Scummer D&D

[Varsoon]

I can't run games for my Australia group anymore, but I wouldn't mind playing so long as the time is good.

[Varsoon]

That'd be pretty cool.

[Varsoon]

Raisin' muh hand.

[Varsoon]

Oooh! I'll use Edgar, the cleric I built for the last level 1 starting 3.5 game. I'll make him fresh on Mythweavers to share, though. :3
Unless, ofc, anyone else wants to play Cleric. I'll gladly play something else <3

[Varsoon]

Yeah, mine is on indefinite hiatus until I get moved in to my new home.

[Varsoon]

I may actually play Druid, then. Hm.

[Varsoon]

OH MAYNE I THOUGHT YOU WERE /out!
WELL THEN

[Varsoon]

D:

[Varsoon]

Yeah, I'm all for allowing more content.
Build variety is nice.
It actually surprises me when people run 3.5 over Pathfinder, given the ease of accessibility when it comes to content.

[Varsoon]

So you're allowing;
Player's Handbook 1
Player's Handbook 2
Complete Adventurer
Complete Arcane
Complete Champion
Complete Divine
Complete Mage
Complete Scoundrel
Complete Warrior


I understand and am on-board with disallowing Psionics.

Hey, I don't know that other guy! He's just not me, is all.

[Varsoon]

If I ended up running Cleric, I'd definitely end up using stuff from it, but, yes, Divine Metamagic.
With more options on the table, I'm excited to play something I usually don't get to, though.

[Varsoon]

Will do, will do. I'll try to avoid dipping too much into it.

[Varsoon]

I'd be fine with waiting.

[Varsoon]

Any time is good by me, although I might miss a session here and there if it's around 1-6 AM for Eastern US Time Zone. Afternoon/Night is probably the best time.

[Varsoon]

Those are skill points available to you. So you'd have 28 skill points you could spend. If I remember correctly, it costs extra skill points to put ranks into something that isn't a class skill. Also, at level 1, I believe you can take skills all the way up to rank 4.
You'll only get, in that amalgamation, 7 new skill points each time you level up.
The popular way people go about this is by maintaining a maximum number of high-level skills, so, pick 7 different skills you want to always have at max ranks?
There are also some 'skill synergies' where if you are a certain class and you have something like 5 ranks in a skill, you get a bonus. Some people try to put just enough ranks into certain skills to get their synergies.

[Varsoon]

I'm thinking of making a bard or a beguiler. Gonna have Varsoon help me if he's around this afternoon

I'd be down to help you make your character!

[Varsoon]

Given the way that the game encourages you to stay within your classes' skills, we'll likely have enough diversity solely by sticking to those.

Also, yes, I'm planning on having a character with a fleshed out personality and background and general 'fluff.'

[Varsoon]

Yeah, it's important to check each skill page and see what all a skill can be used for.
For instance, Religion lets you identify and know how to deal with all sorts of undead!

Concentration lets you focus on casting your spells when there are distractions, such as a twelve foot bugbear trying to eat your face.

[Varsoon]

Pulling from a site, "Such actions include casting a spell, manifesting a power, concentrating on an active spell or power, directing a spell or power, using a spell-like or psi-like ability, or using a skill that would provoke an attack of opportunity. In general, if an action wouldn’t normally provoke an attack of opportunity, you need not make a Concentration check to avoid being distracted."

Firing projectiles while engaged in melee tends to be one of those problems for Rangers who use a bow, but there are tricks and feats that let them get around it.

This biggest reason to pick up concentration is so you can focus on casting a clutch spell. Rangers do get some spells, but not until at least level 4.

[Varsoon]

Yeah, you're not a primary spellcaster.

It's worth a pickup, if situational. You might need to unlock a door to escape a swarm of bees or shoot a stray goblin in the face when he comes to bite your kneecaps off.

[Varsoon]

Yup! Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot are a must-have for rangers using bows. I think you get Rapid Shot and Multishot for free if you decide to go bow-path, which is pretty much why Ranger tends to be a favorite pick for bow-users.

[Varsoon]

The short answer?
Not easily.
Wizard gets an expansive library of spells and can take a lot of book-keeping to run efficiently, but you do, notably, get a ton of battlefield control and mind-control stuff. Early spells that come to mind are Grease, Charm Person, Hypnotism, Sleep, Color Spray, etc. If it's just that you don't want to hurt stuff but you're fine letting other things commit to the carnage, you could play a Sorcerer that specializes in Summon Monster.
I can't stress enough how strong Summon Monster is.
Color Spray and Sleep are also god-tier at lower levels. Grease is good forever.

@Conmanmick: Humans are great! The big reason (outside of flavor, which is honestly the best reason for anything) to pick another race is if their stat bonus and deficiency play well into your build.

[Varsoon]

Here is my character, Clovis Anatole L'Grenouille XIV.

