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Topics - Tshern

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1
Introduce Yourself / Hi
« on: January 21, 2022, 07:47:05 PM »
Hello everyone,

I've been struggling for a long time. With mental health, with financial health, all that. Made promises to look up what is up here and all that. I've mostly failed at the latest one, that's my bad.

But hence, a new introduction thread. I'll try again. To all the all friends, hello. To all the new friends, nice to meet you.

Stay safe,
Tshern

2
Introduce Yourself / Yo
« on: April 08, 2017, 09:02:33 PM »
Hiya all,

I've been here before, but due to some changes in my life, I think that is acceptable. Perhaps some of you remember me, perhaps not. However, I will attempt to be here from this day forward.

3
Off Topic Fun / Allo
« on: June 29, 2013, 12:23:36 AM »
My loves, my haters,

I am back to visit the online world. So far I have not read the forums, but I assume there is a fair number of folks, who do not remember me. But they all will, eventually...

In any case, Tshern is back, try not to to have a heart attack.

4
Min/Max 3.x / Ideas for a level 7 Faerun character
« on: July 17, 2012, 07:49:59 AM »
Not about the possibilities of the Truenamer anymore. I couldn't take its stupidity.

Hey ya,

I'm joining a campaign that ought to be long term one, but I don't have a clue what to play. We've got both arcane and divine casting covered and same goes for ranged and melee damage. On top of those we have a rather excellent DFI Bard, so we've got all our basic needs covered. I'd love to play a spellcaster of sorts, but the more generic roles are already filled and I am tired of playing Dread Necromancers and Beguilers, so I need something a little more, ummm, inspired. All ideas are welcome!

Our sources are somewhat limited, so for your convenience I shall provide a list of allowed sources.
-Allowed by the DM: Core, Completes (not Psionics), PHB II, XPH, MM I-V (player races and summons only), PGtF, FRCS, ToB, Cityscape and Dungeonscape.
-Everyone can choose a book and these are the ones we have now: ToM, SpC, LoM, DotU and UA, Dragon Magic. I have not yet chosen a book.
-No books from other settings.

Edit: The more I read, the more idiotic the class becomes. I knew there was a reason I had ignored it for so long. Thus, topic changed.

5
Off Topic Fun / RopeCon '12
« on: July 17, 2012, 07:36:31 AM »
After last year's scheduling problems yours truly will once again attend this magnificent convention to make sure it's epic. Anyone else going? Mostly for the Finns that may or may not roam this forum, but one can always hope...

6
Off Topic Fun / Acquiring a new laptop
« on: July 03, 2012, 12:06:13 PM »
In about a month I'll be buying a new laptop, but I haven't really been following what's going on when it comes to components and what to look for in order to satisfy my needs. So if you have any ideas, feel free to chip in and help me pick a laptop that won't frustrate me to the point of suicide. Luckily my current Asus has been reliable enough.

Now I'll try to narrow down the things I really want so you won't stumble in the dark. My budget is around 800 euros, give or take, and I need a 15.6" screen (I need some portability, since I travel quite a bit, but any smaller is not sufficient). I can deal with all the school stuff and compulsory email duties and whatnot with pretty much any computer there is, so that is not an obstacle. However, I do some playing, watch plenty of movies and listen to music on a daily basis. It is also worth bearing in mind that the next laptop has to carry me through three years or so (doesn't need to run the latest games then, but even my current three year old has no issues with Skyrim or Mass Effect 3).

Basically I don't know whether to pick AMD or Intel, what kind of graphics card to go for or should I pick 6 or 8 gb of RAM. Hard drive has to be 500 gb or more, but that's it.

Any thoughts about the components, brands in general or anything really? I have been very satisfied with Asus so far...

7
Hey ya,

I am about to enter a PbP and my plan was to go with Druid. I have played a couple of Druids before, but the gestalt thing kind of threw me off, so I am not quite sure what to do. Anyway, here come the basic rules of the game and all that.

Rules:
-Starting level 15.
-36 point buy.
-Pretty much all the 3.5 books are allowed.
-Power level is high.
-75% of the normal WBL.
-The DM dislikes Wizards and I don't want to play one now.
-Planar travel, summoning and calling are out in the beginning, not sure when this changes.

I was thinking about making a melee Druid and using gestalt would provide a perfect opportunity to use some of the non-casting Druid PrCs on the other side of the build. Much to my dismay, I realised that I cannot enter Master of Many Forms without Wild shape as a class feature, so doing that before 6th level is out. As for Warshaper, I could enter at level 5 by being a Changeling, taking more than a single level would mean that I could not get the capstone ability of MoMF...

