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Thread: Middle-Earth roleplaying (Fourth Age, roughly contemporaneous with Jim's)

  1. #1
    Oliphaunt
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    Default Middle-Earth roleplaying (Fourth Age, roughly contemporaneous with Jim's)

    Howdy. I was emailing Elendil's Heir, as I do every once in a while, and he suggested I might like to run a RPG thread over here in the same vein as the one What Exit? used to run (as any fule kno, I can't run one over at the Dope even if I wanted to). I've chewed it over and decided I have enough ideas to be able to get somewhere, and before I spend any more time or electrons on it the logical thing to do is to assess the level of enthusiasm.

    So - who's up for it? The setting would be in and around Dale, at least to begin with... it might involve going farther afield later. It's most unlikely that the characters in this one would get remotely close to the characters from Jim's campaign, though (mind you, the odds are reasonable that at some point in the story they would at least have heard of the other guys).

    If it matters, the rule system that I would be using is Pathfinder 1e, but you don't necessarily need any more system mastery than enough understanding of what you could do to say "I want my guy to do this during this action scene", and extensive help is available on request, because as those who know me will remember and those who remember me will know, a reluctance to info-dump is not among my leading faults.

    Hope to hear from you soon!

    ---Malacandra
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    Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo What Exit?'s avatar
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    I would be interested. Probably something simple like a Ranger type or Dwarven fighter.

    Help me out, Pathfinder 1e is fairly close to D&D 3.5? I think that is what I recall being told.

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    It's sometimes called "D&D v3.75". Pathfinder Rangers are made more interestingly different to Fighters than earlier editions of AD&D managed, and they play well in a number of different ways depending on how you build them: archers*, dual-wielders, even natural-weapon specialists (should you want to play a Ranger with a touch of Beorning in his family tree). If it looks like happening, we can get down to cases later.

    *They also switch-hit reasonably well as bowmen who can pull a greatsword out when the enemies come too thick and close for archery. But archery in Pathfinder can be very effective.
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    Member Elendil's Heir's avatar
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    I'm in, thanks, Malacandra! I think I'd like to play a Hobbit scout/thief.

    Would you like me to PM other Middle-earth gamesters over on the SDMB about this?

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    By all means - it's not like I can

    Pathfinder calls 'em "halflings", of course, but we know better, and the "Rogue" class does actually have a "Scout" archetype which should be just what you want -- a surprisingly dangerous hobbit.
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    Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo What Exit?'s avatar
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    Honestly the only system I know well at this point are 1e & 5e. I never played much 3.5 and maybe 1 game of Pathfinder.
    I did play a lot of 2e but decades ago and lets face it, that was pretty close to 1e.

    I have to remember to check here more often.


    Just testing that I can edit in this forum after a longer than normal wait. Test is good.
    I'm still a Forum Leader for the Role Playing Games.
    Last edited by What Exit?; 05 May 2021 at 08:05 AM.

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    Quote Originally posted by Malacandra View post
    By all means - it's not like I can

    Pathfinder calls 'em "halflings", of course, but we know better, and the "Rogue" class does actually have a "Scout" archetype which should be just what you want -- a surprisingly dangerous hobbit.
    Done and done, to 14 previous LOTR adventurers, with a link to this thread.

    And thanks - that sounds like just the thing for my Hobbit.

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    In my opinion it's a better-worked-out system and is missing a lot of AD&D's illogicalities. The Pathfinder paladin, for example, actually has a use for a high Charisma, whereas in AD&D it was mostly there to ensure that paladins would be rare (or else forced you to house-rule your ability scores). It's also great for fine-tuning your character to the one you actually want to play. 3rd Ed made a start on it, but the system still needed some tuning.

    We can go further into this if enough players show up
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    Quote Originally posted by Elendil's Heir View post
    Quote Originally posted by Malacandra View post
    By all means - it's not like I can

    Pathfinder calls 'em "halflings", of course, but we know better, and the "Rogue" class does actually have a "Scout" archetype which should be just what you want -- a surprisingly dangerous hobbit.
    Done and done, to 14 previous LOTR adventurers, with a link to this thread.

