subjects. While he was not taught many crafting skills (those being his clan’s specialty) he learned much about the world – and about fighting. After a year with the other clans K’neega did not receive any communication from his family for over a month. Even his letters requesting news went unanswered. Concerned, he returned to his home.
He found Clan Bolbir all but wiped out. Many were killed and most of the structures in the clanhold were destroyed. His father and uncle had both been killed. Even worse, his mother has been captured along with most other craftmasters. But they were not kept long, the other survivors said that the captives were taken into main hall and were in there about an hour each. When they came out almost all of their memories were gone. Most remembered their name and could fulfill the basic tasks of living, but some lost even that. He gathered the survivors and got them going to the nearest clan for safety and then set off alone (as the only one capable of going and fighting) to rescue the captives. That was 2 years ago.
Survivors heard comments among the raiders that they are looking specifically for those of great knowledge. The raiders that were seen were of all sorts of underground denizens. Duergar, grimlocks, troglodytes, skum, and at least a few drow. No one saw inside the main hall, except those that lost their memories, and none of them can tell what happened in there.
K’neega searches now for information on what happened to his clan. He hopes not only for revenge, but also to somehow obtain the return of the minds, knowledge, and memories of his mother and the other clan elders. That knowledge was the basis for his clan – without it there is no clan. He looks not only to destroy his enemies, but also to re-establish his clan. K’neega is the heir to the clan leadership, but he has no clan to lead.
Over the last 2 years K’neega has searched far, wide, and deep for clues about the destruction of his clan. Some of that has been alone, but most has been as a member of various adventuring parties. K’neega likes working with groups not only because they are able to accomplish more than he can as an individual, but also because he still loves to learn about anything he can. Along the way he found a faithful animal companion, a large dog he named Tome. The dog was hesitant the first time K’neega tried to take him underground, but since has become very comfortable in the close quarters they often end up in. He has learned to apply much of what he learns in fighting. There are always new tricks and tips on opponents’ weaknesses and how to fight them better.
He recently helped to stop a rampaging group of derro. In doing so he found evidence that this group had been part of the band that attacked Clan Bolbir. He also found evidence that the derro had been controlled by someone else – and the clues pointed to aberrations deep underground. K’neega is currently looking for a group interested in following this new information with him.
Personal Description
K’neega has little patience with those that can’t keep up – physically or mentally. He is often very rude and insulting to those he doesn’t respect. His eyes squint from long hours reading and he has a crooked nose, a remnant of a poorly set broken nose. His brown eyes and brown hair are nearly the same color, and he keeps his beard and hair braided.
K’neega has little patience with those that can’t keep up – physically or mentally. He is often very rude and insulting to those he doesn’t respect. His eyes squint from long hours reading and he has a crooked nose, a remnant of a poorly set broken nose. His brown eyes and brown hair are nearly the same color, and he keeps his beard and hair braided.
Now I'm off to change my sig - it is still pointing to HC #13.
No Judges Allowed, Including Coordinators
Thanks. Sasha was a bit of a rush, due to a number of things. Looking back at it now, I can see I've missed out a couple of things and messed up a couple of others, so don't despair - the mistakes are in place.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, so I guess the necessity of only having the core books means I'm used to inventing around them. Besides, I've been wanting to use Horizon Walker for ages. :D
Hey Heros, I just wanted to say your entry looks awesome. When I get a chance, I'll pour over it and desperately hope I can find an error... so that I maintain some hope of earning a medal. You continue to impress me w/ your ability to create high-quality entries using only Core material.
Thanks. Sasha was a bit of a rush, due to a number of things. Looking back at it now, I can see I've missed out a couple of things and messed up a couple of others, so don't despair - the mistakes are in place.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, so I guess the necessity of only having the core books means I'm used to inventing around them. Besides, I've been wanting to use Horizon Walker for ages. :D
No Judges/Coordinators Allowed, We're Saying Mean Things
Horizon Walker is a PrC I've wanted to play for ages, but I've always wanted to use a Cleric build to make my way into the class. It's a horrible build... but I still dream of playing it some day.
I apologize for not officially calling "time" last night. We had a... situation in my household. Everything's resolved now, more or less for the good side of the ledger.
I've actually done something wild and crazy and gone ahead and started judging already!
