Melnibonean-inspired race as LA+0

[Erekose]

Er, my argument is actually that ANY mental ability boost is unbalanced for LA +0 if there is ANY primary spellcasting class which derives all of its spellcasting benefit from that stat.

Basically, a race that's only suited to being Sorcerers -- but is a better Sorcerer than anyone else -- is a poorly designed race.

A question: why must this race have a +2 / -2 ability modification? Give the race other cool stuff, and let it be a baseline Human in terms of ability scores. Or just give an ability penalty, and extra cool stuff, like the Warforged get.

Cheers, -- N

Couldn't this argument be used for all attributes to a greater or lesser degree?

e.g. is any race better at being a Fighter than the half-orc or better at being a rogue than the elf?

 

[Nifft]

Couldn't this argument be used for all attributes to a greater or lesser degree?

Many, yes. But the spellcasting ones more than the others.

The only two stats that every PC wants are Dex and Con.

e.g. is any race better at being a Fighter than the half-orc or better at being a rogue than the elf?

Er, yes? Fighters benefit hugely from the Combat Expertise chain, which Half-Orc all but precludes. Rogues are squishy enough in melee that the -2 Con really hurts.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Waylander]

. . . A question: why must this race have a +2 / -2 ability modification? Give the race other cool stuff, and let it be a baseline Human in terms of ability scores. Or just give an ability penalty, and extra cool stuff, like the Warforged get.

Cheers, -- N

Hi again!

We run a human-only campaign but have developed each culture akin to the races in standard D&D - similar to the way it's done in the Conan RPG.

As each existing culture has ability modifications it would seem odd if this new race which is a step different from humans (but ultimately from human stock) didn't have them.

Hope this makes sense - it's also why I want to base the race on a strong otherworldly archetype like the Melniboneans.

 

[Waylander]

. . . Basically, a race that's only suited to being Sorcerers -- but is a better Sorcerer than anyone else -- is a poorly designed race . . .

Hi Nifft!

I just wandered over to your listed homepage and couldn't help but notice that the Gnome variant listed there has the ability modifiers of -4 Strength and +2 Charisma.

If this is your Gnome variant, and given your argument above, I just wondered how you'd rationalised the fact that Gnomes would be the most powerful Sorcerers with the least incentive to take a class that could end up in melee combat.

Apologes in advance if it's not actually your homepage or if I've missed something obvious - I didn't dwell long but was impressed with what I saw.

 

[Nifft]

Apologes in advance if it's not actually your homepage or if I've missed something obvious - I didn't dwell long but was impressed with what I saw.

Yeah, gnomes are actually extinct IMC -- can't play one -- dunno why they're listed -- will fix.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Evilhalfling]

okay githazri get +6 dx, +2ws, -2 int, SR = to 5+lvl, and several useful psionic powers.

If your players a likely to take the race to play fighters, then I love the idea of bastard sword being a martial weapon. This style emphasizes skill over strength, and a long weapon takes advantage of their greater height/reach (although it has no game effects) it makes sense.

 

[Waylander]

. . . If your players a likely to take the race to play fighters, then I love the idea of bastard sword being a martial weapon. This style emphasizes skill over strength, and a long weapon takes advantage of their greater height/reach (although it has no game effects) it makes sense.

Thank you!

I have been wondering if the plane that they went to is another opportunity to link in with the Melnibonean theme. The elite of Melnibone were the dragon riders - those with a special relationship with the Phoorn.

It might make sense for a similarly powerful race to have "befriended" (enslaved?) the humans when they first arrived on the other plane. Possible the Slaadi if I went with your idea of Limbo. Although to fit in with the Melnibonean theme it would be better if it were a more positive interaction between the two races which could possibly translate into either automatic languages for the race and/or particular skill bonuses?

I'd welcome you thoughts?

 

[Waylander]

Yeah, gnomes are actually extinct IMC -- can't play one -- dunno why they're listed -- will fix.

Cheers, -- N

Hi Again - glad I could help point something out!

Back to my original point - did you or didn't you feel they were a "balanced" race and if you did please could you elucidate?

 

[Nifft]

Hi Again - glad I could help point something out!

Back to my original point - did you or didn't you feel they were a "balanced" race and if you did please could you elucidate?

Five years ago when I made them: yes. Today: no. My opinion has changed with experience.

They didn't get excised because they didn't get exercised -- my players seem to have no interest in gnomes or halflings. So it's a case of me just not editing my own stuff to keep it in line with my current understanding of game balance, particularly the dark areas where no-one uses the rules.

I had some broken House Rules for Clerics up, too, and those lasted until someone played a Cleric for a while.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Quartz]

The DMG repeatedly states that Strength is the dominant characteristic due to it's multitude of benefits in combat and skill checks.

Things have changed since the DMG was written. Strength is pretty much a dump stat for all characters who aren't going to take the Power Attack feat.