    And thanks - that sounds like just the thing for my Hobbit.
    And thank you for that.

    One of the many things that Pathfinder does is make dangerous Hobbits really work . While there was such a thing as a "backstab" for the Thief in earlier editions, it was (a) quite hard to bring off and (b) a damage multiplier that worked better if you actually had something worth multiplying. Pathfinder replaces that with "sneak attack", which nets you bonus dice of damage, and a "sneak attack" can be pulled off in a number of circumstances, including if the enemy knows perfectly well that you are there but has another enemy on his opposite side to worry about. Since it's not a multiplier but a flat number of bonus dice, it doesn't matter too much if you're not especially strong or obliged to use smaller versions of the usual weapons; even if your base damage is quite weedy, those nice sneak dice still accrue anyway. More of this later if we need it
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    Hi folks!

    Aw, this sounds like fun! I often think back to the Fourth Age game; that was really some wonderful roleplaying and writing. (I suppose if Malacandra is running it, no more of Gil-Gandel's poetry!) I'd definitely like to play, but I want to be upfront about the fact that my future is really uncertain right now. I'm about to finish grad school into an industry that has been devastated by the pandemic and may or may not be coming back immediately, and my wife is expecting our first child this fall, so I'm super unclear about how much time I'll be able to devote. Hopefully at least quick check-ins, though.

    I've got limited experience with Pathfinder, but I'd be happy to learn. It looks like there's an enormous amount of the system just published on the web nowadays.

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    Indeed, that is one reason why I'd be using it; it's a much more developed system than AD&D 1st Ed which is basically what Jim was using, and by the same token needs much the less house-ruling as most of what we'd need is more or less oven-ready. Any thought at all as to what you'd like, or should WE, EH or I suggest something?
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    As a character? There's a bunch of archetypes I'd be happy to play, none greatly more than another. I'm happy to see what other people want to play and pick a niche to fill based on that.

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    Welcome, Appleciders, and thanks - it'd be great to have you on board!

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    Quote Originally posted by Elendil's Heir View post
    Welcome, Appleciders, and thanks - it'd be great to have you on board!
    I couldn't agree more, but I'm hoping to see a few others rock up.
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    ...And if not: they say "if you build it, they will come". I'm willing to see what I can do with whom we have, if you like. (I could possibly source a fourth player as an IRL connection.) I'll start a setup/background/session zero thread later today and if it withers on the vine, oh well.
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    Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo What Exit?'s avatar
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    Quote Originally posted by What Exit? View post
    ...
    Just testing that I can edit in this forum after a longer than normal wait. Test is good.
    I'm still a Forum Leader for the Role Playing Games.
    Do you have the same authority Elendil's Heir?

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    Member Elendil's Heir's avatar
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    I do for my USS Yorktown RPG thread, at least; haven't tried it elsewhere here.

    I just sent followup PMs to the other Dopers who had not yet responded.
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 05 May 2021 at 01:57 PM.

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    Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo What Exit?'s avatar
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    Quote Originally posted by Elendil's Heir View post
    I do for my USS Yorktown RPG thread, at least; haven't tried it elsewhere here.

    I just sent followup PMs to the other Dopers who had not yet responded.
    If I recall correctly, it should be for the entire Role Playing Games forum.

    Oh, I found it

    Moderators of this Forum
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    Well, I do see an "Edit post" option below your post, so I guess you're right.

    So far, Hoopy_Frood and John_DiFool have both declined to join us here.

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    Quote Originally posted by Malacandra View post
    ...And if not: they say "if you build it, they will come". I'm willing to see what I can do with whom we have, if you like. (I could possibly source a fourth player as an IRL connection.) I'll start a setup/background/session zero thread later today and if it withers on the vine, oh well.
    And of course I didn't, not this evening either as I have been running a FTF (and one participant via Zoom) Pathfinder session, but should have more time tomorrow, something less than 22 hours from now
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    Quote Originally posted by What Exit? View post
    Quote Originally posted by Elendil's Heir View post
    I do for my USS Yorktown RPG thread, at least; haven't tried it elsewhere here.

    I just sent followup PMs to the other Dopers who had not yet responded.
    If I recall correctly, it should be for the entire Role Playing Games forum.