I know, it shocks me too. As I recall, Mercurius and jennibert are on vacation until the end of the weekend. The goal, as always, is to have judging wrapped and scores tallied within two weeks, sooner if possible.In the meantime, I'm going to go ahead and assume that all the sblocks actually contain comments and such about characters. If so, spectacular! That's one of the great things about this contest. I'd like to see that keep going.
I'll also bump the general discussion thread, so that any impressions about the overall contest can go there.
Thanks to everybody who entered.
I'll be starting judging tomorrow at the earliest....fun sudden storms delayed our return from vacation and I'm not up for it now. You'll all just have to suffer.....mwa ha ha ha!
Judges Only! So there!
It was quite nice, actually. Attended a friend's wedding and visited my mother-in-law, who I actually get along quite well with. And, best of all....it was relaxing!
How was your week? (Other than the aforementioned incident last night, which I hope is all well now!)
It was quite nice, actually. Attended a friend's wedding and visited my mother-in-law, who I actually get along quite well with. And, best of all....it was relaxing!
How was your week? (Other than the aforementioned incident last night, which I hope is all well now!)
Wow....only 7 contestants, all under 5 feet tall.....interesting.....
That's the long and the short of it, yes.
judges only
Glad you enjoyed your vacation.
Our week sucked. Our air conditioning has all but stopped working. It's been in the mid to high 90s here all week, with super-high humidity. It ran nonstop all weekend, and the temperature in the house never dropped below 84. Blech. That's a bill I didn't want.
The issues from Friday night are mostly resolved. So I guess that's a good thing.
Now, on to the judging!
Our week sucked. Our air conditioning has all but stopped working. It's been in the mid to high 90s here all week, with super-high humidity. It ran nonstop all weekend, and the temperature in the house never dropped below 84. Blech. That's a bill I didn't want.
The issues from Friday night are mostly resolved. So I guess that's a good thing.
Now, on to the judging!
Please, judges, don't look until after judging. (See guys, its okay for them to look after it doesn't affect them giving me the gold.)
Viet – JasonOrlandoHawk
OK, basically this is the type of entry this contest is about. While I’m not going to go and get nitpicky about the rules in these comments I expect this entry will get awesome scores in all categories. A wonderful background, strongly tied into the theme, and everything else.
Well done, Jason!
OK, basically this is the type of entry this contest is about. While I’m not going to go and get nitpicky about the rules in these comments I expect this entry will get awesome scores in all categories. A wonderful background, strongly tied into the theme, and everything else.
Well done, Jason!
Difax – gullen
Very nice and clear entry. Picking a kobold works well for this theme, as well as originality in general. I like the whole ‘flipping out’ aspect to his rage and the almost 1st person point of view in the background. Still, the background could use a bit more fleshing out. You mention adventuring – but no specifics. The addition of an over arching goal (known dragon’s hoard) is also a nice touch.
mehyeah I know that the background could have had a litle bit more flesh on the bones but I was in a hurry when making this character. Also its gullas not gullen;)
mehmeh?Sorry about the name confusion. I was in a hurry when I wrote those notes.
mehmahKind of figured that out:P. Anywhos I like your entry really much
I really didn't do more than glance at the mechanics. And I certainly didn't give them the time and thought I do when I judge.
Besides, I'm really just thinking of the judges. After all, the more discussion from the competitors, the less they will bug the judges for the scores. Right? Right?
You see, I had given up on ever getting to use that entry in a HC contest due to the fact that I judge so regularly, so I modified the concept and submitted it for a MDMC. I'd go ahead and recreate the build, but I leave for vacation tomorrow... but as a preview:
TN Fighter 6: Non Fighter-Bonus Feats are used to take "Abberation Blooded" feats from LoM. Background: Rejected member of Paladins to St. Cuthbert b/c of the fact he would occasionally lose control and become dangerously violent. Walks the line between the ideals he dreams of championing (Paladin creed) and the violent, alien tendencies that warp his mind and body (Abberation Blooded feats). Uses blunt objects and natural attacks exclusively b/c the sight of blood (particularly if drawn by a blade) can send him into a frenzy.
Man... just talking about it makes me want to play the character...
If you want, hunt down Ulshnar the Night Terror from the MDMCs to see what he looks like as a Half-Fiend.
