I really like alot of the aspects of LA that I've seen so far. The weapon damage system looks really great and I also really like the broad skill packages compared to 3e's fine grained approach. It has a similar effect to GURPS' (and to a lesser extent d20's) synergies but without all of the bookkeeping hassle. The more smooth power levels really appeal to me as well. The idea that spell casters can start off casting the most powerful spells is intriguing. D&D is perhaps a bit too heroic sometimes.
My only complaint so far is that the relationship between statistics/abilties seems a bit over-complicated (i.e. this ability raises that stat or other ability by so much, and so on). Anyway, I've got five questions:
1. If a power takes one second to cast, I understand that it takes effects 3 initiative points after the caster's initiative. Once it takes effect, does the caster still have two seconds left? So, can a caster pull off three one second spells in one AB?
2. Invocation of Service says it must be cast after "Propitiation and Votive perparations." What does that mean? Also, could someone clarify how this power relates to the Save from Evil Rite? This is my assumption of what you need to do to cast Save from Evil Rite: First do the Propitiation and Votive preparations (whatever that means), second activate Invocation of Service, third perform Save from Evil Rite. Total casting time is 36 seconds plus time for Propitiation and Votice preparations. Then, if the caster wants to perform a different ritual, he must go through the entire process from start to finish again (i.e. Invocation of Service is only valid for one following Ritual). Is this all correct?
3. How do you resolve situations where one person's skill is pitted against the others? For example, one person is hiding using stealth, and the other is trying to find them using Scrutiny. In the example with the poachers, it seems that there is no accounting for the other person's skill level when trying to hide from or detect them. Is it just as easy to detect a seasoned burglar as it is a bumbling oaf clad in full plate armor if they are in hiding?
4. Is there any accounting for really big spell effects like, say, a wizard erecting a massive dark tower overnight in the middle of a city using immensely powerful rituals?
5. How does extreme damage (like a dragon smashing you with a massive claw) work? I assume you need to roll something greater than 1d20. I notice the lance does 1d40. Is it common for powerful weapons to do larger damage ranges like this? How do you roll 1d40?
I checked the FAQ on
www.lejendary.com and didn't see these questions addressed so I assume that they are probably covered in the rulebooks.
