the Kyri Chronicles - last updated 22 Oct
- Thread starter Plane Sailing
- Start date
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
Well - it's only a White, and at this age they are pretty dumb (Int 8) so it ends up being treated like a very cunning animal rather than an extremely intelligent foe. It is still going to cause *real* headaches though!
Cheers
Cheers
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
A blast of freezing cold breath extinguishes the fire and freezes the roasting ox as screaming villagers run for their hidey holes. K’tan attempts to shepherd people to safety while Trajan, Anne-Marie and Lysander all converge on the sound of fearsome roaring. Trajan is first to get there and charges in to attack and receives a vicious bite on the way in, which seems to put him right off his strike. Anne Marie dances forward and barely scratches it with her rapier.
Lysander steps forward and calling upon Asura to smite evil, lands a fearsome blow, critically hitting the dragon – and marking himself out as a significant threat. The dragon is right next to him so it launches a full on attack, power attacking with its bite, claws and wings.
While Trajan and Anne-Marie bat futilely at its flank in the fog, Lysander stands his ground and lands two more solid blows Dmnote: Crazy fool – going toe to toe with a dragon is a baaaad idea! and in return is struck by another flurry of wings and claws, severely wounding him.
At last Trajan lands a big blow on the dragon too, and with two thirds of its hp gone it decides to evacuate – a leap and tremendous thump of wings and the dragon is airborne, their remaining AoO glancing futiley of its horny hide.
First aid all around, and the healing power of Asura conveyed through his Jazumai’s hands help the wounded party, but not fully. They could do with several hours rest, but they know that the dragon has flown off up the valley and will be resting or preparing a counterattack, so they should set off quickly.
Leaving messages with the village elder for Darra and Syl, they set off up the valley. Eyewitness accounts have often mentioned the dragon flying up and down the length of the valley, and Trajan remembers a well-known ledge called “Lovers Look” which has a splendid view down the entire valley, and a cosy cave into which young lovers could retreat after viewing a beautiful sunset. It would probably make a great lair for a dragon which was only the size of a horse.
Leaving their mounts in the village, the company set off the couple of leagues westward towards the end of the valley, and Lovers Look.
Lysander steps forward and calling upon Asura to smite evil, lands a fearsome blow, critically hitting the dragon – and marking himself out as a significant threat. The dragon is right next to him so it launches a full on attack, power attacking with its bite, claws and wings.
While Trajan and Anne-Marie bat futilely at its flank in the fog, Lysander stands his ground and lands two more solid blows Dmnote: Crazy fool – going toe to toe with a dragon is a baaaad idea! and in return is struck by another flurry of wings and claws, severely wounding him.
At last Trajan lands a big blow on the dragon too, and with two thirds of its hp gone it decides to evacuate – a leap and tremendous thump of wings and the dragon is airborne, their remaining AoO glancing futiley of its horny hide.
First aid all around, and the healing power of Asura conveyed through his Jazumai’s hands help the wounded party, but not fully. They could do with several hours rest, but they know that the dragon has flown off up the valley and will be resting or preparing a counterattack, so they should set off quickly.
Leaving messages with the village elder for Darra and Syl, they set off up the valley. Eyewitness accounts have often mentioned the dragon flying up and down the length of the valley, and Trajan remembers a well-known ledge called “Lovers Look” which has a splendid view down the entire valley, and a cosy cave into which young lovers could retreat after viewing a beautiful sunset. It would probably make a great lair for a dragon which was only the size of a horse.
Leaving their mounts in the village, the company set off the couple of leagues westward towards the end of the valley, and Lovers Look.
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
The upper valley is thickly blanketed with snow, and the company nearly fall into two dangerous snow-covered crevasses. One was particularly nasty, with carefully crafted ice stalactites lining the bottom. By Asura’s grace, reflex saves were made by the leading Jazumai and they reached the slippery path up to Lovers Look. Conversations were held in whispers, and they started moving very slowly and carefully, because even a cursory glance showed a massive snow overhang – and Trajan remembered stories of winter avalanches in this region.