There were two main things that kept me from taking advantage of LoM this time around (beyond my main concept being used elsewhere). First, I really wanted to do something in honor of my little sister's wedding. Second, I've been itching to do a Stonelord build for a while now.
Still, thanks for including LoM. Lobby for it again the next time I compete, and I'll try not to leave you so disappointed.
- Contest gets posted and runs for 2+ weeks
- Contest closes to entries and judging takes place
- Within two weeks or so of the contest closing, scores are tallied and posted
- Discussion about scores takes place
- Discussion also takes place among eligible judges about who is available
- Once there's at least three, the judge discussion moves to PM so topics and such get hammered out
- A new thread is posted
I'm hoping scores get posted at the end of this weekend. It might be a week to ten days after that for the next one. That would place my best guesstimate for 18's start date somewhere in the early part of August.
EDIT: Is it to much of me to ask if anyone could PM me a couple days befor it starts?
The next one is gonna still be 3.5, right?
Yeah, as jennibert said, this contest is staying 3.5. I would very much like to get a 4e version going as well. I haven't had time to work on it recently though.
There's also been some talk of firing up a d20 Modern version of the contest. Again, I haven't really had time to work on it, though.
Before we delve into the individual character comments, I'm gonna take a brief moment to explain the format for those who have never had their entries reviewed by me. I break my comments down into three sections: math, background, and other.
Math Anything having to do with your character's stats is here. That might be a math related item, such as your AC or saves being wrong; or it might be a comment about equipment choices; or it might be me mentioning a problem with your languages; or it might be rant about something I dislike. The point, though, is that it isn't all math stuff directly.
Background I'll talk about your fluff here. It might be a question about something that wasn't clear; or a comment about not having much to go on. General rule of thumb: I view your background as two things. First, it's a guide for you about your character's past. Second, it's a guide for your DM to allow him/her to tailor future encounters so that you're more directly invested in the outcome. In that regard, there's some basic things I expect to see -- plot hooks, personality, allies, adversaries, family. You don't have to explicitly list them -- for example, you don't need to write a paragraph about your character's personality. But I should be able to get an idea of what to expect based on what you have. And so on.
Other This is the catch-all. If it isn't directly crunch or fluff related, it's here. I might mention how much I like a class or race you used; I might tell you that I really liked your presentation. Whatever. If it's not in the first two categories, it's here. Not every character has an "other" section for comments.
On to the characters!
Veit
Math
In anticipation of your stat block being accurate, allow me to nit pick here for the sake of pointing out something...
Proper formating in D&D says size categories are capitalized. ;)
Ugh, I hate that feat. I know you had no choice, because it's a pre-req for your prestige class. But I thought I'd take this moment to mention my loathing of this sucktastic feat.
As a general rule of thumb, I like to see Listen and Spot on every character sheet, because those get used all the time.
The only way I knew this was a steel shield, rather than wooden, was by the cost (though, of course, the AC bonus was also a clue).
Purely as a nitpick -- I prefer these sorts of things on separate lines. Not sure why though.
I'm gonna go ahead and rant about this too. It's not everful! It's full three times per day! Gah! Stupid item names! That doesn't reflect on your score, of course.
Overall, your equipment checks out. I compute your weight carried at 103, but I suspect the difference is the weight of the coins, because I'm too lazy to go look that up at the moment.
I would've prefered you list it without blank lines, as it created more work for me when pasting into my spreadsheet.
Good call, at least in this contest. As a DM, I'd probably allow your earth's blood ability to count, I don't think it does technically.
Now, that said... I'm left to wonder if somewhere in one of the books we allowed there's a first level paladin spell with the [Earth] descriptor. I'm too lazy to look...
Background
Thanks - I apreciate it. ;)
Grammar thing: the apostrophe is misplaced; and, in fact, it isn't needed at all.
As for the background itself... it's interesting and well-written overall, but it doesn't "feel" like an adventurer's background; nor does it feel like a 6th level character's background. Instead, Veit's background screams "NPC" at me. I'm not sure I can say why exactly. I think it's probably the way he seems so tied to his town. Statements like:
He seems to me to be the NPC in town who trots off with a band of PCs when they don't have quite enough oomph in their own party to handle what the DM has in mind.
Other
I'll also extend my congratulations to your sister and (by now, I guess) brother-in-law. My "little brother" (who's two to three inches taller than me) gets married in November; I know what it's like.