He's a ranger, but I'll be building him towards two-weapon fighting and, eventually, to being the Beastmaster prestige class from Complete Adventurer.

Clovis Anatole L'Grenouille, ever the disciple of petty heroics and dandyism, spat at his the notion of simply inheriting his family's estates and insisted he must prove himself like the adventurers he'd heard legend of. At his behest, his family's servants procured as much literature as they could find on how to 'become a hero' and 'slay dragons'. Before his father could talk him out those childish fantasies, Clovis had fled from home with enough gold to afford travelling supplies and weapons. Enchanted and delusional, Clovis has finally arrived at his destination; a dungeon worthy of his aspirations.

[Varsoon]

Ah, damn, thought this was tomorrow instead of today. Ended up sleeping in. Guess I'll make the next one?

[Varsoon]

The bit I got to play was fun stuff. Clovis has officially accepted you all as his partners in adventure!

[Varsoon]

Yeah! I'll mark it down on my calendar this time.

[Varsoon]

Not-Varsoon's power is out, so he likely won't be able to join in today.

[Varsoon]

When is this happening again?
I'm good to go.

[Varsoon]

About two hours from now?

[Varsoon]

Well, hot damn.
My plan for Clovis was to have him go from being a total ponce to a savage after being exposed to so much murder and stuff.
It was gonna be super rad.
Gonna go roll Edgar the Cleric now.
:3

[Varsoon]

If I can scrounge up a character, I'll be able to make it. I'll keep ya posted.

[Varsoon]

http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=277912

I got Edgar put together.

[Varsoon]

Was considering swapping deity to The Red Knight, but she's from some Forgotten Realms setting book and Faiths and Pantheons, so I stuck with Heironeous 'cus he's core (and probably the raddest deity anyway).

[Varsoon]

OH HE WAS EATEN ALRIGHT

[Varsoon]

Yeah! Edgar!

[Varsoon]

YUP THEM THERE IS SOME TRICKY STONES.

A dwarf who merely comes within 10 feet of unusual stonework can make a Search check as if he were actively searching, and a dwarf can use the Search skill to find stonework traps as a rogue can. AYOOOO

[Varsoon]

The +2 Dex Gloves would be really nice for Edgar (More AC, better chance to hit, helps his really crummy Initiative and Reflex), but he's pretty well off at his current level as far as gear goes.

If anyone else could make better use of the item, they should probably take it. For instance, if any of use are fighting based on Dex, etc.


Edgar buffed people, hey! And cut down about three goblins and two nasty dark flying things.

[Varsoon]

Too bad there are no bards to sing Clovis' epic tale of casting himself into the den of goblins.
D:

[Varsoon]

I think the bag should go to someone who comes to the most sessions, since it really benefits all of us so long as we team up.

[Varsoon]

Here's what the loot does, so long as I am right:

LOOT

11500 gold - This is money!
4 CLW - These are potions that can heal you! Healing in combat kinda sucks, but it's nice that we can heal without spells now.
1 Magic Weapon Oil - This will make your weapon magical and stronger for a little while. Not bad if you don't have a magical weapon and need one!
1 Jump Oil - Gives you a bonus to Jump checks, I think. So if you need to make a jump, this is nice?
4 Shield of Faith +2 potions - Grants +2 AC for a little while! Nice for a quick buff before a fight.
2 scrolls of Sanctuary - If you can cast this from the scroll, you can't be attacked (unless enemy passes a will save) or attack.
2 scrolls of flame blade - If you can cast this from the scroll, you can get a flaming sword that's really good for awhile.
+1 Longsword - This is a magical longsword, but Edgar's taking it because he's literally built to hit stuff with a Longsword.
Sliversheen - You can coat a weapon with this to make it function as a Silver weapon for awhile--this is nice against enemies weak to Silver weapons.
Bag of Holding Type 1 - It's a bag that can magically hold a LOT of stuff!
Gloves of Dex +2 - These gloves give you +2 Dexterity stat! That means +1 AC, +1 to hit, +1 Reflex, +1 Initiative, etc.

[Varsoon]

I was thinking it'd be good for anyone on our front line, but, yeah, Shadow is likely to get really good use from 'em.

[Varsoon]

Edgar really wants to go save Who, too.

[Varsoon]

We should actually figure out this gear stuff before the upcoming session.

[Varsoon]

Magic weapon Oil should go to anyone other than me who actually uses a weapon.

If we stick with the current splits on the scrolls and shields of Faith, we can divide them evenly.
I'll bid on the Silversheen.

Gloves of Dex should go to Quadz.

[Varsoon]

Regardless, melee folks should probably hold onto the shield of faith potions.

[Varsoon]

So maybe split those between me and Quadz?

[Varsoon]

Whopper is
Speaking of whoppers
Being hungry without a car is terrible.