Meanwhile, some way behind them Syl and Darra were catching up along the valley, having received directions from the headman. On foot like their companions, they mentally rehearsed their spells and skills on the way up the valley.
Trajan was the first to crest the top of the path onto the broad sweep of Lovers Look, and his initial glance took in the snow-covered outcrop, the glittering icy cave – and a pair of fierce green eyes, glittering with hatred and delight!
The dragon reared up and roared, a terrible reverberating sound which shook the hillside and nearly unmanned Anne-Marie and K’tan – although the two Jazumai stood fast. The roar of the Dragon was overtaken by a deeper and more thunderous roar as an avalanche of snow hurtled down upon our heroes!
Meanwhile, some way behind them Syl and Darra were catching up along the valley, having received directions from the headman. On foot like their companions, they mentally rehearsed their spells and skills on the way up the valley.
Trajan was the first to crest the top of the path onto the broad sweep of Lovers Look, and his initial glance took in the snow-covered outcrop, the glittering icy cave – and a pair of fierce green eyes, glittering with hatred and delight!
The dragon reared up and roared, a terrible reverberating sound which shook the hillside and nearly unmanned Anne-Marie and K’tan – although the two Jazumai stood fast. The roar of the Dragon was overtaken by a deeper and more thunderous roar as an avalanche of snow hurtled down upon our heroes!
(Psi)SeveredHead
Adventurer
Plane Sailing, have you had any trouble balancing psionics? I haven't had trouble with psionics in my campaigns, but lots of posters at the WotC psionics forum seem to.
So, I have 3 questions
#1: Did you have trouble balancing your PCs
#2: Did you have trouble balancing psionic NPCs or monsters?
#3: Did you use any psionic house rules (eg no psionic combat, ITCK, etc)?
Thanks in advance
So, I have 3 questions
#1: Did you have trouble balancing your PCs
#2: Did you have trouble balancing psionic NPCs or monsters?
#3: Did you use any psionic house rules (eg no psionic combat, ITCK, etc)?
Thanks in advance
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
Interesting questions, I'll do my best to answer them:
#1: I didn't think that there was a problem balancing the PC's, although one of the players suddenly upped and decided that he did. You will notice that M'ir the monk/savant is no longer present... his player felt that "his character wasn't pulling his weight in the group". Now, he had the best AC of anyone, and was one of the few characters to not even "nearly die". His level of monk was a good synergy with his Wis, contributing nicely to his AC, but it slowed down his rate of power use. He was comparing what he would be at his next level (mnk1/seer6) with what the Sor7 would be doing and was disappointed that he couldn't throw lightning bolts like the sorcerer. He had a character with great versatility but very little direct power in one direction. The other "psionic" character, K'tan is fine at present.
#2: I've not had any trouble balancing "psionic" NPC's or monsters. As you'll see in my next answer, I treat it as just another kind of magic. Actually, the answer isn't strictly true... I find it as difficult balancing encounters as it always is
#3: I do have some psionic house rules (over and above the standard "same as magic" option).
a) No psionic combat at all. I've completely ditched everything about direct psionic combat. This is because it doesn't fit with my vision of using the psi rules as just another kind of magic, and because I think it is more of a hindrance than a help to psionic characters! Mind Blast is the only thing rescued, and it has become a 5th level Telepath power.
b) Psions get a bonus metapsionic feat at 1st level and every 5 levels.
c) The Concussion series of powers is a ranged touch attack with no saving throw, and can affect objects. This has caused plenty of fun as slightly missed concussions blew chunks out of walls, knocked down doors and such. It also means it can be used against undead (which technically, the standard book version cannot!?!)
c) I have my own "power scaling" variant. There are two elements to it basically. Firstly, you can put less pp into any damage-causing power which you can manifest. Thus a 6th psion could manifest "burning ray" with 2pp for 2d6 damage, a 10th shaper could use from 1pp up to 9pp when manifesting "burning shroud"
The second part of the variant is that higher level powers use bigger damage dice. I'll admit that this isn't playtested thoroughly for the very highest levels, but I'm running with it for now.