So my biggest question is, what should I with the other side of the gestalt? Warshaper's capstone is intriguing as it that of MoMF, but are they worth it? Are the better options to be used on the other side of the build? Should I even go Druid 15 on the first side? Heck, I could even go with Druid//Ardent/Slayer or Druid//Psychic Warrior if I get a persuasive argument...

These are two of the ideas that crossed my mind:
-Druid (with the variant that gain AC bonus, but loses Wildshape) 15//Wildshape Ranger 5/MoMF 10, entering Warshaper at 16.
-Druid 15//Ranger 4/Warshaper 1/MoMF 10, then continuing with Druid and Warshaper.

Better thoughts, anyone? I am really open to changing the build as long as it remains a Druid.

Edit: Neglected to mention that initially planar travel, summoning and calling are out of the question. That might change at some point though.

8
Board Business / Chat
« on: April 10, 2012, 08:01:01 PM »
I am usually oppose chat functions on forums, but I feel like we have a decent bunch of people hanging around here, so to me this is worth asking. Is there a chance that we could incorporate a chat to the forums? I have seen those elsewhere, so I know they can be added to some sites, but unfortunately I do not know the mechanical details.

Admins, mods, the prole, any ideas or thoughts?

9
Off Topic Fun / Rant Box, volume II
« on: April 10, 2012, 07:48:39 PM »
Had one of these at the old boards and I felt like allowing another one to waste space here in the magical world of internet. Despite the name, this place will include a few positive entries as well. At least I hope it will, because if my life doesn't have any positive things, it has to suck. On the whole, it does not, so I doubt that will happen. So yes, the name is just a reference to the old thread.


In any case, got a few things on my mind right now. Firstly, my laptop decided to stop working some time ago. As it includes a bunch of files that I actually cannot replace, so this was not an event I was looking forward to, especially only a few months away from acquiring a new one. Dissertation notes all gone, my personal diary of last three years disappeared and I had to say goodbye to all the pictures I wished not to store to any of the online pages. Oh sigh.

Apart from that, Tshern, as it appears, is a person who does not feel like keeping his life constant. As such, I applied for a grant. With some luck and carefully crafted arguments, I made the necessary steps to get a sponsorship for my dissertation. Sure, I lost the old notes, but his is pretty decent. If my application goes through, and I believe I have a decent shot, I will have approximately 800 pounds to spend on my project. In short, I will go to Belgium, sleep at my friends' place, interview a handful of people and have some 600 quid to spend for vacation purposes. Decent, innit?

Also, I am off to take yet another student trip. Heading back to my rathole in the UK and my estimated travel time is some 24 hours (with a decent budget that would be maybe five hours), so I am both excited and annoyed. I would want to rant about even more about the expenses, but I bloody love being a student.

More whining to come. A lot more.

Enter signature:

10
Play By Post / Around level 13, based on the Dicefreaks Nine Hells
« on: March 23, 2012, 07:44:23 PM »
Hola,

In case anyone here has some existing knowledge of the Dicefreaks' version of the Nine Hells or willingness to read a bit about it, I am thinking of running an adventure. Essentially this would be a game with one, specific goal, the forces of good destroying a Duke of Hell. The forces of good here is meant in a very loose sense of the word, so evil characters and whatnot are allowed as long as they have a decent reason of joining the cause.

Here are some rules and guidelines:
  • The level is going to be 12-14, just shy of the 8th level spells for standard casters. The characters are likely to gain two or three levels during the adventure.
  • The XP allocated will be quite ad hoc due to the slow pace of PbPs. I am considering simply giving a level after every other fight or so.
  • Sources are mostly limited to official D&D 3.5 material. Homebrew, third party and all such things are possible as long as you ask me first and wait for the green light. I would, however, prefer not to use material that use systems that have no precedent in 3.5e.
  • Standard wealth will be used. However, I am open to the idea of giving out some extra XP for crafting, LA buy-off or casting spells as long as all characters can get equivalent bonuses out of it. For example, if we have an Artificer and some characters with backgrounds tied together, they could all benefit from the services of the Artificer prior to the game and donate their own XP.
  • Don't be douchebags. Optimised characters are welcome and even preferred, but we all know a Pun-Pun when we see it. Don't do that.
  • Looking for 4-5 players.
  • If you want, feel free to create intertwined character stories. For example the crafting thingee above suggests it might be useful.
  • Anything unique or special on your mind? Just ask.

11
[D&D 3.5] Jewel of a Quest / Darth Bane, Dark Lord of the Sith
« on: November 14, 2011, 11:52:14 AM »
A work in process, I am getting there!