[Varsoon]

Hey man Shillelagh is fantastic.

[Varsoon]

Yeah, I thought it was happening right now for some reason.
I don't think I can make it two hours from now--I've got a birthday party to attend.

[Varsoon]

One of the things I appreciate Pathfinder for doing was narrowing skills down and making them more useful across the board.

[Varsoon]

<3
Thanks for the summary.

[Varsoon]

Cleric still wants to rescue Who, if possible. :3

I should be able to bake it. Make it.

[Varsoon]

well obvious there cant be any evil necromancies running around while edgar is on the clock.

[Varsoon]

I just woke up. @_@

[Varsoon]

I'll make it if I can make it!

[Varsoon]

I kinda wanna play more and level up! I feel like I'm too far down that list ;_;

[Varsoon]

I think I should be able to make this one, less I am kidnapped by people.
Sorry for not being there to provide support this time!!

[Varsoon]

I think I should be able to make this one, less I am kidnapped by people.
Sorry for not being there to provide support this time!!

[Varsoon]

Phew.
I feel crummy for missing the last few sessions, but I have been busy moving and while I have more access this week, I've been really busy with family and friends (back in my hometown for 4 days on one leg of my trip).

I should be moved in to my new apt and able to participate in this upcoming session, though!!

[Varsoon]

Edgar will avenge them. If there is evil potent enough to strike down powerful allies such as his own, he can't let it go unchecked.

[Varsoon]

Do you give a murderous criminal a death sentence?
Why privilege the goblin?
Such curs are known to lie when put to the sword. We have proof that it tried to take our lives just prior to this, and that it has supported kidnapping and murder in the past.
That's justification enough.

...but yeah if anyone casts 'detect evil' they will see that the Goblin, is, in fact, an evil being. If it was simply doing good and was misunderstood in its acts, THE MAGICK OF THE GODS WOULD NOT DIVINE IT AN EVIL BEING.

[Varsoon]

In our world, it's problematic, but in the world of Dungeons and Dragons...

Edgar would stand by punishing the criminal as there is nothing to stop them from simply repeating the crime. For literal creatures of evil that feed on humanity and murder for sport, the only solution is death.

[Varsoon]

"You clearly weren't around for the Goblin riots of '87."
Well, that's the nature of evil. It can never be truly banished. This is why good must not falter, and must stand to champion against it every time.
We can do it your way. We can approach the goblins peacefully and ask to negotiate. When they try to slit our throats in our sleep or pillage our villages, will that be enough to justify a crusade against their ilk? If I'm wrong, mark me wrong, but evil can not be negotiated with. Evil only knows bargains, which only beget more evil. There is no peaceful resolution. Your solutions work for a being capable of reform, but these are literally evil creatures. They aren't evil-as-defined-by-society, no, that'd just make them chaotic. They are literally evil, as in, predisposed to cruelty, subterfuge, lies, and unjustifiable violence.

[Varsoon]

Aw, sounds cool.
Once again, had a lot on my plate.

[Varsoon]

<3

[Varsoon]

Yeah, having a thread as a sort of hub for communication or just a place to facilitate PC interactions mite b cool.

[Varsoon]

I'd like to play then. I should be free unless other RL things arise. I've been getting situated at my new home and moving over the last few weeks, but things seem stable now.

[Varsoon]

Should be good.

[Varsoon]

Edgar, Cleric and Cool Guy

Should'a went human, but Dwarf is good for the flavor.

[Varsoon]

Hopefillet

[Varsoon]

Edgar (if informed), is against it, and highly suggests you seek treatment as soon as possible. He makes a point of arguing that power at the cost of control is not power at all.

[Varsoon]

Not on the first moon, right?
And not having control over when you transform all the time also feels like a problem.
Especially if it leaves you without armor and weapon.

[Varsoon]

Furthermore, you only work to spread lycanthropy, which drives the world towards a darker future. Not good at all.

[Varsoon]

Besides being considered a beast by most of society?
It's a literal curse. That's how these things work--they tempt weak hearts with power. True strength does not come from any dark pact, foul blood, or at the cost of one's humanity.
It is unwise to harbor a beast within oneself, especially a literal one.
As far as spreading the curse goes--that's a case of ruining the lives of others. What if someone murders their spouse in children during their first moon? Even if they make it through the initial ordeal, they'll forever live with the knowledge that they are cursed and have lost their humanity. To lightly shrug off the consequence of forcing that upon innocents is a cruel notion. No power is worth risking the lives, sanity, and well being of the innocent.

Taking on this curse will not magically banish all evils or even empower us to accomplish that feat on our own. All that this succeeds in doing is inviting more evil into the world. It's unnecessary. There are several other paths to power--ones that are clean of curses and without accident. A hero stands against such corruption. I know I can not make this decision for you, but I must stand to protect innocent lives here and even safeguard your own. It isn't just my duty as a Knight Valiant of Heironeous, but my oath as a mortal and your friend. I urge that you will take my word into consideration and seek a cure--I will even cover any expenses this may incur. I gild my coffers only to protect humanity and yours is at risk; no cost is too much.