The basic principle is that higher level powers have an increased damage die - they make more efficient use of the pp expenditure. At any given level an effect with a fixed radius uses a lower die size, and one with a variable area like a cone uses a die two sizes lower. The basic rate is summarised in this table. Sever the Tie is an exception because of its very specific target "audience"
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6"><tr align="center"><td><b>Spell level</b></td><td><b>base die size</b></td><td><b>fixed radius </b></td><td><b>variable cone</b></td></tr><tr align="center"><td>1-2</td><td>1d6</td><td>1d4</td><td>-</td></tr><tr align="center"><td>3-4</td><td>1d8</td><td>1d6</td><td>1d4</td></tr><tr align="center"><td>5-6</td><td>1d10</td><td>1d8</td><td>1d6</td></tr><tr align="center"><td>7-8</td><td>2d6</td><td>1d10</td><td>1d8</td></tr></table>
edit: since HTML is turned off!
Spell level | single target | fixed radius | variable cone
1-2 | 1d6 | 1d4 | -
3-4 | 1d8 | 1d6 | 1d4
5-6 | 1d10 | 1d8 | 1d6
7-9 | 2d6 | 1d10 | 1d8
The rationale for doing this is described in some detail on my web site.
I've not decided precisely what to do with the 9th level power "detonation" yet - but it will be a while before I have to worry about that.
So that, basically, is the house rules which I use for "magery" - my version of psionics.
Cheers!
#1: I didn't think that there was a problem balancing the PC's, although one of the players suddenly upped and decided that he did. You will notice that M'ir the monk/savant is no longer present... his player felt that "his character wasn't pulling his weight in the group". Now, he had the best AC of anyone, and was one of the few characters to not even "nearly die". His level of monk was a good synergy with his Wis, contributing nicely to his AC, but it slowed down his rate of power use. He was comparing what he would be at his next level (mnk1/seer6) with what the Sor7 would be doing and was disappointed that he couldn't throw lightning bolts like the sorcerer. He had a character with great versatility but very little direct power in one direction. The other "psionic" character, K'tan is fine at present.
#2: I've not had any trouble balancing "psionic" NPC's or monsters. As you'll see in my next answer, I treat it as just another kind of magic. Actually, the answer isn't strictly true... I find it as difficult balancing encounters as it always is
#3: I do have some psionic house rules (over and above the standard "same as magic" option).
a) No psionic combat at all. I've completely ditched everything about direct psionic combat. This is because it doesn't fit with my vision of using the psi rules as just another kind of magic, and because I think it is more of a hindrance than a help to psionic characters! Mind Blast is the only thing rescued, and it has become a 5th level Telepath power.
b) Psions get a bonus metapsionic feat at 1st level and every 5 levels.
c) The Concussion series of powers is a ranged touch attack with no saving throw, and can affect objects. This has caused plenty of fun as slightly missed concussions blew chunks out of walls, knocked down doors and such. It also means it can be used against undead (which technically, the standard book version cannot!?!)
c) I have my own "power scaling" variant. There are two elements to it basically. Firstly, you can put less pp into any damage-causing power which you can manifest. Thus a 6th psion could manifest "burning ray" with 2pp for 2d6 damage, a 10th shaper could use from 1pp up to 9pp when manifesting "burning shroud"
The second part of the variant is that higher level powers use bigger damage dice. I'll admit that this isn't playtested thoroughly for the very highest levels, but I'm running with it for now.