    Oh, I found it

    Moderators of this Forum
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    I'm a moderator? News to me.

    I guess that explains why I have the power to edit other peoples' posts! Understand that I would use this Power from a desire to do good. But through me... it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.

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    So, a wizard this time then?
    Librarians rule, Oook

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    Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo What Exit?'s avatar
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    Quote Originally posted by Appleciders View post
    Quote Originally posted by What Exit? View post
    Quote Originally posted by Elendil's Heir View post
    I do for my USS Yorktown RPG thread, at least; haven't tried it elsewhere here.

    I just sent followup PMs to the other Dopers who had not yet responded.
    If I recall correctly, it should be for the entire Role Playing Games forum.

    Oh, I found it

    Moderators of this Forum
    What Exit? Elendil's Heir Ramses Peeta Mellark Appleciders
    I'm a moderator? News to me.

    I guess that explains why I have the power to edit other peoples' posts! Understand that I would use this Power from a desire to do good. But through me... it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.
    Did you Ref a game here when either Zuul or I were running the board? We granted Forum Leader or specific forum mod powers to Refs. I'm a little vague on all of this as it was a decade ago.

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    Member Elendil's Heir's avatar
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    I believe glee may be joining us here shortly!

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    That is very agreeable news.
    Librarians rule, Oook

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    New user Stteb (or Stebb, unsure which), awaiting moderator approval, is the guy I invited from off-board - experienced RPGer who also enjoys the "War of the Ring" board game whenever we can get together to play it (so, pre-Covid for a start).
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    Default Thanks for getting me back

    OK, I have established my account here and would be interested in playing.

    As you may know, I've only played AD+D 1st Edition (for over 40 years with the same group ), but I have played in roleplaying threads at the SDMB.

    I'd appreciate some help creating my character (well a lot of help actually ) and I could try either:

    - an MU with a mix of attacking, movement and informational spells
    - a Cleric with healing and informational spells

    Thanks!

  28. #28
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    Quote Originally posted by Malacandra View post
    So, a wizard this time then?
    What, again?

    I was actually noodling around a light cavalry archer. I thought about linking him to Deor, my wizard from the last time around-- Deor was the seventh son of a seventh son, so I figure he's got to have lots of cousins and niblings around. I know the Main Cast from the first game won't be onscreen, so to speak, but it would be fun for characterization.

    Quote Originally posted by What Exit? View post
    Quote Originally posted by Appleciders View post
    Quote Originally posted by What Exit? View post
    Quote Originally posted by Elendil's Heir View post
    I do for my USS Yorktown RPG thread, at least; haven't tried it elsewhere here.

    I just sent followup PMs to the other Dopers who had not yet responded.
    If I recall correctly, it should be for the entire Role Playing Games forum.

    Oh, I found it

    Moderators of this Forum
    What Exit? Elendil's Heir Ramses Peeta Mellark Appleciders
    I'm a moderator? News to me.

    I guess that explains why I have the power to edit other peoples' posts! Understand that I would use this Power from a desire to do good. But through me... it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.
    Did you Ref a game here when either Zuul or I were running the board? We granted Forum Leader or specific forum mod powers to Refs. I'm a little vague on all of this as it was a decade ago.
    Possibly? I guess that would explain it. Doesn't matter much, really.

  29. #29
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    Quote Originally posted by glee View post
    OK, I have established my account here and would be interested in playing.

    As you may know, I've only played AD+D 1st Edition (for over 40 years with the same group ), but I have played in roleplaying threads at the SDMB.

    I'd appreciate some help creating my character (well a lot of help actually ) and I could try either:

    - an MU with a mix of attacking, movement and informational spells
    - a Cleric with healing and informational spells

    Thanks!
    For magic use there are two main choices, Wizards or Sorcerers.

