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Topics - SneeR

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1
Min/Max 3.x / Pimp my Gish
« on: October 27, 2015, 04:36:35 PM »
Hey, everyone! I'm finally back to playing D&D after years and a half-dozen nonstarters, and this time I actually get to be the player!

I'd like to be a gish with as max BAB/spell levels as I can get. However, I also want to eek as much out of my classes as possible since multiclass penalties are in full swing (though this merely slows the pace. It's a solo campaign).

For flavor, I'd like to be a mighty caster who can slay opponents the good old caster way, but who can slam an opponent down in a few mighty blows with a bigass weapon when they step too close, but I don't want to be a one-trick pony in service of that second part if I can help it.
The sooner it comes online, the better.

Because of absurdly generous rolling procedures and colossal luck, my stats are
14, 16, 16, 17, 18, 18

My thoughts so far are: wizard 1/ duskblade 2/ wizard 2/ spellsword 1/ abjurant champion 5/ Eldritch Knight (or something) 9
That build by itself is so cookie-cutter, though, that I'm pressed to add more. I've considered dipping cloistered cleric at lvl 1 as an Illumian to get that sweet turn-based Persist for arcane, all knowledge skills as skills forever thanks to the knowledge Domain, and all those skill points in all those Knowledge skills for eventual Knowledge Devotion silliness.

But I'd also like to get lvl 9 wizard spells, Duskblade 3 for Arcane channeling, and the max # attacks from BAB by lvl 20.

Obviously, something's gotta give. I'm just not sure which direction to go! If I give up on Naenhoon:Persist or Knowledge Devotion, I don't even know what skills and feats I'd take!

Please help?

2
Gaming Advice / What is your favorite fighter fix?
« on: January 12, 2014, 03:54:50 PM »
So, I need good fighter fixes. Please. I'm begging you. The simpler, the better.

Explanation:
I made a delightful elemental monk for my player (since he expressed serious interest in punching things to death with fire).
Took me hours.
Quote from: Idiot Player:
I like the idea of your monk, but I think I'm going to go with something I know a bit more, I think I'll be rolling up a fighter.
Oh.
Oh, my God
He wants to play a fighter in a 3rd-level party with a half-succubus sorcerer, a TWF-rogue, and a cloistered cleric?

I need this to be the most roided-out fighter possible. Since he is apparently scared of reading new text, it also needs to be as simple as possible...
Please help. Save my soul.



P.S.
Is my monk really so convoluted that it would scare someone into playing a fighter? I am really sort of offended here.

3
Homebrew and House Rules (D&D) / Half-Succubus Race
« on: January 09, 2014, 06:39:39 AM »
Half-fiends and tieflings are both very broad and unappealing racial options for someone who is the (probably not uncommon) spawn of human and succubus union. So, I made this hoping to preserve the best traits of the succubus and still have it as little LA as possible.


HALF-SUCCUBUS RACIAL TRAITS



+2 Charisma, –2 Wisdom. Half-succubi are charming but foolish and weak-willed.
Humanoid (human, extraplanar): Half-succubi are humanoids with the human and extraplanar subtypes.

Bluff, Disguise, Diplomacy, and Sense Motive are always class skills. Half-succubi are master manipulators; it is literally in their blood

Low-Light Vision: A half-succubus can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.

+2 bonus on saving throws against poison

Demonic Urges: If a half-succubus is not chaotic in alignment, she must make a Will Save (DC 10+1/2 her HD) at the beginning of each day or be forced to commit  an action that day intended soley to sow moderate mischief or confusion. Additionally, if she is not of evil alignment, she must make a separate Will save at the day's start or be forced to commit an act that day intended solely to moderately hurt another physically, psychologically, or socially. The player may choose when to commit each of these acts, but if they have not yet chosen to and the DM find a certain moment particularly enticing, they may direct the player to commit either act. The DM may not tell the player what to do, only that they must commit some chaotic or evil act at that time if they failed their save for the day. One act may be both chaotic AND evil.

If the player rolls a natural 1, the act for the day must be severely chaotic or severely evil instead of moderately

Evil Soul: A half-succubus has an evil aura, regardless of alignment.

