The Romance of the River Kingdoms
- Thread starter Dr Simon
- Start date
Edits aren't done, just gonna put this in here to be double-checked before I edit the main RG.
I forget how the HP goes, can someone fill me in and double-check what I have so far? I'm still undecided on the Rogue Talents. Bleeding Attack seems good, but I'm not sure which others would be appropriate. The magical talents seem interesting, but I'm not sure how useful they'd prove in the long run.
Code:[B]Name:[/B] Shakou [B]Class:[/B] Rogue 4 [B]Race:[/B] Nai Nek Chai [B]Size:[/B] Medium [B]Gender:[/B] Female [I]Human form[/I] [B]Str:[/B] 10 +0 (02p.) [B]Level:[/B] 4 [B]XP:[/B] ???? [B]Dex:[/B] 16 +3 (10p.) [B]BAB:[/B] +3 [B]HP:[/B] 52 (26 Health, 26 Grace) [B]Con:[/B] 14 +2 (06p.) [B]CMB:[/B] +3 [B]Dmg Red:[/B] XX/XXXX [B]Int:[/B] 12 +1 (06p.) [B]Speed:[/B] 30' [B]Spell Res:[/B] XX [B]Wis:[/B] 10 +0 (00p.) [B]Init:[/B] +3 [B]Spell Save:[/B] +X [B]Cha:[/B] 12 +1 (04p.) [B]ACP:[/B] -0 [B]Spell Fail:[/B] XX% [B]Base Armor Shld Dex Size Nat Misc Total[/B] [B]Armor:[/B] 10 +0 +0 +3 +0 +0 +0 13 [B]Touch:[/B] 13 [B]Flatfooted:[/B] 10 [B]Base Mod Misc Total[/B] [B]Fort:[/B] 1 +2 =3 [B]Ref:[/B] 4 +3 =7 [B]Will:[/B] 1 +0 =1 [B]Weapon Attack Damage Critical[/B] shortswords(x2) +3 1d6+0 19-20x2 MW Shortbow +7 1d6+1 20-20x2 [B]Languages:[/B] Low Imperial, High Imperial [B]Abilities:[/B] Shapechanger Subtype Animal Blood: Is affected by effects that target animals Low Light Vision Animal form Sneak attack 2d6 Trapfinding Evasion Trapsense +1 [B]Feats:[/B] Medium Animal form Animal Voice [B]Skill Points:[/B] 40 [B]Max Ranks:[/B] 4 [B]Skills Ranks Mod Misc Total[/B] Acrobatics 4 +3 +3 =10 Bluff 4 +1 +0 =7 Disable Device 4 +1 +3 =6 Perception 4 +0 +0 =4 Stealth 4 +3 +3 =10 Use Magic Device 1 +1 +0 =3 Perform(Dance) 3 +1 +3 =7 Climb 4 +0 +3 =7 Swim 4 +0 +3 =7 Diplomacy 4 +1 +0 =4 Escape Artist 4 +3 +3 =10 Sense Motive 4 +0 +3 =7 [I]Tiger form[/I] [B]Str:[/B] 16 +3 (02p.) [B]HP:[/B] 56 (30 Health, 26 Grace) [B]Dex:[/B] 24 +7 (10p.) [B]BAB:[/B] +3 [B]Con:[/B] 18 +4 (06p.) [B]CMB:[/B] +6 [B]Int:[/B] 12 +1 (06p.) [B]Speed:[/B] 30'(land) 20'(climb) [B]Wis:[/B] 10 +0 (00p.) [B]Init:[/B] +7 [B]Cha:[/B] 12 +1 (04p.) [B]ACP:[/B] -0 [B]Base Armor Shld Dex Size Nat Misc Total[/B] [B]Armor:[/B] 10 +0 +0 +7 +0 +0 +0 17 [B]Touch:[/B] 17 [B]Flatfooted:[/B] 10 [B]Base Mod Misc Total[/B] [B]Fort:[/B] 1 +4 =5 [B]Ref:[/B] 4 +7 =11 [B]Will:[/B] 1 +0 =1 [B]Weapon Attack Damage Critical[/B] Bite +6 1d6+3 20-20x2 Claw(x2) +6 1d3+3 20-20x2 [B]Languages:[/B] Low Imperial, High Imperial [B]Abilities:[/B] Shapechanger Subtype Animal Blood: Is affected by effects that target animals Can speak with Felines(or is it just Tigers/Leopards?) Low Light Vision Animal form Sneak attack 2d6 Trapfinding Evasion Trapsense +1 [B]Feats:[/B] Medium Animal form Animal Voice [B]Skill Points:[/B] 40 [B]Max Ranks:[/B] 4 [B]Skills Ranks Mod Misc Total[/B] Acrobatics 4 +7 +3 =14 Bluff 4 +1 +3 =10 Disable Device 4 +1 +3 =6 Perception 4 +0 +3 =7 Stealth 4 +7 +3 =14 Use Magic Device 1 +1 +3 =3 Perform(Dance) 3 +1 +3 =7 Climb 4 +3 +3 =10 Swim 4 +3 +3 =10 Diplomacy 4 +1 +3 =7 Escape Artist 4 +7 +3 =14 Sense Motive 4 +0 +3 =7 [B]Equipment: Cost Weight[/B] Thieves Tools 30gp 01lb Shortswords(x2) 20gp 04lb MW Shortbow 30gp 02lb Arrows(x40) 02gp 06lb Backpack 02gp 02lb Rations(x5) 25sp 05lb Waterskin(x2) 02gp 08lb Yen - 02lb [B]Total Weight:[/B]30lb [B]Money:[/B] 113gp 75sp XXcp [B]Lgt Medium Heavy Lift Push[/B] [B]Max Weight:[/B] 33lb 34-66 67-100 200 500 [B]Age:[/B] 21 [B]Height:[/B] 4'11" [B]Weight:[/B] 125lb [B]Eyes:[/B] Amber [B]Hair:[/B] Orange with black streaks [B]Skin:[/B] Pale
Appearance:
Shakou definitely was not a woman to make a small impression. With amber eyes and catlike pupils, her stare was quite unnerving to some, and when coupled with her wild hair made her quite a striking figure along. The tresses only fell to about her shoulder, but the pattern bore a striking resemblance to a tiger's coat.