"I am Darth Bane, Dark Lord of the Sith. I will survive. At any cost."
(click to show/hide)

Darth Bane
Human Ardent 1/Human Paragon 3/Ardent 1/Psionic Swiftblade 9

Medium Humanoid [Psionic]
Hit Dice: 11d6+3d8+74 (141)
Initiative: +18 (+2 dex, +2 luck, +2 unnamed, +5 insight, +7 Arcane reflexes)
Speed: 40ft (8 squares)
Armor Class: 37  Touch: 16 Flat-footed: 34
Base Attack/Grapple: +12/+22
Attack: +25/+20/+15 (lightsaber, 3d8+1)
Full Attack: +25/+20/+15 (lightsaber, 3d8+1)
Space/Reach: 5ft/5ft
Special Qualities: Adaptive learning, Arcane reflexes, Assume psionic mantle (3), Blurred alacrity, Damage reduction 20/-, Diligent rapidity, Evasive celerity, Fast healing 5, Faster ability damage healing (1 point/10 min), Fortified hustle, Perpetual options, Sudden casting, Swift surge (+2/10ft/+1d6)
Saves: Fort 12 Refl 16 Will 22
Abilities: STR 30 (10) DEX 14 (2) CON 20 (4) INT 14 (2) WIS 24 (6) CHA 10 (0)
Skills: Autohypnosis, 12 (1) Bluff 5 (5), Concentration 18 (12), Diplomacy 7 (5), Intimidate 7 (5), Jump 36 (16), Knowledge (arcana) 19 (9), Knowledge (dungeoneering) 11 (1), Knowledge (local) 19 (9), Knowledge (nature) 16 (6), Knowledge (religion) 19 (9), Knowledge (the planes) 19 (9), Spellcraft 8 (6), Tumble 9 (5), Use magic device 1 (1)
Skill trick: Collector of Stories
Traits: Absent-minded
Feats: Able learner, Battle jump, Bounding assault (B), Exotic weapon proficiency (lightsaber), Expeditious dodge, Knowledge devotion, Leap attack, Mobility, Power attack, Practiced manifester, Spring attack (B), Weapon focus (lightsaber) (B)
Flaws: Murky-eyed, Shaky
Environment:
Organization: Solitary (unique, affiliated with the Order of the Sith Lords) or with a bunch of evil player characters
Challenge Rating: 14
Alignment: Lawful Evil (Sith as hell)
Languages Spoken:
Level Adjustment:
 

Possessions: Spoiler down there.

Mantles:
Primary:
-Conflict, Deception
Secondary:
-Force

-Conflict: 1. Vigor (replaces Metaphysical weapon), 2. Prowess 2. Psionic Lion's charge, 3. Psionic Haste (replaces Dimension slide), 3. Body purification, 5. Psychic crush, 5. Graft weapon, 7. Mind blank, personal (added), 7. Moment of prescience, psionic, 8. Spirit of war
-Deception: 1. Charm, psionic, 2. Cloud mind, 3. Sense danger (replaces Concealing amorpha), 3. False sensory input, 3.Touchsight, 5. True seeing, psionic (added) 7. Fate of one, 8. Bend reality, 8. Hypercognition (added)
-Force: 1. Force screen, 1. Deflection field, 2. Energy missile (replaces Concussion blast), 3. Telekinetic force, 3. Ethereal volley, 4. Telekinetic maneuver, 6. Psychometry, 6. Overland flight (added to mimic Force flight, which is slow and clumsy) 9. Tornado blast

Powers known, 219 power points a day:
1: Charm, psionic, Force screen, Vigor
2: Energy missile, Lion's charge, psionic, Prowess
3: Body purification, Haste, psionic, Telekinetic force, Touchsight
4: Telekinetic maneuver
5: True seeing, psionic
6: Overland flight, psionic, Psychometry
7: Fate of one
8:
9:

(click to show/hide)

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(click to show/hide)

12
Min/Max 3.x / A problem with emulating Force powers in D&D
« on: November 13, 2011, 03:25:41 PM »
So I am in a PbP game aiming to build Darth Bane. I am going to use Pyrokineticist for lightsaber, but that only takes a single level. After that I have to cover Force push and Force lightning. Any ideas about how to do that? I need to keep formidable melee capabilities and still get those done.

All 3.5e options open, level from anything from 9 to 14 and the point buy is astonishingly high. So Force push and Force lightning are the problems I need to solve. Suggestions for a better lightsaber are also welcome.

Edit: I hear using the lightsaber from d20 Star Wars should be okay, so that's one issue solved. No need for Pyrokineticist.

13
Off Topic Fun / General education thread
« on: November 10, 2011, 10:44:56 AM »
Here's a thread open for all kinds of discussion regarding education. Tell us about your current programme, future aspirations or degrees already earned. Share yours grievances and anecdotes from your school life.

Believe it or not, even someone like me can get into a university, a relatively good one at that. Nearing the end of my programme and it occasionally feels that I never run out of deadlines. As of now, I study Politics and International Relations. Another country, far away from home, but definitely a brilliant experience.

Anyone else studying abroad?