Spiritual Vigor: The half-succubus gains some of the abilities that her demon parent had, but she cannot manifest them freely. In fact, using these abilities drains her spiritual vigor, leaving her weary and weak. Fortunately, she can draw spiritual vigor from those around her through acts of passion. She has a number of Spiritual Vigor Points equal to (1/2 her HD)+CHA mod (minimum 1). At the end of each day, she loses one point. When she reaches 0 points, her passive demonic abilities stop working and she becomes fatigued until they raise above 0 again. When she reaches a negative value equal to her CHA mod, she begins to take CON damage (1d3 damage for every additional point lost). When she reaches a negative value equal to her HD, she can no longer use active demonic abilities.

She can regain one point by participating in acts of consensual sexual passion for fifteen minutes. When she does this, her primary partner for that time must make a fortitude save (DC 10+1/2 half-succubus' HD+her CHA mod) or take 1d3 CHA damage. This is unpleasant, but not painful.

At the end of each fifteen-minute sexual session, the primary partner is affected by a suggestion spell asking them to continue for another fifteen minute session (which carries the same effects previously mentioned), and if the partner succumbs to the effect of the spell, the half-succubus must make a Will Save (DC 10+1/2 her HD) or continue for another session, too. At the end of each session, each participant takes 1d6 points of nonlethal damage due to exertion.

If the primary participant is brought to 0 CHA, the half-succubus has consumed their soul, and they die. The can only be be revived by a wish or similar powerful magic.

Active Demonic Abilities: Use of active demonic abilities decreases spiritual vigor points. When she reaches a negative value equal to her HD, she can no longer use active demonic abilities.

-Disguise Self (Sp): The half-succubus may expend two spiritual vigor point to cast disguise self as a spell-like ability.

-Detect Good (Sp): The half-succubus may expend one spiritual vigor point to cast detect good as a spell-like ability.

-Charm Person (Sp): Once she has acquired 2 HD, the half-succubus may expend three spiritual vigor point to cast charm person as a spell-like ability.

-Detect Thoughts (Sp): Once she has acquired 4 HD, the half-succubus may expend four spiritual vigor point to cast detect thoughts as a spell-like ability.

-Suggestion (Sp): Once she has acquired 6 HD, the half-succubus may expend four spiritual vigor point to cast suggestion as a spell-like ability.

-Energy Drain (Sp): Once she has acquired 8 HD, the half-succubus may expend two spiritual vigor point to place a draining kiss upon a creature she is either grappling or engaging in sexual relations with as a spell-like ability. This kiss bestows one negative level to the recipient and restores 1d4 spiritual vigor points to the half-succubus.

Passive Demon Abilities: The half-succubus has a number of demonic abilities granted by her bloodlines which remain active always, but she can only benefit from one at a time. Once she reaches tenth level, she may benefit from two passive demon abilities as long as she has at least 5 spiritual vigor points left. She may not benefit from passive demonic abilities with 0 or fewer spiritual vigor points

-Damage Reduction (1/2 HD)/cold iron or good (requires 4 HD)

-Spell Resistance 10+1/2 HD (requires 12 HD)

-Telepathy 5 ft/HD (requires 3 HD)

-Dark Vision 30 ft (pierces magical darkness, too)

-Energy Resistance: electricity resistance 1/2 HD, fire, cold, acid resistance 1/4 HD (requires 4 HD)

-Tongues spell on self always active (requires 8 HD)

Wings (Ex): A half-succubus is born sporting malformed wings which are initially useless but will slowly develop through her lifetime. One she has 6 HD or more she can use these wings to aid her jumps (granting a +10 racial bonus on Jump checks) and to glide and fly.

Gliding: A half-succubus of 6 HD or more can use her wings to glide, negating damage from a fall from any height and allowing 20 feet of forward travel for every 5 feet of descent. She glides at a speed of 30 feet with average maneuverability. Even if her maneuverability improves, she can’t hover while gliding. She can’t glide while carrying a medium or heavy load.
If she becomes unconscious or helpless while in midair, her wings naturally unfurl, and powerful ligaments stiffen them. She descends slowly in a tight corkscrew and takes only 1d6 points of falling damage, no matter the actual distance of the fall.

Flight: A half-succubus of 6 or more HD also has a fly speed of 30 feet with average maneuverability. She can’t
fly while carrying a medium or heavy load or while fatigued or exhausted. She can safely fly for a number of consecutive rounds equal to her Constitution modifier (minimum 1 round). She can double this length of flight but is fatigued by such exertion. She is likewise fatigued after spending a total of more than 10 minutes per day flying. Because she can glide before, after, and between rounds of actual flight, she can remain aloft for extended periods, even if she can only use flight for 1 round at a time without becoming fatigued.