Her posture was self-assured, almost bored for the most part, though her eyes often worked to take into account as much of her surroundings as she could, constantly looking for an advantageous position in any situation to ensure she comes out on top.
Her garb was somewhat unique, in that she wore a rather close fit, flexible outfit that hugged somewhat to her curvature. She also carried a spare outfit in her backpack, made of looser materials when she anticipated needed to fight seriously.
Facial image
(Courtesy of blogcatalog.com)
Outfit Image:
(Courtesy of http://jade.bioware.com/characters/images/)
Background:
Shakou can hardly remember the specifics of her early childhood, having lived as an orphan as long as she can remember. She managed to make her way in life through petty theft and cleverly scamming other children into doing things to either distract from her theft, or to pit others against themselves to avoid unwanted attention from either party.
She lived like this for several years, until she came across Gengoro, a Cleric of a mischievious Fox-God, who delighted in trickery. Sharing a similar trait, the ability to become an animal, Shakou and Gengoro struck up a trick to carry them through the rest of their lives. It was simple really. Shakou turned into her tigress form and terrorized the populace of a village, and Gengoro then 'frightened' her away from the village, saving them from 'certain' doom.
It went well for a number of years until recently they were found out but Cormondal authorities. It had seemed Shakou's story was drawing to a close, but the new Vashti stood in and offered to spare her and Gengoro's life if they would assist some group of adventurers in a task. Not thrilled at the prospect of working with strangers, but not really seeing another option, Shakou accepted... and that's where her story really begins...
IC rolls:
Roll Lookup
HP calculation:8HD(+2CON)+3HD(+2CON)+6HD(+2CON)+[5]HD(+2CON)+14CONscore=35
Health: 22
Grace: 22
+1 Health per level
Health:26
Grace: 22
+1 Grace Per Rogue class level
Grace: 26
Total HP: 52
I forget how the HP goes, can someone fill me in and double-check what I have so far? I'm still undecided on the Rogue Talents. Bleeding Attack seems good, but I'm not sure which others would be appropriate. The magical talents seem interesting, but I'm not sure how useful they'd prove in the long run.
Last edited:
Dr Simon
Explorer
Looks good to me.
Hit point are done thus:
Health is Con, plus Con bonus each level, plus 1 point per level. With her Con 14, at 4th level, Shakou should have Health 14+8+4 = 26
Grace is solely from class hit dice, with maximum at 1st level, so Shakou should have 8+3d8.
As for rogue abilities, the most tiger-y ones I thought would be bleeding attack, fast stealth, ledge walker, rogue crawl and surprise attack, but its up to you. I haven't played enough to know which have the most utility.
Hit point are done thus:
Health is Con, plus Con bonus each level, plus 1 point per level. With her Con 14, at 4th level, Shakou should have Health 14+8+4 = 26
Grace is solely from class hit dice, with maximum at 1st level, so Shakou should have 8+3d8.
As for rogue abilities, the most tiger-y ones I thought would be bleeding attack, fast stealth, ledge walker, rogue crawl and surprise attack, but its up to you. I haven't played enough to know which have the most utility.
Walking Dad
First Post
You can use rogue talents to get Mage Armor or shield. Not flavor- but powerful for a shapechanger.
Dr Simon
Explorer
Re: Neurotic's XP comment in the IC thread about feats or magic items for shapechangers. You may be surprised that a lot of thinking went into whether nai-nek-chai keep their gear or not when they change shape.