    Wizards (but in Middle-Earth they would definitely be small-w wizards, and the actual Istari are, as you know very well, something else entirely) are spellcasters based off Intelligence; they learn spells by patient study, compile books containing the ones they have learned, and quite often prepare scrolls for use on those occasions when they unexpectedly need rapid access to a spell in their archives. As in by-the-books AD&D, they prepare spells for use every day - so having a scroll handy of a niche spell not worth the bother of preparation can be useful. Any spellcaster can learn the scribe scroll feat, but all wizards automatically receive it from the start of play. In addition to their magical talents, wizards are typically adept with mundane and arcane knowledge of many kinds, since their Intelligence allows them to learn many skills, many of which are themselves based on Intelligence. All wizards either own a "bonded object" -- a staff, ring, weapon or other item of particular significance to them and which enhances their magic capabilities, and may itself be developed into a powerful tool or weapon over time -- or keep a familiar, which unlike the corresponding creature in AD&D grows in capabilities as its master does.

    Sorcerers are a breed apart and a rare one (most people on Middle-Earth would not know a wizard from a sorcerer, or be able to definitively tell either of them from a fake). They have an inherent magical talent working off Charisma that is owed to their bloodline -- an ancestry which features an inherently magical creature at some unknown remove. They know few spells than wizards, do not and cannot keep spellbooks, and only accumulate new spells as they level up and only at a severely limited and strictly defined rate. However, unlike wizards, sorcerers can always cast any spell they know without preparation (still limited by the number of each level they can cast per day, though), they can use magical items and scrolls just as though they were wizards, and they have some other magical abilities based on their bloodline which manifests with increasing effect as they grow in power. Not all bloodlines listed in the Pathfinder rulebook are necessarily a good fit for Middle-Earth, but some that immediately spring to mind are as follows:

    * Arcane Bloodline: Descended from a powerful spellcaster, the Arcane sorcerer is more wizard-like than most, also having the wizard's choice between a bonded object or familiar. They are particularly adept in the use of metamagic (of which more in a minute).
    * Sage-blooded: Related, but the ancestor was a particularly devoted researcher, and unlike other sorcerers, the Sage-blooded uses Intelligence as their casting stat. This usually means their various Knowledge skills are as good as a wizard's. They don't get the bonded object or familiar, though.
    * Elemental: One of your ancestors was either a powerful elemental spirit or was exposed to powerful elemental energies which left a lasting mark. You can cause energy spells to inflict damage of your type (earth, air, fire or water -> acid, electric, fire or cold) instead of the normal one as a free choice at casting time. Your elemental nature begins to manifest itself physically at higher levels, although you always look human.
    * Fey: You either are an elf or you have elven blood in your ancestry -- even just a faint hint such as Legolas discerned in Prince Imrahil. Your magic is directed more at clouding minds and rendering enemies harmless than direct damage, although nothing bars you from learning direct-damage spells for those times when gentler methods will not serve.
    *Sylvan: Related, but in place of some of the fey's magical talent, you receive an animal companion similar to a druid's. This companion increases in abilities along with you, can have any spell cast on it that you could have cast on yourself (including spells that you could normally cast only on yourself, or that would not normally affect an animal), and -- though you would be reluctant to lose it -- can be replaced if necessary.

    There are many others, but that's enough to consider for now.

    Metamagic: Spells can have different effects applied to them along with their base effects. You have to learn how to do each of these and they usually mean a spell counts as a higher-level one either when you prepare it (wizard) or cast it (sorcerer). For instance, an empowered magic missile deals 50% more damage, but counts as a 3rd-level spell, and has to be prepared as one by a wizard or, when cast by a sorcerer, uses up one of his 3rd-level slots for the day.

    ---

    Clerics, as before, always have access to every spell of any level they can cast, but prepare them for use every day. A good cleric can always change any spell prepared into a cure xxx spell of the same level, so you don't have to load cure light wounds or the like. An ally needs hit points, badly, and it looks like that augury you prepared today isn't as useful as you were hoping? Well and good -- it's now a cure moderate wounds. Also, clerics can channel energy in a radius effect that cures everyone within that radius (including enemies, unless you have learned not to or they're of a type that positive energy doesn't cure). There's no reason why you couldn't also have access to some movement, as well as informational, spells, such as you were hinting at for your magician. In general clerics play much as they always have, although turn undead now uses a radically different mechanic and is not built in to all clerics.