A half-succubus with flight can make a dive attack. A dive attack works like a charge, but she must move a minimum of 30 feet and descend at least 10 feet. She can make a dive attack only when wielding a piercing weapon. If the dive attack hits, it deals double damage.

A half-succubus with flight can use the run action while flying, provided she flies in a straight line.

Claws (Ex): A half-succubus of 3 HD or more has two claw attacks dealing 1d4 plus 1/2 STR mod each

Automatic Languages: Abyssal, Common.

Favored Class: Sorcerer.

Level Adjustment: +2


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4
Gaming Advice / Which Psionics books should I be using?
« on: January 06, 2014, 06:20:18 AM »
I know that there was a really broken Psionics book that came out and sucked, then they released a different version of the same stuff that made it so that STR and stuff didn't give you powers or whatever and everything was delightfully balanced.
Which book is bad?
Which ones are good?

5
Homebrew and House Rules (D&D) / A Managerie of Monks
« on: December 23, 2013, 08:18:29 PM »
I only bothered adding a description to an ability below if it is different from the original ability.
Wanted to shift importance to Wisdom, staying pure monk the entire progression, and cohesion of abilities.


HD: d8
Skills: 6+INT mod
Table: Monk of the Elemental Fist
   BAB     Fort   Ref    Will  Abilities
1   +1     +2     +2     +2    Elemental Focus (new), Unarmed Strike (altered), Unfettered Grace (new)
2   +2     +3     +3     +3    Combination Strike (new)
3   +3     +3     +3     +3    Evasion
4   +4     +4     +4     +4    Ki Strike (altered)
5   +5     +4     +4     +4    Purity of Body (altered)
6   +6     +5     +5     +5    Flurry of Blows (altered)
7   +7     +5     +5     +5    Wholeness of Body (altered)
8   +8     +6     +6     +6    Enveloped by the Elements (new)
9   +9     +6     +6     +6    Improved Evasion
10  +10    +7     +7     +7    Hardened Fist (new)
11  +11    +7     +7     +7    Diamond Body
12  +12    +8     +8     +8    Abundant Step (altered)
13  +13    +8     +8     +8     Diamond Soul (altered)
14  +14    +9     +9     +9    Elemental Flare (new)
15  +15    +9     +9     +9    Quivering Palm (altered)
16  +16    +10    +10     +10   Piercing Fist (new)
17  +17    +10    +10     +10   Timeless Body (altered)
18  +18    +11    +11     +11   Time Dilation (new)
19  +19    +11    +11     +11   Empty Body (altered)
20  +20    +12    +12     +12   Perfect Self (altered)


-Lvl 1-
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Evasion (unaltered)

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Improved Evasion (unaltered)

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Diamond Body (unaltered)

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6
Gaming Advice / A Party at Odds
« on: December 20, 2013, 11:53:46 PM »
Big problem with this new party.
3 players: rogue assassin by trade, silver-tongued rogue, and a monk. Cloistered cleric may come in later.

Problem: the spotlight seems impossible to shine on anyone effectively.
Both the "assassin" and the monk are vying to be the primary damage dealer. The player of the rogue stated from the beginning that he wanted to be an assassin by trade, so I think he has the right to be the blitz killer. The monk, though, steadfastly refuses to branch from his idea of being a meat grinder on legs. He has no interest in using tripping or stunning fist or being ranged support. I even offered him a homebrew technique letting him stunning fist as an area attack!!!

The issue with that is that he's a monk. He is strictly inferior to the rogue's output using improved initiative and TWF at 1st level. This probably won't improve. Combat starts, rogue murders, monk pouts. I can't pit too many enemies against them because of the silver_tongued character: she can't take any beating and refuses to engage! Instead she runs at the first sign of combat.

I have an idea to mitigate that. An invisibility cloak that only works when standing still combined with a homebrew poison for arrows that instantly KOs the target, but must be fired the round after it is applied or it will go inert. My hope is that she will be willing to stick around and fire a support crossbow if she won't be in direct danger.

