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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dallas4lr" data-source="post: 2514769" data-attributes="member: 11492">Greetings,Let me state first of all, that I have no problems running the character without the spellcasting skill since it appears that it is causing some concern.In defense of the character I will make the following statements.1) I may be mistaken, but a -2 sanity loss just doesn't equate to a significant knowledge of the mythos.  As I began developing this character I attributed the -2 sanity loss to Dr. Rucker screwing around with the some spells he stumbled upon prior to his conversion to the Priesthood.2) Are pyshic feats that much different than spellcasting?3) And believe me I state this respectfully, just because no other characters choose pyshic feats does that neccessarily imply that I am doing something improper if I choose to develope a character with the psychic feat or spellcasting.4) I am no expert, but I think there maybe an underlying assumption that a character that has the spellcasting ability has to have some what of a background in Cthulhu mythos.  I dont think this is the case.  Page 125 of the D20 handbook states " A spell is a one time magical  effect.  Spellcasting characters learn to cast spells by reading special books."  What are these special books, do they have to be books detailing the Mythos, is it possible that a special book could just be a spell book with no or very little background on the mythos.I do agree there are spells that one could not cast without an overt knowledge of the mythos, but I do not believe that I have selected any of those.5)  Stated by Shaman:"Also, it's starting to seem a little forced - he was a scientist who became a priest, but now he wants to go on an expedition to the antarctic? Why? Because of his prior experience with the Mythos. It begins with the assumption that the expedition will encounter Mythos creatures, which strikes me as a bit metagamey."Actually I could rephrase that question to fit more then just my character, but I will attempt to answer the questions as it pertains to my character.From my perspective its not forced, I thought it would be interesting to play the part of a trouble character.  My total concept of Dr. Rucker is as follows Dr Rucker recieved a BS in chemistry, followed by a Master of Divinity - He then becam a Roman Catholic priest that was accepted into the Jesuit Order.  While pursuing his jesuit training he developed a number of interests which were not well accepted by the church.  One of them being spellcasting and  the use of spells not inherently being bad, and another being the belief in Darwins theory of evolution.  These ideaologies created a rift between him and the church, so he left and pursued a PHD in Chemistry and Paleobiology.  As a professor at Miskotonic University he was later asked to examine some relics and fossils which he found to be quite interesting.  And he developed an extreme interest in the origins of these items, which lead to cursory exposure to the mythos and the uncovering of some additional spells while conducting this research.  He had an unfortunate experience while performing one of these spells, which caused psychosis, fear, nightmares, and alcoholism among other things.  In an attempt to regain control of himself he petitioned for re-entry into the church, this has helped him alot but Father Rucker is still a closet alcoholic.  Even though Mr. Rucker has had a bad experience in spellcasting and left science for the ministry, does that mean that he cannot have a renewed interest in ascertaining the origin and history of artifacts that he has been exposed to???  Just because this character and I feel that he may gain some understanding of these artifacts in the fossil remains of antartica, doesnt mean that he will, I am just assuming that he might- that doesn't come off as being metagamey or whatever that means, lol, to me.  It would just be an erroneous assumption.  How many times in real life do we do things based on an erroneous assumption????  There may be no exposure to the mythos in this adventure, and if there is not, does that still make this character unbalanced or unplayable in that circumstance????I don't see this character background being any less elabororate than the backgrounds of the other characters that are present in the Rogu Gallery, and certainly not forced,  just different!!!!  This is a troubled man, who is willing to set aside his fears in a attempt to get some answers.  Now the questions he may be seeking answers to may be a little different than the others explorers, but they are all seeking answers!!!!"Too much Mythos knowledge among the investigators takes away from the sense of discovery and associated horror that comes from encountering Mythos creatures and effects for the first time. It seems to me that the whole adventure, at least from where I sit, is about discovery, both geographical and metaphysical (or mythophysical, if you prefer)."I understand your concern, but Father Rucker does not fit either of the descriptions above. He has not had very much exposure to the mythos just spells, he does understand that their is something else strange going on, but he has no idea of the magnitude nor has he been exposed to Cults, Mythos Creatures or the Old Ones or any of that stuff, just bad spellcasting!6) I by no means expected that all 5 spells that I presented would be granted to Father Rucker, I only presented spells for the GM to review - that would fit with the character (I didnt choose any summonings nor did I choose spells like animate dead).  I think if you look at the few spells I did choose they are very much in line with spells that a priest and or cleric might have and fit with this character.  7) As stated I'm happy to be a part of this adventure, I've never read the books nor have I read the module.  From my brief exposure and what I've heard of the module its very long, and none of our characters will most likely survive.  But if the GM or other players feel that this character is over the top, or that there is no room for psychic feats or spellcasting in this adventure I will gladly make the necessary modifications.8) I do admit that this character is a little different then others, but my characters generally are.  I don't feel like he is forced or over the top.9) LOL, oh taitzu, and for the record - if things get weird enough to force Father Rucker to take a nip, he certaining will have no problems shooting.I Do Thank You all for allowing me the chance to present my perspective.RespectfullyDallas</blockquote>

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