Math
LG medium humanoid
In anticipation of your stat block being accurate, allow me to nit pick here for the sake of pointing out something...
Proper formating in D&D says size categories are capitalized. ;)
Endurance
Ugh, I hate that feat. I know you had no choice, because it's a pre-req for your prestige class. But I thought I'd take this moment to mention my loathing of this sucktastic feat.
Skills
As a general rule of thumb, I like to see Listen and Spot on every character sheet, because those get used all the time.
+1 Heavy Shield: 1,170gp/5lbs
The only way I knew this was a steel shield, rather than wooden, was by the cost (though, of course, the AC bonus was also a clue).
Backpack & Bedroll: 2.1gp/7lbs
Silk Rope & Grappling Hook: 11gp/7lbs
Purely as a nitpick -- I prefer these sorts of things on separate lines. Not sure why though.
Everful Mug: 200gp/-
I'm gonna go ahead and rant about this too. It's not everful! It's full three times per day! Gah! Stupid item names! That doesn't reflect on your score, of course.
Overall, your equipment checks out. I compute your weight carried at 103, but I suspect the difference is the weight of the coins, because I'm too lazy to go look that up at the moment.
I would've prefered you list it without blank lines, as it created more work for me when pasting into my spreadsheet.
The chart lists another One Time Criteria: +1: Can cast spells that have the Earth Descriptor. While Veit has some cool Earth-related Spell-like abilities (and will gain more in the future), I felt like he really didn’t meet this criteria, so I didn’t count it.
Good call, at least in this contest. As a DM, I'd probably allow your earth's blood ability to count, I don't think it does technically.
Now, that said... I'm left to wonder if somewhere in one of the books we allowed there's a first level paladin spell with the [Earth] descriptor. I'm too lazy to look...
Background
“I won’t bore you with the whole story...
Thanks - I apreciate it. ;)
Never seen a stone its’ equal in the waking world
Grammar thing: the apostrophe is misplaced; and, in fact, it isn't needed at all.
As for the background itself... it's interesting and well-written overall, but it doesn't "feel" like an adventurer's background; nor does it feel like a 6th level character's background. Instead, Veit's background screams "NPC" at me. I'm not sure I can say why exactly. I think it's probably the way he seems so tied to his town. Statements like:
In the long run, Veit hopes to acquire the tools (weapons, magic, & forces) necessary to defend Orivir. Once his home is safe, he would then seek to mount a proper counter attack against the drow and their fiendish allies.
He seems to me to be the NPC in town who trots off with a band of PCs when they don't have quite enough oomph in their own party to handle what the DM has in mind.
Other
I'll also extend my congratulations to your sister and (by now, I guess) brother-in-law. My "little brother" (who's two to three inches taller than me) gets married in November; I know what it's like.
Responses to Zherog
Good point, I'd never thought of that. I can't think of any poisons that require anything but a Fort save, but it could come up.
I'm just going to chalk this one up to not spending enough time double checking skills and equipment. Dang it.
Actually you gain lay this one on HeroForge. I have hardly ever used 2-weapon fighting, so I just went with what it gave me. But after this comment I can see where there might be some confusion. I think I do agree with the penalty only applying to the off-hand however. It just makes the trade off cleaner in my opinion.
I cannot believe I over looked that. I guess I am just too used to using Handy Haversacks that when I couldn't afford one I forgot to get a replacement.
Um, back up? That sounds better than "I have a bedroll in my standard list of mundane items and forgot to remove it."
hmmm, not sure. They may have done something with the bodies or they may have been in such a hurry to retreat to safety that they may have forgotten.
Thank you. It was based of the knowledge focus of the character. I wanted some big conflict that was "anti-knowledge" and I thought of stolen knowledge. Then I remembered an item (somewhere) that stored memories and tracked it down. I still had to modify it, but it gave me a slightly less "hand wavy" basis for the loss of the knowledge.
But of course, bring it on!
Thank you. I actually worked really hard on that because the character concept I'd had rattling around in my head was really based around the Knowledge Devotion feat. Kind of inspired by the book Lirael, by Garth Nix, with the Library of the Clayr. Trying to match that up with Underground took a bit of skull sweat, but I'm happy with how it turned out. And I'm glad you liked it.