That leaves the primary concern: making 2 DPS characters shine when one of them sucks and I don't want to overwhelm them with cannon fodder every fight. The rogue is using robbypants' improved feint feat (swift action instead of move).

Tl;dr
Need 2 pieces of advice.
1) how do I make the monk not suck at DPS? I am willing to use any feat or homebrew!
2) how do I ensure neither DPS character feels overshadowed?

7
Creations & Ephemera / Need essay assistance? I'm here for you!
« on: December 02, 2013, 12:02:19 AM »
Do essays hurt your grade? Does it seem that no amount of effort can get you that high score? :banghead

Maybe all you've needed is personalized feedback! :love

My name is Jonathan, and I'd be happy to help you with any of the following and more:
-outlines
-strong thesis statements
-topic sentences
-interesting hooks
-thought-provoking conclusions
-supporting evidence
-citing sources
-proofreading
-even cover letters or professional e-mails!

My qualifications include:
-scored 10/10 on the SDSU WPE (Writing Proficency Exam) on the first try
-taken several writing courses focused around open workshops and honest feedback
-written essays longer than 10 pages with high marks
-write creatively in my free time (with hopes to publish a novel soon!)

I'm offering to work with you and give tips or answer questions before, during, and after you've written your essay.

I will sit with you either in person or over Skype and provide any assistance necessary for the entire session. Each session lasts either one hour or two. The average essay can be honed to completion in two or three sessions, but you may ask for as many as you like. Your success is my top priority!

The cost is $15 for one hour, or $25 for 2 hours.

Feel free to reach me at:
jonathan.long.writes @ gmail .com
(without the spaces)

And if you don't need help, please forward the info to anyone you know who might!
Thank you!

8
Off Topic Fun / Understanding intrusive compulsions
« on: November 06, 2013, 12:01:55 AM »
Hello.
I am working on a story, and part of it involves mind control. Not the overt mind control where you watch your body helplessly, but the more insidious kind: induced compulsions.

As such, I would like to seek out those individuals with moderate to severe OCD.
How would you describe your most powerful compulsions?

Any response is appreciated. I'm looking for descriptions to make my narration seem more authentic. Otherwise this is the best I can do:
"He resisted, tried his hardest, but the implanted desire was like an ache inside of him; he could step forward, but could not step away."

Thanks!

9
Legends of the Heroes / World-Ender, Gruumsh's Folly
« on: August 11, 2013, 03:04:43 PM »
Hello, SneeR here. It's been a long time since I've posted anything meaningful on these boards, so I figured I'd throw down a creative story I wrote for a creative fiction class last year. My style has become a lot more minimalist since then, and it is now where near my best work, but I don't want to rewrite it. I thought you guys might appreciate the subject matter.

I took a few liberties with the mythology, but tried to make it work.

Enjoy!
(click to show/hide)

10
Off Topic Fun / Booze Suggestions?
« on: May 01, 2013, 06:56:09 AM »
I turn 21 on Thursday, and that means that I may now legally ingest certain mind-altering liquid toxins in America!
BOOZE!  :cheers

However, I have steered clear of alcohol for my entire life. Rather than go out and get shit-faced trying everything at once, I want to strategically choose my first few drinks. For this, I need suggestions both general and specific!

I have tried several kinds of cheap beers, wines, vodka, and champagne. I am interested in trying mead and ale (since my characters have been drinking it for years, I might as well try it...).

What is your favorite kind of drink? I'm not looking for complicated mixed drinks, mostly suggestions of preferences of simple ones.

Eh?

11
Legends of the Heroes / Thirst, Despair Sword
« on: March 25, 2013, 06:05:26 PM »
This wickedly curved blade is composed of grey-black metal pitted with rust. Seemingly random spines and serration betray its sinister nature.

Thirst is  a unique weapon. It weighs 10 pounds and is a mix of adamant, iron, and mithral; it was forged in a kiln lit with burning demons' bones and quenched in the blood of innocents. It bears the properties of a +1 vicious adamant weapon with the [Evil] subtype.

When Thirst is first grasped, it burrows into the bones of the arm, becoming almost permanently attached and causing 1d4 CON damage immediately. By focusing on the weapon as a swift action, the wielder can cause it to take the functional form of any Small, Medium, or Large piercing or slashing melee weapon, though the weapon appears designed with clearly cruel intent. The weapon can also be made to take the form and function of mundane tools or up to twenty feet of cable and a grappling hook. Thirst does not need to impede use of its host arm because it can take the form of a gauntlet.