    ---

    Clerics, wizards and sorcerers also have 0-level spells, known as "orisons" or "cantrips", which can be cast as many times as you like. Some spells such as detect magic have been downgraded to 0-level so they don't stop you doing something useful with your valuable 1st-level spell allowance.

    I am more than happy to provide extensive support up to and including providing a pre-made character ready to play
    Librarians rule, Oook

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    Quote Originally posted by Appleciders View post
    Quote Originally posted by Malacandra View post
    So, a wizard this time then?
    What, again?

    I was actually noodling around a light cavalry archer. I thought about linking him to Deor, my wizard from the last time around-- Deor was the seventh son of a seventh son, so I figure he's got to have lots of cousins and niblings around. I know the Main Cast from the first game won't be onscreen, so to speak, but it would be fun for characterization.
    A light cavalry archer is easy enough to accommodate. A Human (which someone from Rohan would be, obviously) can begin play knowing the feats "Mounted Combat" and "Mounted Archery". It's possible to specialise further in archery as you progress. Alternatively, you could pay more attention to your archery at the start, with a view to factoring in the mounted part later. You can build this onto the standard fighter chassis and still keep enough all-round ability to be useful when you're not on your horse or the circumstances don't suit archery. As I said to glee, any amount of assistance is available on request.
    Librarians rule, Oook

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    Hi guys. FYI if you're inviting anyone else to join the forum, please let me know to expect them--we get dozens of spammer registrations daily, and I've yet (until today) found anyone who was an actual normal would-be user, which means I don't bother checking. If I hadn't read this thread just now, I wouldn't have known about this Stebb dude!

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    Quote Originally posted by choie View post
    Hi guys. FYI if you're inviting anyone else to join the forum, please let me know to expect them--we get dozens of spammer registrations daily, and I've yet (until today) found anyone who was an actual normal would-be user, which means I don't bother checking. If I hadn't read this thread just now, I wouldn't have known about this Stebb dude!
    Hi choie, I haven't been on the 'Phant since I was in my fifties so I had no idea that registering was by appointment only. Lucky I mentioned it really. I'm guessing you've approved him?
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    Hey, Stebb 'Dude' here.... I haven't been a dude since.. er, well ever really. Geek most certainly but way too uncool to be considered a dude. I'm in anyway so thanks Choie for the add.

    Never tried RPGing this way so be patient. In terms of character maybe something unusual like a druid with Radagast as a concept (from the film version), alternatively could go cleric and something elvish if that fits better with the group.

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    Quote Originally posted by Malacandra View post
    Quote Originally posted by choie View post
    Hi guys. FYI if you're inviting anyone else to join the forum, please let me know to expect them--we get dozens of spammer registrations daily, and I've yet (until today) found anyone who was an actual normal would-be user, which means I don't bother checking. If I hadn't read this thread just now, I wouldn't have known about this Stebb dude!
    Hi choie, I haven't been on the 'Phant since I was in my fifties so I had no idea that registering was by appointment only. Lucky I mentioned it really. I'm guessing you've approved him?
    ...and there he is! Thank you!
    Librarians rule, Oook

  35. #35
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    Malacandra,

    as usual thanks for your helpful explanations!

    I think I'd like a Sorcerer with an Arcane Bloodline, having a bonded object.

    (As I understand it, I will have a limited number of spells, but can cast any of them without preparation - until I reach my level limit.
    I can cast more powerful versions of these spells, but they will count as a higher-level spell.)

    If possible, I'd like my Sorcerer to have a mix of spells:

    - attacking (e.g. Magic Missile?)
    - defensive (e.g. Shield?)
    - movement (e.g. Levitate?)
    - information (e.g. ESP?)

    I would be pleased if you would make up the entire character!
    I trust you to follow my rough guidelines, but also make the chap playable (and useful to the party.)

    P.S. If you have choices to offer me, feel free to e-mail me (or post here.)
    Last edited by glee; 08 May 2021 at 01:36 PM. Reason: adding stuff

  36. #36
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    Malacandra,

    I've just read the campaign background and thought I would offer one suggestion for my character - a Hobbit Sorcerer! (if that's allowed.)
    I don't want to get into melee (eek), so the bonus of Charisma (for spells) and Dexterity (for dodging) looks well worth the penalty for Strength.

