Castles & Crusades (box set) playtest report

[Akrasia]

I should add an important caveat: my above comments about the similarity between C&C and the RC are based on the box set rules and various posts from playtesters.

It might turn out that when the PHB is published, C&C will resemble AD&D in terms of detail more than the RC (though I very much doubt it).

 

[Vindicator]

Oh, if only, if only, if only they didn't call the DM the "Castle Keeper".

That ranks up there with "Storyteller" for the award for "Most Pathetic Attempt At Making Our Game Unique".

 

[Voadam]

Ok, back on thread now.

What does the character sheet for Bamm, the wizard look like?

How much information is needed?

 

[Arani Korden]

Oh, if only, if only, if only they didn't call the DM the "Castle Keeper".

That ranks up there with "Storyteller" for the award for "Most Pathetic Attempt At Making Our Game Unique".

It's better than "Hollyhock God."

(Nobilis is in many respects an absolutely brilliant bit of game design. The GM synonym isn't one of them.)

 

[Particle_Man]

What would the stat block for a creature with special abilities or spells look like?

Caveat: This is from the Boxed Set, a very stripped down version of the game. I don't know how much more fleshed out the hardbacks will be.

Nymph: Size: M, HD: 3d8, Saves: M(ental), AC: 17, # of attacks: spells, gaze. Damage: Special.

From the descriptive text: "If a nymph reveals herself in all her beauty she can cause those who see her to be stricken blind or charmed. She can usually cast spells as a wizard".

Obviously, a lot is left to the CK here. I would assume 3rd level Wizard ability, for instance. Blindness duration is up to the CK, as is charm.

Now there are saving throw mechanics vs. charm, and a "Default" save mechanic vs. arcane magics that don't fit elsewhere, to handle blindness (the CK would have to decide whether to default as arcane or divine, but I would go with arcane here).

One boost for spellcasters: The save mechanic is vs. caster level, not spell level, so a high-level caster casting a low-level spell (like Command, or Web) could be quite nasty.

 

[Akrasia]

Ok, back on thread now.

What does the character sheet for Bamm, the wizard look like?

How much information is needed?

I don't have Bamm's character sheet with me (the player took it!).

Here is a sample character sheet (note that it is only one page long; the second page covers the same material but in a different way): http://ravenchilde.com/ccchasheet.pdf

As for a sample "wizard", here is "Bubbles the Chaotic": wizard lvl1; hp 4; ac 11; primes: int, cha (int 15; dex 13; cha 15); alg cn; equp: clothing (heh), dagger, 7 darts, backpack, misc. items; magic: spell book [0 - read magic, light; 1st - magic missile, shield, spider climb]).

 

[Numion]

As for a sample "wizard", here is "Bubbles the Chaotic": wizard lvl1; hp 4; ac 11; primes: int, cha (int 15; dex 13; cha 15); alg cn; equp: clothing (heh), dagger, 7 darts, backpack, misc. items; magic: spell book [0 - read magic, light; 1st - magic missile, shield, spider climb]).

indeed. Thats a short statblock. However, it's also implicit, whereas 3e uses explicit statblocks. You have to memorize the stat modifiers and calculate stuff to make rolls, it seems. Or do the stat modifiers not figure in anywhere? What if that dude had to make a save, what number would you use from that statblock?

In 3e statblocks, while longer, also have all the modifiers needed in them. Which one is more handy is up to the user.

 

[Voadam]

How many spells can a 1st level wizard cast?
Can they learn unlimited spells?

 

[Steverooo]

Thanks, Akrasia

First, I just wanted to say "Thanks!" for answering kvestions, Akrasia. I've been reading the whole thread, even though I haven't been posting... I've read the PRs, and already knew most of what you have posted about. (And arguements about how to handle social interactions have ceased to interest me!)

Anyway, your posts have made me think of a few questions. Tell us what you can about these...

You mentioned Multiclass characters; how are these handled, with respect to saves, primes, etc.?

In a game with no AoOs, feats, etc., is everyone able to strike unarmed like a monk, disarm, trip, etc., or are there no rules for this?

How do races differ? Do Elves, for instance, have resistance or immunity to Sleep and/or Charm?

How are Stats determined?

What about weapon, armor, and shield proficiencies?

Has Rope Use been removed from the game? If so, how is throwing a grapnel handled? With BAB?

Thanks, again, for any answers you can give!

 

[Akrasia]

indeed. Thats a short statblock. However, it's also implicit, whereas 3e uses explicit statblocks. .

No -- it is an "explicit" statblock, in that it explicitly states everything you need to know as a DM. (I guess it could have been slightly more "explicit" if I stated the stat modifiers instead of the stats themselves.)

You have to memorize the stat modifiers and calculate stuff to make rolls, it seems. Or do the stat modifiers not figure in anywhere? What if that dude had to make a save, what number would you use from that statblock?
.

The stat block that I gave does imply that you know that an ability score of 13 gives a +1 bonus, but that is it!

The save is against an established number (if a prime: 12+CL [challenge level]; if not a prime: 18+CL). All saves have a corresponding ability score. So if you know what kind of saving throw it is (poison, charm, whatever), you know which ability score is needed, and you know what the PC in the stat block needs to make his/her save.

Really, the stat block is perfectly explicity -- you can ascertain exactly what the dude needs to roll in order to make his/her save!

In 3e statblocks, while longer, also have all the modifiers needed in them. Which one is more handy is up to the user.

The C&C statblock I gave is much shorter than the equivalent 3e statblock -- and is every bit just as handy to the user!

Really, that is the beauty of a rules lite system!