Thirst is living metal, hungry and clever. It can reform if sundered with the standard action of its wielder. When Thirst is used to kill a creature, it devours that creature's soul, forever denying it an afterlife. (Animals, Constructs, Oozes, mindless creatures, and creatures with an INT under 3 do not have souls that Thirst is interested in devouring). Once a soul is devoured, Thirst can adopt fiendish properties by tearing the soul into it components, hit dice. For every 5 HD Thirst permanently consumes (obliterating them forever), it may gain an additional weapon property with an equivalent +1 value as a standard action. The wielder may focus on Thirst as a standard action and change the weapon properties by consuming more devoured souls, able to chose weapon properties with higher than +1 values if enough HD have been devoured. Thirst is limited by the power of its wielder, and may have no more weapon properties than +1 per 2 HD of its host (though there is no limit on the number of souls it may devour and retain).

(click to show/hide)

Every hour, Thirst permanently consumes 2 HD of its devoured souls, making them unusable for weapon properties. As soon as Thirst consumes every soul it has devoured, its wielder gains a negative level until more souls are devoured. If an hour passes and Thirst does not have at least 2 HD of devoured souls to consume, the wielder gains another negative level. The wielder may force Thirst to consume devoured souls immediately recover lost parts of himself, losing one negative level for every 5 HD of devoured souls it consumes. Alternatively, the host may cause Thirst to consume 1 HD to heal him 1d6 hp. When the host forces Thirst to consume devoured souls, Thirst gains no sustenance, and must still consume 2 HD of souls every hour to feed its hunger.

Thirst is cruel, and its bloodlust taints the mind of its wielder. The host must make a Will Save (DC 1/2 host's HD + 5) each time he tries to use nonlethal damage (even with weapons besides Thirst). Additionally, the host must make a Will Save (DC 1/2 host's HD + 10) whenever it becomes clear that Thirst could be used to kill an opponent and devour its soul in order to stop himself from doing this. If Thirst goes twenty-four hours without devouring any souls, the wielder must make a Will Save (DC 1/2 host's HD + 10) or immediately seek out the fastest and easiest way possible to devour a soul--usually achieved by preying upon weak innocents in residential areas.

When Thirst's host dies, as it always does, Thirst wrenches its iron tendrils free and lays there in the form of a falchion attached to bloody roots.

12
Off Topic Fun / What's your opinion on Mind Control?
« on: March 10, 2013, 08:29:06 PM »
I am writing a novel, but I am coming across a conundrum in the process. I have invented two equally good methods of mind control, but I have only one psychic character who only needs one form of it. This character is short-sighted, foul-tempered, impulsive, childish, and selfish, but not overtly evil. She is mostly amnesiatic about her apparently very long lifespan, and sometimes she recalls a thread of memory that alters her personality or lets her use new powers. So, she's kind of crazy, too.

#1) She induces powerful short-term compulsions:
Essentially, she bestows upon her target an intense desire to do what she has commanded, with the duration of that compulsion based upon how hard she concentrates when she uses the power. The compulsion is not unlike the needs brought on by addiction withdrawal or OCD.

#2) She causes the target to regard a statement as undisputed truth for a while:
This one has more cruelty potential, and is more entertaining to write. For instance, she could say, "I don't need to pay for this bill," "I don't look suspicious," or "You are on fire."
The target's mind is forced to reconcile the new truth as best it can, with it overriding previous notions after a short battle of wills. This may include psychosomatic manifestations of unreal conditions. It's duration is proportional to her concentration and willpower at the time of the statement.
Basically, Jedi Mind Trick on steroids.

So, which do you like better? I was going to just use both, but I'm not sure that's the best idea; it might make her too powerful. What are your thoughts on that? Should I make it so she has one power, then a memory gives her the other? Is one too cliche or overpowered? I welcome any opinions!

13
Off Topic Fun / I am not what you say I am
« on: February 27, 2013, 07:27:30 AM »
You know what? Fuck it.

Sometimes I feel urged to work on my novel because I need to show something for my life. I feel like I need some tangible evidence that I can unequivocally point to to show my success, my worth.