Math
Nit pick: the bonus applies to any save, not just Fort saves. For example, if there were a poison that required a Will save (perhaps a drug of some sort), you'd get your bonus to that, too.
Good point, I'd never thought of that. I can't think of any poisons that require anything but a Fort save, but it could come up.
This should be +8. You get a +2 synergy bonus to the check from your ranks in Handle Animal
In addition to the synergy to wild empathy mentioned earlier, it also grants a bonus to the Ride skill. Since Ride can be used untrained, it's probably a good idea to list it in your skill section so you don't forget about the synergy.
In addition, your healing belt grants a +2 bonus to Heal. Again, it can be used untrained so you probably want to list it in your skill section.
I'm just going to chalk this one up to not spending enough time double checking skills and equipment. Dang it.
Hmmm... interesting. I've always interpreted the rules on penalties with a buckler to apply to any attack. Here's the rule.
I can definitely see your interpretation in the rules. I checked the FAQ and didn't see anything. For the sake of judging this entry, I'm going to assume you're right and I've been wrong all this time. *makes mental note to perhaps dig into it more later*
Actually you gain lay this one on HeroForge. I have hardly ever used 2-weapon fighting, so I just went with what it gave me. But after this comment I can see where there might be some confusion. I think I do agree with the penalty only applying to the off-hand however. It just makes the trade off cleaner in my opinion.
I'm curious how you're carrying everyting -- you don't have a backpack or similar item. You have some sacks, and you could certainly use those I suppose, though that seems like a difficult way to schlep stuff around the underdark. Maybe you jam it all into your iron pot. :D
I cannot believe I over looked that. I guess I am just too used to using Handy Haversacks that when I couldn't afford one I forgot to get a replacement.
Why both?
Um, back up? That sounds better than "I have a bedroll in my standard list of mundane items and forgot to remove it."
Background
Interesting background overall. You most definitely give the DM plenty of goodies to sink his/her teeth into! You don't say if the bodies of those killed were recovered or not -- as DM I'd want to know, just in case you were to maybe encounter some undead in the future. ;)
hmmm, not sure. They may have done something with the bodies or they may have been in such a hurry to retreat to safety that they may have forgotten.
You've come up with a very interesting plot device for the thought bottle, which is an item I dislike.
Thank you. It was based of the knowledge focus of the character. I wanted some big conflict that was "anti-knowledge" and I thought of stolen knowledge. Then I remembered an item (somewhere) that stored memories and tracked it down. I still had to modify it, but it gave me a slightly less "hand wavy" basis for the loss of the knowledge.
And, of course, you're aware that I would absolutely have to arrange for a barroom brawl given you dislike of drunkards, right? :D
But of course, bring it on!
Your character's background and (most importantly) motivations for going forward certainly fit the theme of the contest well.
Thank you. I actually worked really hard on that because the character concept I'd had rattling around in my head was really based around the Knowledge Devotion feat. Kind of inspired by the book Lirael, by Garth Nix, with the Library of the Clayr. Trying to match that up with Underground took a bit of skull sweat, but I'm happy with how it turned out. And I'm glad you liked it.
Just to make everybody quiver in anticipation... I expect to have comments posted tonight.
Show off. ;)
Response to Z
AHA! I knew I forgot something... Synergies! I always forget Synergies -.-
@ everything else: lotta number errors, but thats cause I drew it up late at night and was groggy, but all I can say is.. oops. My original Background story had all sorts of good stuff, but gleemax's glitchy system caused it to get deleted >< I just wish I could've remembered everything from the original, caused I loved it, but I guess its water under the bridge -.- it won't happen again.
AHA! I knew I forgot something... Synergies! I always forget Synergies -.-
@ everything else: lotta number errors, but thats cause I drew it up late at night and was groggy, but all I can say is.. oops. My original Background story had all sorts of good stuff, but gleemax's glitchy system caused it to get deleted >< I just wish I could've remembered everything from the original, caused I loved it, but I guess its water under the bridge -.- it won't happen again.
Reply to Galeigh
Don't feel too bad. I think synergy bonuses might be the second most common mistake in this contest, right after not owning clothes. ;)
For the longest time, I've been composing long posts in a text file and then copy/pasting that to the site when I'm ready. That habit is paying off now that the forums are so glitchy.
