Blind PCs

[crazy_monkey1956]

Also take a look at the Grimlock. They are a blind species in the MM that have PC race stats.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Just a random thought on blind PC concepts...

What about a blind halfling or gnome PC who actually rides his sighted war dog? With a white quarterstaff?



One movie source to look into would be Circle of Iron, in which David Carridine plays a blind monk who is (reluctantly) teaching another martial artist some of his way of life...

 

[Mort]

I'd agree with the first half of that post, but not the latter...

Being blind like Daredevil has real game-mechanical effects- see the Destrachian and Yrthak (both in the MM) for example.

But those "effects" are more than balanced out by the benefits (immune to gaze attacks, immune to most illusions, no problems in dark dungeons or in areas of magical darkness, etc.) at absolute worst it's a wash, but realistically being blind like "daredevil" is a huge benefit.

Now being really blind, with all the problems that come along with it, I don't think most groups could handle it. Though if it's simple blindness, you'll have to explain how it persists past 5th level.

 

[Wik]

I once played a blind wizard, who actually wrote a few spells that helped him overcome his weakness (mostly always-active Arcane Eyes, which really effected his view on life, as it were).

 

[WhatGravitas]

Being blind like Daredevil has real game-mechanical effects- see the Destrachian and Yrthak (both in the MM) for example.

Yes, right. But then, most people who play such a character either want the style (then calling it fluff is okay) or want the benefits without the drawbacks (then I start whacking or use a grimlock - at least the stats).

 

[Piratecat]

In my game, Wulf Ratbane played a blind shaman PC whose raven had plucked out and eaten both his eyes. I gave him spirit sight - effectively blindsight in small radius, like 10' or 20'. That distance is crippling to a PC against most foes, and it worked out well.

I particularly enjoyerd the fluff of "spirit sight," because it meant that I could describe the appearance of creatures' souls instead of just their outward appearance. Much fun.

 

[RichGreen]

Thanks for the advice and the link to the other thread. I've emailed the player some pertinent questions and we'll see what he wants to do.

Cheers


Richard

 

[Someone]

If it isn't late, consider a psionic class and adquiring a psicrystal. They can see up to 40 feet and have a mental link with the owner. Also, have a look at the Synesthete power; it's 1st level, it allows you to feel light, and the duration isn't bad.

Have also a look at his template: http://www.enworld.org/showpost.php?p=2464805&postcount=22

 

[William drake]

Hi,

One of my players is suggesting he'd like to run a blind PC. I'm tempted to just say no as I have no idea how to DM this, but can any of you think of a way to handle this? Does blindness appear as a flaw you can take for extra feats/skill points in any 3rd party books?

Cheers


Rchiard

NO NO NO NO


I hate that. Never allow a player to take a Flaw, something to role play with, for the reason for getting a bonus to get stuff. Also, never alow them to get over their FLAW. Its a Flaw...it adds flavor to their character,makes them unique. It doesn't make them Dare Devil; unless you want to play it that way. Now, they can have a few extra things, like an extra point to listen or w/e they or you approve, but they shouldn't just get to be the blind ninja monk because they always see it in anime movies.

Ex: "Hey, I want to be missin an eye"

Dm "really, why?"

player: "well, becasue then they otherone can shoot laser beams...right?"

(Real answer) Dm: "no, you either get an eyepatch, or a wicked scar....and you have probs with depth perception...but you look cool and can add it to your history."

Player: "but I want lasers" He then sulks away.

My thoughts.

Game On

 

[Boddynock]

I have a blind bard here on the boards. I figured that of all the base classes, bard was least likely to be compromised by blindness. Of course, spell selection is restricted ("line of sight" is a non-starter) but with my musical background I figure bards are all about sound, anyway.

I gave him Blind Fight, maxed out his Listen and Perform skills, and took Skill Focus (Perform) as well. The way I've been playing him, he uses hearing as a highly developed alternative to sight, so I probably should have taken Skill Focus (Listen) instead of Blind Fight. I figured, however, that he had to have some chance of surviving in a fight. And SF (Listen) is next on the Feat list (he's halfway to 3rd level).

I do have a guide dog for him - he has the appropriate skills, and trained the dog himself.

There are lots of things he can't do, and the hardest thing for the party has been to remember to describe what they see to him, but on the whole it's been an interesting roleplaying exercise.

Boddynock