I don’t consider my life successful. By that, I mean that, were I to be dying right this second, I would consider my life without achievement, incomplete. There are so many things that I want to do, and I don’t do any of them.

You cannot force yourself to be creative, though. Rage and desperation can’t be the driving factors behind accomplishments of the heart and soul like a novel. No matter how much I wish I could prove to myself and my family and those who doubt me, it won’t happen for just that reason. I need to produce and create based upon my own desire to produce and create.

Have you ever been told, “You are pathetic”? Has someone you loved actually said to you, “You are pathetic; I have no respect for you anymore”?

I have.

It truly is the most horrible, life-shattering, ego-destroying thing that can happen.

I've spent the last year of my life trying to outrun that accusation, and it requires that I overcome a lifetime of bad habits, mostly related to procrastination.

No matter what I achieve, no matter how much I change from the man I once was, as long as I am not reaching my true full potential, challenging myself everyday and meeting that challenge, there will always be a voice in the back of my head whispering, “You are pathetic.”

“You could be doing more.”

“You are poison in my life.”

“You are the cause of all of my stress.”

“As long as you are in my life, I can never move on.”

“You are just not smart enough.”

“You are trying to do things you are not capable of doing.”

“You have no life goals, and you will never accomplish anything.”


You. Are. Pathetic.

The only way I’ll ever escape those haunting words is by becoming the best man I can be. When I know that I am an upstanding gentleman who is drawing the most from life, I will know that I am not, in fact, pathetic.

I am brilliant. I am amazing.

I am desirable.

I am me, and I'm doing the fucking best I can here.

So, why don't I feel better, no matter how hard I try?

14
Off Topic Fun / Tips for the First Date?
« on: February 20, 2013, 02:13:50 AM »
So, I have had two girlfriends, one of which lasted for nearly two years. However, I have never actually gone on a first date with the purpose of getting to know my date! The dates were always set up after we were a couple...  :( I don't know what to do!

I've read some books on the subject, and I am pretty confident in myself. I plan to take her to coffee until the movie Warm Bodies (which she adores) starts, then we'll grab dinner after the movie at a pizza place. Then we'll take the trolley to a nearby port and walk along the shoreline if all goes well.

Here are some pointers I know about:
-pay for everything
-bring a coat and offer it to her if she gets cold
-no kissing on the first date
-be confident
-don't contact her ahead of time except to remind her of the plans and confirm she is coming
-go to have fun: thinking too much ahead assures i will be only one date

Here are some caveats:
-I am nearly 21 and she is 19, so no drinking
-We have never met in person, so I don't know wht kind of chemistry we have (met over dating website)
-I don't even know if she finds me attractive, but the fact that she acquiesced to my invitation bodes well (?)
(She's seen pictures of me on the website)
-She has never had a romantic relationship before
-neither of us have private transportation
-I am on a college student budget

I know the main rule is to be myself, be confident, and just do my best, but do any of you have any advice that might spare me some ruinous hidden faux pas?

15
Off Topic Fun / My Greatest Lament
« on: September 12, 2012, 05:40:30 PM »
I have almost assuredly dashed any hope of marrying the perfect woman, the woman I love, who once loved me.

A year ago, my greatest concern in our relationship was when would be the best time to propose, and how I would afford a ring. Now I feel like an addict clawing desperately for more, knowing I shouldn't. I don't really care who reads this, or what you think; I just need to get this off my chest. There is only one person I can identify with, and he is her friend more than mine, so I can't see him anymore for fear of seeing her.

We decided to live together after a year of dating. That was a mistake, considering that I am so inexperienced with relationships. Everything that could have gone wrong did. I grew complacent. I stopped treating her like the precious jewel she is. I stopped trying to please her by doing the things she wanted. Honestly, I stopped trying at all. School seemed unnecessary; friends seemed unnecessary; even my great joy, writing, seemed unnecessary. I derived all pleasure from her, the knowledge that she would always be with me, so I could lean on her at any time. She was my only friend, entertainment, concern, or plan. I took the sentiment too deeply to heart, and I changed. We started fighting, and it left emotional scars on her that I somehow never felt. I ignored the signs that she was drifting from me because of me and now she's gone.

