General Discussion Thread IX

[Manzanita]

...So the question becomes, how do we avoid that basic dilemma while still allowing everyone to play, and at the same time not making the ground rules look too contrived in-game?

For now, the unspoken answer has been: We'll rely on the good sense of our pro-PvP players to avoid starting fights with anti-PvPers, and to keep the PvP fights out of sight from the in-game authorities. And have the judges deliver reasonable in-game consequence when they don't.

Personally, I think that works fine.

Works for me too. We have to trust out DMs and judges to protect those who don't want to fight. And allow in-game consequences to run their course for those who do choose to play annoying, insulting, belittling, aggressive PCs.

 

[El Jefe]

If it becomes a problem, we can address it then, but it seems we have a good group of people, who get along well, and are flexable enough to work through any percieved problems.

Honestly, I think we're making too big a deal over this. We've had nearly 300 characters generated, and out of all of those meeting in the RDI and interacting there and on various adventure, we've had exactly 1 PvP incident.

I think we're pretty much in violent agreement that PvP is available in LEW by mutual consent, it is not available without it, and that most of Orussus is a fairly lawful community where use of deadly force is prohibited and dealt with quickly. Outside of the better parts of Orussus, there are many examples that this is not so...in some places, it really is a jungle out there.

The only part of the "Handshake Incident" that didn't sit well with me was the "after-school-special" nature of the resolution. And, since we've already had the DM who ran that admit that this was not his original intent, and that if he had to do it again, he'd do it differently, that's more than good enough for me.

Paladins are on the hook to "respect legitimate authority...and punish those who harm or threaten innocents". Based on that, I'd think insta-smite would be a violation of the code, at least in those places where local laws prevented murder.

Finally, in the words of the least-likely sage of the 20th century, "Can't we all just get along?"

 

[IcyCool]

The wizard is not forced inot anything he can let it go, call the watch, ask for people to help whatever. The other players can do vigilante justice of they want thats the beauty of it. Its not moderated by a computer its people.

So let the dick rob people then let him die - easy fix.

The wizard is forced to lose his gold, and then attempt to do something about it.

This is why I don't play MMO's. Because people enjoy being dicks via the anonimity of the internet. And honestly, after the 18th time I had a character killed by the higher-level, 20 STR, Greatsword-wielding barbarian because my character refused to lick his boots, I'd be done with LEW. (To think that we won't get a bully if unrestricted PVP is allowed would be foolish.)

GM's aren't the only engineers on the railroad. And player engineers are uniquely unqualified for the role.

So, my stance is that PVP should be allowed if both players are up for it, and that Orussus should remain a tightly patrolled, lawful city. This statement goes for the general, non-GM run threads (pretty much the tavern and shops at this point). If on an adventure, however, anything goes (as long as the GM is up for it).

Edit - Changed something I said because it's supposedly not allowed anymore.

 

[DerHauptman]

Getting on a plane for a flight back to the states from Kabul - access might be spotty for next day.

Quick question, I have character with ranks in alchemy. I;d almost swear I can use the skill to help me ID potions but all I can find in the SRD about IDing potions is a DC 24 Spellcheck.

IMG we have always made it a DC 20 Alchemy check or a DC 25 Spell check. Is this just something we made up or can someone point me in the right direction. I mean if I can't use it to help with that kind of stuff it seems an almost worthless skill unless I want to make the alchemical items in the PHB for sale.

At least it would add some kind of bonus to my spellcraft or something.

One does not however have to have one dagone rank in alchemy to craft a potion only the feat so who knows.

If you have any information, Eratta or FAQ references let me know if you have time. I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

DerHauptman - Out!

 

[Bront]

I've no problem allowing Alchemy to be used with the same DC as spellcraft for potions, but that'd be a proposal.

 

[Rystil Arden]

I've no problem allowing Alchemy to be used with the same DC as spellcraft for potions, but that'd be a proposal.

Indeed, it isn't currently usable because potions are not considered to be alchemy, or related to alchemy in any way. I don't really like that and prefer the way (flavour-wise if not mechanics-wise) in 2e there were tons of fun and crazy elixirs, oils, potions, and salves that didn't duplicate spell effects, and many were related to alchemy. However, I do understand the point of the streamlined potion system, and it certainly runs more smoothly in 3e.

 

[Bront]

All those other things are now wonderous items.

 

[Patlin]

I could have sworn it was an alchemy check, but spellcraft does in fact seem to be the only way to do it. DC 25, actually.

 

[Rystil Arden]

All those other things are now wonderous items.

They just got rid of most of them and left the +skill ones as wondrous items. It's just more evidence of the Wondrous Item monster becoming more and more bloated and powerful

 

[Velmont]

Because of the cost of potions, it would be ridiculous to spend a 100gp pearl to identify it. I would see more an alchemist craft, but I've seen that in the SRD:

Identifying Potions
In addition to the standard methods of identification, PCs can sample from each container they find to attempt to determine the nature of the liquid inside. An experienced character learns to identify potions by memory—for example, the last time she tasted a liquid that reminded her of almonds, it turned out to be a potion of cure moderate wounds.

Honestly, I favor the alchemy or spellcraft test...