Like I said - I hope to see you stick around. Milo was a very good character.
AHA! I knew I forgot something... Synergies! I always forget Synergies -.-
Don't feel too bad. I think synergy bonuses might be the second most common mistake in this contest, right after not owning clothes. ;)
@ everything else: lotta number errors, but thats cause I drew it up late at night and was groggy, but all I can say is.. oops. My original Background story had all sorts of good stuff, but gleemax's glitchy system caused it to get deleted >< I just wish I could've remembered everything from the original, caused I loved it, but I guess its water under the bridge -.- it won't happen again.
For the longest time, I've been composing long posts in a text file and then copy/pasting that to the site when I'm ready. That habit is paying off now that the forums are so glitchy.
Like I said - I hope to see you stick around. Milo was a very good character.
Reply to Z
Thanks for pointing out I can't spell beetles:embarrass.
Next time I'll make a seperate sblock for rage benefits or simular
Next time I'll make a seperate sblock for rage benefits or simular
reply to gullas
No sweat. I very, very rarely reduce scores for spelling and grammar. (and I didn't in your case) As long as I can understand what you're saying, it's fine.
I was just amused because the Beatles are one of my all-time favorite bands.
Well, note that the separate stat block for things like rage and wild shape is just my personal preference. Wrecan is an eligible judge, and obviously he's comfortable with your method, since he formatted his entry the same basic way.
You'll find a fair number of things that the judges are contradictory about. The stat block format is just one example; another would be Jason's insistence that every character sheet mention that they own clothing. That's one of the reasons we use a panel of judges - to smooth over those sorts of things.
A lot of my preferences probably come from having to design stat blocks as pat of my freelance writing/editing work.
Thanks for pointing out I can't spell beetles:embarrass.
No sweat. I very, very rarely reduce scores for spelling and grammar. (and I didn't in your case) As long as I can understand what you're saying, it's fine.
I was just amused because the Beatles are one of my all-time favorite bands.
Next time I'll make a seperate sblock for rage benefits or simular
Well, note that the separate stat block for things like rage and wild shape is just my personal preference. Wrecan is an eligible judge, and obviously he's comfortable with your method, since he formatted his entry the same basic way.
You'll find a fair number of things that the judges are contradictory about. The stat block format is just one example; another would be Jason's insistence that every character sheet mention that they own clothing. That's one of the reasons we use a panel of judges - to smooth over those sorts of things.
A lot of my preferences probably come from having to design stat blocks as pat of my freelance writing/editing work.
Any ideas about what the next hero craftsman will be? Is it going to stay 3.5 or move on to 4e?
Let's get right to it, eh?
Coming in third place and winning a BRONZE medal, with a final average score of 26.67:
Bronze Medal Winner
Gerome Rootwalker, by wrecan
Gerome Rootwalker, by wrecan
see you in HC 18.
I don't think I've ever seen a gold-medal tie before... but, hey... I'm glad I could be part of Hero Craftsman history. Congrats to all winners. I'm anxious to see comment from other judges as well.
My response to Z...
...you misspelled "preferred."
Oh, and my background was not intended to be "NPC material." I focused so heavily on the town so I could write in my little sister's wedding. I thought I left it obvious that my character was ready to head out on proper adventures, ASAP... (just like me, every time my mom says I need to find a "nice girl.")
Congrats to everyone! There were a lot of great entries. So many that was sure I wouldn't get the gold. In this case I'm happy to be wrong.:D
By the way, I should hope I was an eligible judge before now, after all...I have been a judge twice already.
Oh, and my background was not intended to be "NPC material." I focused so heavily on the town so I could write in my little sister's wedding. I thought I left it obvious that my character was ready to head out on proper adventures, ASAP... (just like me, every time my mom says I need to find a "nice girl.")
Never said you intended to do it; it's just what he felt like to me after looking it over. Obviously, it didn't affect your outcome too much. ;)
And I don't believe we have had a tie for gold before. In fact, I seem to remember only one tie, in the Frostfell Competition, but it was for silver.
But there were a lot of good entries this time--I wasn't sure who was going to win! And everyone seems to be getting better with their Rules Use too....I had 2 entries I couldn't find anything wrong with, and another that I noticed something omitted only after someone else put it in...and I thought I had the skill synergy table memorized....
But anyway, good job everyone!