The basic principle is that higher level powers have an increased damage die - they make more efficient use of the pp expenditure. At any given level an effect with a fixed radius uses a lower die size, and one with a variable area like a cone uses a die two sizes lower. The basic rate is summarised in this table. Sever the Tie is an exception because of its very specific target "audience"
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6"><tr align="center"><td><b>Spell level</b></td><td><b>base die size</b></td><td><b>fixed radius </b></td><td><b>variable cone</b></td></tr><tr align="center"><td>1-2</td><td>1d6</td><td>1d4</td><td>-</td></tr><tr align="center"><td>3-4</td><td>1d8</td><td>1d6</td><td>1d4</td></tr><tr align="center"><td>5-6</td><td>1d10</td><td>1d8</td><td>1d6</td></tr><tr align="center"><td>7-8</td><td>2d6</td><td>1d10</td><td>1d8</td></tr></table>
edit: since HTML is turned off!
Spell level | single target | fixed radius | variable cone
1-2 | 1d6 | 1d4 | -
3-4 | 1d8 | 1d6 | 1d4
5-6 | 1d10 | 1d8 | 1d6
7-9 | 2d6 | 1d10 | 1d8
The rationale for doing this is described in some detail on my web site.
I've not decided precisely what to do with the 9th level power "detonation" yet - but it will be a while before I have to worry about that.
So that, basically, is the house rules which I use for "magery" - my version of psionics.
Cheers!
Last edited:
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
At last an update!
Nearly half a mile away, Dala and Syl see what looks like half a mountain side of snow hurtling down the valley towards them. They scramble for cover and avoid most of the damage. Then they set off across the fresh snowfield to the lip of lovers look, to find their buried comerades.
As they near the location, they hear a familiar sound – the rising shout of K’tans concussion power, and a fountain of compacted snow blowing away from him. They help dig the others out, and after some rudimentary first aid they look over the cave mouth – now blocked with snow. Dala whips out his burning hands wand and starts to carve a way through the snow, whilst the others stand back. After a few rounds he is through, and beyond the cave is an icy, sparkly wonderland.
As a preparation, Dala gets out a scroll of Fire Shield, and tries to cast it upon Trajan. Much to his surprise, he finds himself wreathed in warm orange flames! Hesitantly, they step forward… K’tan and Syl bring up the rear, while Anne-Marie, Lysander and Trajan press forward, and Dala angles to the side. He is the only one who is keeping on his feet in the icy cavern, as the others are slipping and sliding as if the floor had been greased.
Rounding the corner first, Lysander sees the dragon waiting – and a cone of freezing breath engulfs him. He decides to press an attack forward towards the dragon, while Annee-Marie helps Trajan to his feet and attempts to gain a flanking position. Dala catches the dragon in a blast of lightning, then starts to pepper it with magic missiles.
The action is fast and furious. Trajan attempts to get around the side of the dragon and is caught a mighty blow by its tail, and is smashed to the ground, bleeding. Lysander cuts the dragon badly but in return faces a full attack for his troubles, and the whirl of claws, wings and teeth hurts him badly – he decides that he can’t back down from it and remains toe to toe with the young adult dragon, cutting it twice more. The dragon then takes advantage of its tremendous natural weaponry and putting additional power into its attacks the two claws rip away the last of Lysanders vitality and one wing slashes around and gashes his neck – Lysander falls to the ground dying.
Meanwhile Syl is attempting to creep around to Trajans body, to stop him bleeding to death, and Dala and K’tan continue to pour magical power towards the dragon, who decides that those magic missiles are just a bit too stinging, particularly in its current wounded state. The dragon charges towards Dala who makes a futile attempt to dodge, and its jaws close on his arm – and the resulting fiery backlash from the fire shield strips the skin from the dragons face and boils its eyes in their sockets!