To me, one of the main differences in design ethos between 1st and 3rd edition is the level to which the game system itself presents problems to the player - 1st Edition can feel a lot more "against" the players through little rules here and there that disallow or restrict access to options, for example to "potion imiscibility" table - want to drink more than one potion? Careful, you might explode!
On one hand, they were mostly annoying and not missed, but sometimes it is quite good to have an in-setting restriction to have to work around.
I could have had the nai-nek-chai like a druid wild shape, where gear changes with them, as it saves thinking about what to do with the gear. On the other hand, it is an inherent ability in the body of the nai-nek-chai, and logically shouldn't extend to gear. It's a fine balancing act between finding ways of circumventing the problem (where Growling Ape has loose clothing fitted at the cuffs, and a hominid animal shape, whereas Annika has her poncho and minimal gear), and what could be a constant annoyance.
This game does have a play-testing element, so thoughts are always welcome. Certainly the idea of magical gear designed for nai-nek-chai is one I'd be open to. Shayuri mentioned a backpack that stayed with you; I've been pondering the existence of a legendary nai-nek-chai hero(ine) who made the first of these, or other equipment. Feats, I think, wouldn't work quite so well but maybe a feat that granted a supernatural ability to merge your gear, that would work in the logic of the setting.
I know it was just an off-the-cuff statement, but I'd be interested in how the players see the issue - annoying restriction or RPing tool?
To me, one of the main differences in design ethos between 1st and 3rd edition is the level to which the game system itself presents problems to the player - 1st Edition can feel a lot more "against" the players through little rules here and there that disallow or restrict access to options, for example to "potion imiscibility" table - want to drink more than one potion? Careful, you might explode!
On one hand, they were mostly annoying and not missed, but sometimes it is quite good to have an in-setting restriction to have to work around.
I could have had the nai-nek-chai like a druid wild shape, where gear changes with them, as it saves thinking about what to do with the gear. On the other hand, it is an inherent ability in the body of the nai-nek-chai, and logically shouldn't extend to gear. It's a fine balancing act between finding ways of circumventing the problem (where Growling Ape has loose clothing fitted at the cuffs, and a hominid animal shape, whereas Annika has her poncho and minimal gear), and what could be a constant annoyance.
This game does have a play-testing element, so thoughts are always welcome. Certainly the idea of magical gear designed for nai-nek-chai is one I'd be open to. Shayuri mentioned a backpack that stayed with you; I've been pondering the existence of a legendary nai-nek-chai hero(ine) who made the first of these, or other equipment. Feats, I think, wouldn't work quite so well but maybe a feat that granted a supernatural ability to merge your gear, that would work in the logic of the setting.
I know it was just an off-the-cuff statement, but I'd be interested in how the players see the issue - annoying restriction or RPing tool?
Neurotic
I plan on living forever. Or die trying.
Both annoying restriction and RPing tool. Restrictions, codes of honor, little failings are by definition RP tools and they limit your character in some ways.
I would say natural armor should stay, and there is in magic item compendium armor property which explicitly states that the armor merges with the druid change and remains active. It could be extended to natural shapechangers.
Those items would be rare of nai-nek-chai wizards are uncommon or rare since they are most likely to make those
I would say natural armor should stay, and there is in magic item compendium armor property which explicitly states that the armor merges with the druid change and remains active. It could be extended to natural shapechangers.
Those items would be rare of nai-nek-chai wizards are uncommon or rare since they are most likely to make those
At the moment it's mostly an RP issue. This is because Annika has no magic items.
Eventually, theoretically, that will change...and the shapechange issue will become a can of worms. D&D is balanced with the assumption that characters will have certain 'levels' of magic item at a particular level of advancement. By that standard Annika is already behind...but because she's a sorceror she's able to wield magic attacks and defenses that can temporarily even things up. However, eventually her saves and other combat scores will fall far enough behind that the issue can't be simply ignored anymore.
At that point, the question of what happens to her possessions when she changes will also come into sharp focus as an issue of game mechanics, rather than just roleplaying.
As an RP challenge, it's merely vaguely annoying, and serves as a minor incentive not to change.
As a game mechanics issue, it ranges from extremely irritating to borderline crippling (depending on what degree the character depends on magic items to achieve parity), and transforms a fun racial feature into a potent liability.
Eventually, theoretically, that will change...and the shapechange issue will become a can of worms. D&D is balanced with the assumption that characters will have certain 'levels' of magic item at a particular level of advancement. By that standard Annika is already behind...but because she's a sorceror she's able to wield magic attacks and defenses that can temporarily even things up. However, eventually her saves and other combat scores will fall far enough behind that the issue can't be simply ignored anymore.
At that point, the question of what happens to her possessions when she changes will also come into sharp focus as an issue of game mechanics, rather than just roleplaying.
As an RP challenge, it's merely vaguely annoying, and serves as a minor incentive not to change.
As a game mechanics issue, it ranges from extremely irritating to borderline crippling (depending on what degree the character depends on magic items to achieve parity), and transforms a fun racial feature into a potent liability.