14
Min/Max 3.x / Iron Siege Q&A: The Return of the Iron Lord of Dis
« on: November 10, 2011, 10:39:20 AM »
Despite my tendency to disappear for a while, give an occasional inconsistent answer and murder challengers, I have been contacted with regards to this old character optimization challenge. Given time, I will try to dig up what I have ruled so far and post a more comprehensive Q&A here.

Some of you already know what this is about, but here is the gist of it for those who do not. A group of avid D&D fans known as the Dicefreaks created a nine chapter treatise essentially rewriting the Nine Hells, including the Lords. The Iron Siege's purpose is to create a challenger to best Dispater on his own layer, Dis. Sounds easy? I hope so.

Here's an old quote by yours truly regarding the rules:
Quote from: Tshern
To give a little run down, he is greatly amped and he lives within his own safe haven, the Iron Tower. The rules are relatively simple:
  • No theoretical builds like Pun-Pun.
  • All builds must be clarified by me.
  • You start at the gates of Dis, right past Tiamat's lair, but you are allowed to do all necessary preparations before the challenge starts. That includes casting buffs, creating epic spells and such.
  • You need to kill Dispater, incapacitating is not enough. He has Contingent true resurrection active and that needs to be taken care of as well.
  • You are subject to the following HD limitations (including class levels): Mortals 40HD, Outsiders/Deities 70HD, pretty much everything else 100HD. Ask for more details.
  • You are allowed to use a party of four members and you have a pool of 18 divine ranks to draw from.
  • Deity creation rules as per The Gates of Hell, Chapter 9. Download here.

The list of sources is as follows:
(click to show/hide)
The links to The Gates of Hell do not work, unfortunately, but I am working on a way to rectify that. Rectified.

Do note that the following stats and whatnot are before I have used Dispater's wealth.
(click to show/hide)
(click to show/hide)

15
Other Games / Gloom
« on: November 09, 2011, 10:09:52 PM »
This has been bothering me since I saw Keith Baker a bit more than a year ago and he gave a brief explanation about this game. I tried to get a couple of friends interested, but since I jump between countries like I was a fugitive there was no point in buying the game. However, now I think the time is ripe for me to at least reconsider purchasing a Gloom set.

So I have one friend expressing interest and maybe two or three more, who I may be able to persuade to jump along for variety. Is the game actually worth it? Money isn't really an obstacle, I can get a set for 15 pounds or so. Experience, thoughts, cookies?

Edit: Oh my, I think this probably should be at another subforum. Sigh.

16
Introduce Yourself / There is no getting rid of me...
« on: November 08, 2011, 11:30:39 AM »
Some of you may recognise me, at least if the old guard of BG already prowl the dark alleys of this forum. For the rest of you, I am Tshern. Now, follow me for a little guided tour to what I am, what I am not and all the rest of it.

At the moment I am a student working towards a neat degree. So far it seems I will achieve this goal on time without any unnecessary delays, which is brilliant. Due to my studies I split my time between the UK, a country that never stops amusing me with its backwardness, and Finland, the only place where I think I might be able to keep my sanity. All things considered, this arrangement is a bit of a hassle, but I don't mind, it's kind of like leading a double life.

As for roleplaying, I lean towards freeform. Should a system be required, there is nothing quite like D&D 3.5e. Haven't had a game in ages though, I think I've had three or four sessions during the last two and a half years. I've spent more time than that reviewing ideas about going through the old D&D challenge I ran, sigh. Time permitting, I do like a good computer game. My laptop is not the best there is, but I have always enjoyed older games. As a matter of fact, I just played through all three Jedi Knight games. They were better than I remembered. Over the last few years, I think no game impressed me like The Witcher did though. My other geeky activities include hoarding comic books and watching bad movies for camp humour.

You must be sitting at the edges of your chairs already, wondering what does a fascinating person like me do when I am not playing or being geeky. Firstly, I am quite keen on what I study and due to not following the more traditional paths of my discipline, I need to do more reading than others. A lot more. That takes quite a bit of time. However, that hardly qualifies as a hobby or interest. When it comes to sports, I do swimming and floorball, two sports I have years and years of experience with. Before I came here I was a keen martial artist as well, but that has dropped.

The more sophisticated part of me also keeps making demands every now and then. I am an avid chef and one of my biggest joys is to cook a nice dinner and enjoy with something appropriate to drink. Using drinks as a segway, I jump to the part where I tell you I love beer. Not the standard commercial crap, that's only good for getting wasted (nothing wrong with that though), but the awesome and personal craft beers. As of now, I can't decide what is the best beer country, but it is a competition between Denmark, Belgium and the USA. As a more cerebral activity, I also love reading, Russian literature having a very drug-like habit of addicting me for weeks on end.

I suppose that's around it. Party on.

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