AFGNCAAP
First Post
Belegbeth said:This looks very interesting AFGNCAAP! Some quick thoughts:
1. In terms of game balance, the Expert class is very weak in comparison to the Warrior and Spellcaster classes. I would recommend giving Experts a d8 HD and/or 8 skill points/level.
I didn't have a problem with the Expert class as it stands. However, I'm writing up some 1st-level feats: 1 allows PCs to increase their Hit Die by 1 step (d4 to d6; d6 to d8; d10 to d12); and another allows PCs to increase their skill point base by 2 (2 to 4; 6 to 8); OTOH, there's some 1st-level flaws that do the opposite: 1 reduces the Hit Die by 1 step (d6 to d4; d10 to d8); the other decreases the skill point base by 2 (6 to 4).
Belegbeth said:2. Regarding Nehwon spellcasters, I can see the Black Mages, especially with Incantations (they seem to fit Nin and Sheelba, and the others), but where are the other kinds of spellcasters in Leiber's stories? (This is not a criticism -- I am just curious.)
There are White Mages, who practice benevolent magics (healing, nature-based, etc.); Mouser's magical teacher Glavas Rho was a white mage; Fafhrd's mother & other women of the Snow Clan were Snow Witches (essentially Ice Mages); & Vlana mentions the Fire Sorcerers of the East as well (Fire Mages).
Basically, it breaks down into Black Mages (non-good), White Mages (good), and Elemental Mages (breaking down into various elements/energies). Black Mages primarily select from the Sorcerer/Wizard list, White Mages primarily select from the Druid list, and half of an Elemental Mages known spells (round up) must be of his/her selected element, though they can pick spells from the Sorcerer/Wizard, Cleric, & Druid spell lists.
Belegbeth said:3. Priests in Nehwon should just be a "standard" profession (i.e., as a PrC there does not appear to be any warrant for giving them spells, etc.).
Hafta agree. I may give them bonuses to perform certain incantations, though (like Priests of the Cult of the Hates gaining a bonus for summoning/creating a Hate via an incantation).
Belegbeth said:4. I would advise against using Psionics for the Quarmallian sorcerers -- there is no real indication in Leiber's story that their power is any different from that of other mages (and in fact, IIRC, the Gray Mouser has a scroll/spell that disrupts their spellcasting at one point).
These are just some things that came into my mind as I read your outline.
So far, it looks very cool!
The only character who sorta displays psychic power is Gwaay, who uses telekinesis to crush him and his brother Hasjarl under a block of stone. However, he could simply have the telekinesis spell, as well.
Thanks for the replies! Progress is slow, but it's progress....