A few seconds a spent surveying the carnage in the cavern – blood and draconic bile mingled everywhere – then the effort to keep Trajan and Lysander alive kicks into action. Fortunately both survived killing blows by the grace of Asura, and the party huddle together around a fire near the mouth of the cavern to watch the final rays of sunset shine along the gorge. Making every effort to keep the wounded warm and alive, a fitful night is passed, and refreshed in the morning both Jazumai call upon the power of their god to heal the worst of everyones wounds before the party slowly and carefully make their way back to the village with their trophies of war. – the skull of the white dragon and the odds and ends which were found in its meagre hoard… some of which lead to surprising conclusions...
Nearly half a mile away, Dala and Syl see what looks like half a mountain side of snow hurtling down the valley towards them. They scramble for cover and avoid most of the damage. Then they set off across the fresh snowfield to the lip of lovers look, to find their buried comerades.
As they near the location, they hear a familiar sound – the rising shout of K’tans concussion power, and a fountain of compacted snow blowing away from him. They help dig the others out, and after some rudimentary first aid they look over the cave mouth – now blocked with snow. Dala whips out his burning hands wand and starts to carve a way through the snow, whilst the others stand back. After a few rounds he is through, and beyond the cave is an icy, sparkly wonderland.
As a preparation, Dala gets out a scroll of Fire Shield, and tries to cast it upon Trajan. Much to his surprise, he finds himself wreathed in warm orange flames! Hesitantly, they step forward… K’tan and Syl bring up the rear, while Anne-Marie, Lysander and Trajan press forward, and Dala angles to the side. He is the only one who is keeping on his feet in the icy cavern, as the others are slipping and sliding as if the floor had been greased.
Rounding the corner first, Lysander sees the dragon waiting – and a cone of freezing breath engulfs him. He decides to press an attack forward towards the dragon, while Annee-Marie helps Trajan to his feet and attempts to gain a flanking position. Dala catches the dragon in a blast of lightning, then starts to pepper it with magic missiles.
The action is fast and furious. Trajan attempts to get around the side of the dragon and is caught a mighty blow by its tail, and is smashed to the ground, bleeding. Lysander cuts the dragon badly but in return faces a full attack for his troubles, and the whirl of claws, wings and teeth hurts him badly – he decides that he can’t back down from it and remains toe to toe with the young adult dragon, cutting it twice more. The dragon then takes advantage of its tremendous natural weaponry and putting additional power into its attacks the two claws rip away the last of Lysanders vitality and one wing slashes around and gashes his neck – Lysander falls to the ground dying.
Meanwhile Syl is attempting to creep around to Trajans body, to stop him bleeding to death, and Dala and K’tan continue to pour magical power towards the dragon, who decides that those magic missiles are just a bit too stinging, particularly in its current wounded state. The dragon charges towards Dala who makes a futile attempt to dodge, and its jaws close on his arm – and the resulting fiery backlash from the fire shield strips the skin from the dragons face and boils its eyes in their sockets!
A few seconds a spent surveying the carnage in the cavern – blood and draconic bile mingled everywhere – then the effort to keep Trajan and Lysander alive kicks into action. Fortunately both survived killing blows by the grace of Asura, and the party huddle together around a fire near the mouth of the cavern to watch the final rays of sunset shine along the gorge. Making every effort to keep the wounded warm and alive, a fitful night is passed, and refreshed in the morning both Jazumai call upon the power of their god to heal the worst of everyones wounds before the party slowly and carefully make their way back to the village with their trophies of war. – the skull of the white dragon and the odds and ends which were found in its meagre hoard… some of which lead to surprising conclusions...
Wulf Ratbane
Adventurer
Re: At last an update!
SOMEBODY ALERT B.A.D.D.!
We need an intervention!
Well, it was a stupid white, I suppose... but still... you'd think a white dragon would learn early on not to chomp on the guy who is wreathed in flames!
Wulf
Plane Sailing said:
SOMEBODY ALERT B.A.D.D.!
We need an intervention!
Well, it was a stupid white, I suppose... but still... you'd think a white dragon would learn early on not to chomp on the guy who is wreathed in flames!
Wulf