[Varsoon]

Where racism is concerned, I feel that man commonly fears what he doesn't understand.
I've always striven to consider the plights of others. While my duty to the Arch-Paladin is the greatest code I live by, a Knight Valiant must be ever vigilant in his duty to the people. This is no simple creed to protect one's race or any select group of people, but to champion the fight of all peoples in order to mete out justice, protect the weak, and stand against the evils that threaten us all.

There are those that will tell you that man is just as foul a monster as any other beast. I do not believe in this ethos. Humanity allows for choice. Monsters are creatures defined by their inability to govern their own fates. They feast on prey, revel in madness, and always embody evil when given the chance to do otherwise. This isn't cynicism--monsters are dubbed such because they are monstrous. This does not mean they bear fangs or fur or wings, but that their very souls and thoughts lack humanity. They are foul beings that thrive when causing others misery and pain. A monster does not want to be a member of society. It only wants to destroy what others build. A monster does not seek to do right by others, but only to bereave them. If I have any mercy for monsters, it is that they lack the capacity to be anything but what they are, that their existence is bound to evils that plague the people.

I will not be caught up in a pointless or self-serving dialectic that separates me from my fellow man, but make no mistake--while men may become monsters, a monster is not a man. I reiterate; Humanity allows for choice. This is why I am not stripping you of your choice. It is yours to make. All I can do is warn you of the evils such a choice invites and reaffirm that I will always stand radiant against such evils.

[Varsoon]

Edgar's got nothing against half-orcs, either. He'd boldly stand by his point that they have humanity intact. Humanity does not mean something is a human--a dragon or unicorn or celestial may have plenty of humanity. It's simply a term for defining people who have not lost their souls to madness and become monsters. Edgar fights monsters. That's his duty.

[Varsoon]

Yeah, which is why they should be cured of their curse so they can go on being people. No one is naturally born a were-person. They're naturally born as a person and the curse only serves to strips them of that.
I don't see how this isn't a clear-cut issue; It's a curse. It literally makes you harbor a monster within you. At times, you have no control over your actions and I believe you never have full control of when you transform. Most societies fear and hate these sorts of beings, and not in a 'strange looks' way, but along the lines of executions and witch hunts. My predisposition on monsters should not be an issue--the fact that almost any organized society will want to exile or kill you should be, though. The only reason to go along with this choice is to grasp a sliver of power, which won't even make much of a difference in the strength in our adventures and in the ongoing fight against evil.

[Varsoon]

Randomly being unable to use your armor and weapons doesn't seem very effective.
Neither does being considered a monster by most of society.
It's not just racism that you'll catch from other people, it's pitchforks and fire.
Edgar's gonna stand by his whole clerical oath regardless, but, yeah. Folks should be informed.

[Varsoon]

Edgar can bid!
----
Potion of Fly - Would be nice, but Edgar is already pretty fly.
Climbing - I'll take it if no one else wants it.
Jumping - I'll take it if no one else wants it.
Protection +1 - Definitely would like this as a front-line fighter.
Protection+2 - Again, more AC for the front line would always be nice.
Cloak of resistance +2 - I'd like this, if only because my reflex save is really bad.
Gauntlets of Ogre Power, +2 Str - I'd like to hit more often and for more damage.



I don't expect to get everything; I'd just be happy with something.
Honestly, selling most these rings would probably be the best idea to get us a ton of money.
While the rings of protection are great, most people might be able to afford the extra AC and then some with the money from selling them.
And I definitely would not be opposed to selling the rings of Climbing/Jumping and any other chaff we have at this point.

[Varsoon]

/in

Can we figure out this loot/equipment situation?

[Varsoon]

Everyone should make bids, then we can figure out what goes to who.
Also, I think we should sell the rings of climbing/jumping if we can get some good money for them. The gold value is almost certainly worth more than the ring effects.

[Varsoon]

While I am an underleveled front-line guy, I would be fine with letting Quadz get priority over Edgar.
Edgar's got buffs to help make up for his shortcomings.
I just need to join session in time so I can use them.

[Varsoon]

I think Edgar went up from 5 to 6 in this most recent adventure.

[Varsoon]

I don't know if I could make it. My weekends have been surprisingly busy.

[Varsoon]

Aw, nuts. Won't be able to make it, FakeG.

[Varsoon]

Oh jeeze, sorry you guys bit the dust.
Wish Edgar was there, but maybe glad he wasn't?

[Varsoon]

Would not be so bad if you were a gnome on a riding dog, ehe.
iirc mounted combat in 3.5 wasn't stellar.