    P.S. This game will be a jolly good accompaniment to the MMO Lord of the Rings, which I've been playing for 10 years (nerd face.)

  37. #37
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    A Hobbit sorcerer is rules-legal and, as you correctly divine, fits well with the race's stat adjustments. You'll get to pick spells as you advance... you get a mighty two first-level spells, plus some cantrips, at first level (the same as any other sorc), but you get four casts a day with any sensible Charisma score.

    I still have your email addy on my "master malacandra" account IIRC and I can get a draft pdf to you shortly (I'll be using a software package called pcgen. That will give you time to decide how this guy ever got to be a sorcerer in the first place. (Possibly as an odd-job guy to an actual magician or something, or else he got his hands on something he shouldn't have, resulting in a flash of eldritch light and a somewhat stunned hobbit who came to realize over the next few weeks that some strange things were happening that didn't used to. But you can probably improve on this.) Levitate and ESP will need to wait for now

    All sorcerers should have a mix of spells - ideally, multi-function ones that are likely to see use often, or even every day; with so few spells known, they can't afford much dead weight.

    Source material is all online so you can easily look up "pathfinder sorcerer spells 1st level". Hairfoot McSpellface will be with you shortly, and I'm sure giving him a better name will be top priority.
    Librarians rule, Oook

  38. #38
    Member Elendil's Heir's avatar
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    Welcome, glee! Very pleased to have you here.

    Appleciders, I really do hope you'll have your new character be related to Deor. That would be a cool tie-in.

    Many thanks, choie, for your help! We appreciate it.

    And see: http://www.mellophant.com/forums/sho...n-Session-Zero)

  39. #39
    Administrator choie's avatar
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    My pleasure, glee. I've seen you around the SDMB for ages (I have the feeling we might have played in a Mafia game? Did you ever participate in them?) and never knew that your username wasn't a reference to a happy emotional state.

    Quote Originally posted by Stebb View post
    Hey, Stebb 'Dude' here.... I haven't been a dude since.. er, well ever really. Geek most certainly but way too uncool to be considered a dude. I'm in anyway so thanks Choie for the add.
    Welcome aboard, and my apologies for misdudeing you. I've been the sole wench around the RPG area for such a long time (and due to very sad circumstances) that I just got used to nothin' but dudes vs. gals. Is "gal" the equivalent to "dude"? Anyway. Glad to help.

    Quote Originally posted by Elendil's Heir View post
    Welcome, glee! Very pleased to have you here.

    Appleciders, I really do hope you'll have your new character be related to Deor. That would be a cool tie-in.

    Many thanks, choie, for your help! We appreciate it.
    As always, very glad to assist. I will say it's weirding me out to see other threads being so busy in this subforum! I only wish I knew enough about both LOTR and classic RPGs to ask to join. Have fun!

  40. #40
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    Quote Originally posted by choie View post
    My pleasure, glee. I've seen you around the SDMB for ages (I have the feeling we might have played in a Mafia game? Did you ever participate in them?) and never knew that your username wasn't a reference to a happy emotional state.

    Quote Originally posted by Stebb View post
    Hey, Stebb 'Dude' here.... I haven't been a dude since.. er, well ever really. Geek most certainly but way too uncool to be considered a dude. I'm in anyway so thanks Choie for the add.
    Welcome aboard, and my apologies for misdudeing you. I've been the sole wench around the RPG area for such a long time (and due to very sad circumstances) that I just got used to nothin' but dudes vs. gals. Is "gal" the equivalent to "dude"? Anyway. Glad to help.

    Quote Originally posted by Elendil's Heir View post
    Welcome, glee! Very pleased to have you here.

    Appleciders, I really do hope you'll have your new character be related to Deor. That would be a cool tie-in.

    Many thanks, choie, for your help! We appreciate it.
    As always, very glad to assist. I will say it's weirding me out to see other threads being so busy in this subforum! I only wish I knew enough about both LOTR and classic RPGs to ask to join. Have fun!
    No, Stebb is most assuredly not a gal -- you tend to know these things when you have been someone's best man, albeit a fair few years in the past.

