Arkhandus raises what I consider to be a legitimate point above (which he has since edited out, but was quoted by someone else). Namely that Initiative can decide the entire battle. Since about 12 months after the release of 3.0E our groups have been using the optional rule to restrict creatures to a standard action in the opening round (similar to a surprise round). This means you either attack or move, but not both (unless you are game enough for a partial charge). We find that probably the best optional/house rule we've implemented (along with house rules on Tumble and Concentration checks no longer automatically allow you to avoid AOOs).
How do we know that is a sphere of annihilation?
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One of the most Rat-Bastardy acts of DMing I've heard about took place in that room.frankthedm said:If the room it is in looks like this...
PC 1: "Hey, I wonder what would happen if I entered the blackness."
PC 2: "It might be dangerous. We'd better tie you to us with a rope so we can pull you back if necessary."
DM: "OK, PC 1 enters the hole. He is sucked into the nothingness, along with the rope. Since you are all attached to the rope, you get sucked in too. Here, have some new sheets."
Jack Simth
First Post
They were braced for pulling him out; they should have at least gotten a strength check to break the rope, probably with multiple aid anothers.....
Infiniti2000
First Post
No, it's not fine. It sucks when the DM makes a mistake to the detriment of PC's and the fun of the game. However, if the players are masochists and like getting shafted when the DM has no clue what he's doing, then okay. Go for it.Sejs said:
merelycompetent
First Post
Simple resolution:
Use stone shape, passwall, rock to mud, adamantine spoons, an earth elemental, or large burrowing animal to circumvent it.
If you want to complicate it, here's a multiple choice solution:
A. If any of the PCs has ever run into a SoA (or equivalent), or someone makes the appropriate knowledge rolls, Leave It Alone. The risk factor involved in messing with what might be a portal, gate, or other weird effect versus it being a SoA is too high. IOW: "Hmmm... this might be a gateway to riches and wealth, or we can get obliterated beyond the ability of Resurrection to bring us back. What do you think, guys? Yeah, me too. Let's try a different dungeon."
B. If you absolutely must pass beyond this point (to Save The World, for example), and all the tests in A failed, cast Augury: "If we pass through this inky blot of utter nothingness, will it benefit our mission?" If the answer is "Weal", chuck a summoned monster through it and see if it survived. If the answer is "Woe", react as if any of the tests in A identified it as a SoA.
C. Ignore both of the above. Use stone shape, passwall, rock to mud, adamantine spoons, an earth elemental, large burrowing animal, or any other method to circumvent it. Even a Wish is cheaper than annihilation.
D. Safest choice: None of the above. Hire another party of adventurers to mess with it instead.
I usually go with C. It's fun making the DM redraw his Dungeon of Doooooom maps.
Use stone shape, passwall, rock to mud, adamantine spoons, an earth elemental, or large burrowing animal to circumvent it.
If you want to complicate it, here's a multiple choice solution:
A. If any of the PCs has ever run into a SoA (or equivalent), or someone makes the appropriate knowledge rolls, Leave It Alone. The risk factor involved in messing with what might be a portal, gate, or other weird effect versus it being a SoA is too high. IOW: "Hmmm... this might be a gateway to riches and wealth, or we can get obliterated beyond the ability of Resurrection to bring us back. What do you think, guys? Yeah, me too. Let's try a different dungeon."
B. If you absolutely must pass beyond this point (to Save The World, for example), and all the tests in A failed, cast Augury: "If we pass through this inky blot of utter nothingness, will it benefit our mission?" If the answer is "Weal", chuck a summoned monster through it and see if it survived. If the answer is "Woe", react as if any of the tests in A identified it as a SoA.
C. Ignore both of the above. Use stone shape, passwall, rock to mud, adamantine spoons, an earth elemental, large burrowing animal, or any other method to circumvent it. Even a Wish is cheaper than annihilation.
D. Safest choice: None of the above. Hire another party of adventurers to mess with it instead.
I usually go with C. It's fun making the DM redraw his Dungeon of Doooooom maps.