Thinking back I can recall a gradual shift of attitude within myself, but at the time I didn't realize at all. It is only now that I feel the full force of how different I am. I used to pride myself in self-sufficiency: I could go days without talking to people and never feel lonely. My only company was my thoughts, imagination, and books. That may actually be what attracted her in the first place. Now, though, I must go the rest of the year at least without contacting her at all.

And isn't that pathetic? I post My Greatest Lament, and it is that I can't text a girl for four months! Well, the cessation of contact is indicative of the state of our relationship. She still has feelings for me: every time we've broken up in the past few weeks, she comes back to me in a few days. Then she realizes why she wanted to break up, that everything she once found charming about me annoys her now. She is living with emotional whiplash, and it tears her apart every time she is with me. So she broke it off and demanded I not contact her for the rest of the semester.

"I'm not in love with you anymore. You are pathetic; grow some balls! Hate me! It's easier that way; hate me!"

I know she's serious. To be frank, I've know that we needed a long break for months. I relish this chance for her to become estranged from me so I can re-acquaint her with my good side, right the wrongs I've caused. But, as I said previously, now I feel the full force of how I've changed. I have been apart from her for exactly 24 hours, but the knowledge that I will not see her for months on end at least has made every moment stretch on. I find myself subconsciously going to places on campus where I think I might "accidentally" meet her.

I KNOW I SHOULDN'T DO THAT! Why am I doing that!? Now more than ever, I need to show that I can respect her wishes and do this one thing right! Why am I so addicted to her? How have I shifted into this pathetic creature who snivels after the woman I love like a lost dog? I once lived my life by a code--literally. I had a list of tenets that I prided myself on following. Now I can barely control myself. The last time I felt like this, I was addicted to something. I feel like I'm lapsing into withdrawals, and that is tiny and pathetic.

The best part of this whole story is that our two-year anniversary would have been next month, in October. I bought her a gold locket for the occasion, and I had a fancy dinner planned months in advance. Now I have a gold locket lying around and an empty bed.

What I have to do is wait silently for her. I have to become my own entity again. All I can hope is that she doesn't fall in love with someone else before I can become the man she needs.

16
Homebrew and House Rules (D&D) / Armor as DR that actually works
« on: August 30, 2012, 02:48:58 PM »
Remember how Unearthed Arcana has that semi-realistic idea of armor as DR that everyone likes so much? Well, its effectiveness wears off almost immediately, so no one can really use it after level 5. I've heard people suggest a fractional DR, but no one wants to do that kind of math for every attack!

How about this?

ARMOR AS DAMAGE REDUCTION:
An armor's original AC value is now decreased to half (rounded down, minimum +1). This new AC bonus is called the "base AC value."
Armor now grants damage reduction to its wearer (if the wearer is proficient with it) of:

BASE AC VALUE x BASE ATTACK BONUS

If an armor grants DR (such as for being adamant or for a feat), this amount is added to the base AC value for purposes of the armor's damage reduction. The AC armor bonus is not affected as normal.

EDIT:
It has been noted that the above formula provides overwhelming protection. Here is the new formula:

BASE AC VALUE x (1+ (BAB/5)), rounded down) for proficient wearers (effectively increasing DR by a factor of 1 every 5 level with full BAB)
Base AC value for nonproficient wearers.

The system applies to worn armor and their base armor bonuses only. Natural armor remains the same. Armor enhancements do not affect base AC value, are not affected by this system, and do not provide additional DR.

17
Trial of Souls / New Weapons, Drugs, Rules, and Items
« on: August 29, 2012, 03:57:42 PM »
Some rules work differently in Trial of Souls.

Shields:
Buckler: +1 AC, used as normal
Light Shield: +2 AC, used as normal
Heavy Shield: +4 AC, used as normal, except you can use a move action to get ordinary cover (not total)
Tower Shield: +6 AC, used as normal, but no penalty to attack rolls
All shields provide their bonus to touch AC, period, because you can stop the "full-on touching" needed for the effect to connect.


Super-crits:
If a character rolls a critical against a common enemy, then confirms with a natural roll within the weapon's normal crit-range, the player may roll again. If the thrid roll confirms the secondary critical threat, the enemy dies instantly.

If the character confirms the secondary critical with a tertiary critical, the target dies instantly; in addition, enemies nearby also take damage from the weapon.

18
Trial of Souls / Bestiary of Demons & Souls
« on: August 29, 2012, 03:28:40 PM »
Here I will be listing all of the monsters for the Trial of Souls campaign. Lets start with LESSER DEMONS.