    Stebb, I'm sure there would be nothing wrong with a druid in a set-up like this but I will draw the line at actual bird-poo in the hair and there is no way on Eru's green earth you are riding around in a rabbit sleigh.
    Librarians rule, Oook

  41. #41
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    ...Incidentally choie, should you be so minded, the "bewildered homebody with no notion of how the world around even works, swept up into a quest rather without meaning to and having to learn as they go along" is not only a generic fantasy trope but more or less how The Hobbit goes from start to finish, and if you'd like to play on such terms I am confident that we'd be delighted to have you along.
    Librarians rule, Oook

  42. #42
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    I have now received a detailed draft of my Hobbit Sorcerer - thanks, Malacandra.

  43. #43
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    choie,

    I echo Malacandra's invite to join our adventuring party - we'd be happy to help you enjoy the experience.
    If it helps, my first-ever character was a Fighter, which I found straightforward.
    Of course Malacandra will be ready to advise...

  44. #44
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    Quote Originally posted by Elendil's Heir View post
    Appleciders, I really do hope you'll have your new character be related to Deor. That would be a cool tie-in.
    Oh, for sure. Too much fun to not do it. And the Rohirrim have virtually the only decent gender representation in Tolkien with the Shieldmaidens, so I think I'm going to start working up Deor's older sister as a Ranger, a light scout for the Rohirric cavalry and with some reason to be up in the North. Are we doing 1st level start?

  45. #45
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    We are. Take it all in all, there is more for 1st-level characters to do than there was in AD&D and you don't have, for instance, the poor magic-user faced with the prospect of trudging back to camp after he's fired off his one spell for the day. Let me know how much guidance you need with your character, but if you're clear on how Pathfinder 1e works and have PCGen handy then carry on at your convenience.
    Librarians rule, Oook

  46. #46
    Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo What Exit?'s avatar
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    How about a Wood-Elf Archer for me then. I'm not the least bit comfortable with Pathfinder obviously so I would be overjoyed with whatever you created. Name is Thandhen (True - Eye). I assume as an archer it should be a dex build. Looking at the combat feats, I think Point-Blank Shot might make sense which would lead to Rapid Shot.

  47. #47
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    We can do that, certainly, but between Appleciders' mounted archer of Rohan, and a request I have from choie to stat her out as a bow-using bard, we are looking short of front-liners. However, that's not necessarily a problem if Stebb runs with his druid idea as they can be quite effective front-liners if they're built for melee, especially if he has a tough animal companion... and in any case you can arrange to meet challenges using the party you have

    What Exit?, some Strength isn't necessarily wasted on an archer since you can get a specially made bow to accommodate it, once you can afford it. The game system might insist on calling it a "composite bow" but I would not have the least issue with a gentleman's understanding that this was just a "particularly stout elf-bow". Point-Blank Shot is indeed a bread-and-butter feat for archers especially since it leads into a valuable feat that you will need to shoot safely* into melee, Precise Shot - not to mention Rapid Shot as you say. If we stat your guy up as a fighter, specifically, then he gets a free feat first up to go with the one that all first-level characters get. Acting on that assumption, I'll build him for you, without prejudice should you decide you would prefer something else.
    Librarians rule, Oook

  48. #48
    Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo What Exit?'s avatar
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    OK, maybe a Beorning fighter then to make a front-line fighter. What would be a good Melee Feat? Maybe Great Cleave?

  49. #49
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    Power Attack is the bread-and-butter option, but there are plenty you can take. If you would like your Beorning to be in touch with his inner bear, albeit not a full-on shapeshifter, there is a feat line that lets you pick up a natural-weapon attack, which can be both thematic and strong. Fighters get a crapton of feats, especially humans (the "half-orc reskinned as Beorning" idea I mentioned earlier isn't the only one that works).
    Librarians rule, Oook

  50. #50
    Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo What Exit?'s avatar
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    Honestly, if you need a front line fighter, whatever works well will work for me except half-orc. I was thinking Dwarf originally but it looks like the game doesn't make for good Dwarven fighters. Beorning seems like a good option.

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