Flying Viper

Sky Viper

Ratmonger

Ratmonger Sergeant

Ratmonger Chopper

Horn Ape

Greater Horn Ape

Cyclops

Greater Cyclops

Reaper

Ambassador of Blades

Incubus

19
THE TRUE SWASHBUCKLER
 
   
It would seem I have you... foiled, would it not?
-Gozer, the Magnificently Fallen

Bards' tales are filled with magnificent musing of handsome heroes who best legions to rescue ravishing damsels in distress. These are true swashbucklers.
 
MAKING A TRUE SWASHBUCKLER
True swashbucklers are masters of the subversive art of attacks of opportunities. They are difficult to hit and must pay attention even when it isn’t their turn in order in order to exploit their enemies’ blunders. “Expending” an attack of opportunity means sacrificing a number of attacks of opportunity for that round in order to gain use of an ability.
Abilities: Dexterity provides attacks of opportunity with the use of Combat Reflexes, which the true swashbuckler uses as a sort of currency for many of his abilities. Intelligence provides more skill points that a true swashbuckler can use for his trade, as well as adding to his social skill. Charisma governs the power of some of his abilities. Strength and Constitution let the true swashbuckler deal more damage an take hits better, respectively, but they are not imperative.
Races: Humans, Elves, Halflings, and other dexterous, charismatic, or skillful races are the most common true swashbucklers.
Alignment: None.
Starting Gold: As rogue.
Starting Age: As fighter.
 
Class Skills
The true swashbuckler’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Appraise (Int), Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Forgery (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (local) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha), and Use Rope (Dex).
 Skill Points at 1st Level: (6 + int)x4
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 6 + int
 
Hit Dice: d8
 
 

Level
Base
Attack Bonus
Fort
Save
Ref
Save
Will
Save

Special
1st+1+2+2+0Combat Reflexes, Flick of the wrist, Finesse
2nd+2+3+3+0Parry
3rd+3+4+4+1 Show Off, Sneak Attack (+1d6)
4th+4+4+4+1 Reflexes (+1), Uncanny Dodge
5th+5+4+4+1Press the Advantage
6th+6/+1+5+5+2 Sneak Attack (+2d6), Decisive Swipe
7th+7/+2+5+5+2Flashy Footwork
8th+8/+3+6+6+2 Reflexes (+2)
9th+9/+4+6+6+3 Sneak Attack (+3d6), Graceful Step
10th+10/+5+7+7+3 Obfuscated Step
11th+11/+6/+1+7+7+3Stand Alone
12th+12/+7/+2+8+8+4 Reflexes (+3), Sneak Attack (+4d6), Skill Mastery
13th+13/+8/+3+8+8+4Lightning Jab
14th+14/+9/+4+9+9+4Fearless
15th+15/+10/+5+9+9+5Sneak Attack (+5d6), Surge of Grace
16th+16/+11/+6/+1+10+10+5Reflexes (+4), Hamstring
17th+17/+12/+7/+2+10+10+5Reflective Parry
18th+18/+13/+8/+3+11+11+6 Sneak Attack (+6d6), Spring Back
19th+19/+14/+9/+4+11+11+6
20th+20/+15/+10/+5+12+12+6 Reflexes (+5), Lightning Flurry

(click to show/hide)

PLAYING A TRUE SWASHBUCKLER
 The true swashbuckler is designed to embody the standalone hero armed with nothing but a buckler and a rapier.
 Combat: The true swashbuckler is designed to help allies, dodge attacks, and mete out many attacks of opportunity every round. While not a blunt damage-dealer, the true swashbuckler can manage to make a great number of attacks per round as well as foiling opponents by tripping, disarming, and hampering movement and attack.
 Advancement: True swashbucklers can specialize in maximizing sneak attack damage, making a multitude of attacks of opportunity, hampering the foes while assisting the allies, or a little of all of this.

NOTES:
(click to show/hide)

20
Off Topic Fun / Is anyone savvy to old Indian or British culture?
« on: July 02, 2012, 06:11:54 PM »
I am writing a novel, and I have a plot thread which takes place in India just before the Sepoy Revolt of 1857, then travels to Britain for several more years, about 1857-1870.

Does anyone know enough to offer some sort of fact checking?

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