Book of Mysteries

Health Update

I posted about the current state of things over on my family site. I can't post a game schedule yet, but it looks like we will be back on track since I don't have to go through more surgery or chemo or anything like that. Keep those character ideas rolling.

Population mix-up

I have been indicating to some of you that large Atepeshite cities would house millions of people. I've done some homework and in fact the numbers should come more in-line with those listed in the DMG. That means numbers around 40,000 for big cities. Hwt-ka-Atep will be the exception and house roughly 1 million inhabitants.

New Health Info

I wrote up a new post viewable at this address. I hope to be back in action soon. Given that I only get the surgical dressing out by probably next Friday, we probably are going to have to move at least one more week. Better now than in mid-stream though.

Game Delay

Some of you know about what's up with me already, but if you do or don't, please head over to this important piece of news and catch up. The game is almost without doubt going to have to be postponed for at least a week. Even if I am around this weekend in a normal capacity, I don't want to have everyone create characters and get into the flow, then sit out for a week or more.

So, let's postpone till the 19th. Hopefully by then we can get going in ernest. Stay tuned each week and I'll let you know if I have to delay further. Until then, keep your character concepts and questions coming. It's a great diversion and it's useful too.

Tuireadhans and the Waste

Anyone considering playing a Tuireadhan should look over the feats presented in the Lords of Madness supplement. There are feats designed specifically for fighting the aberrations of the waste, and prestige classes yet to be approved as well. On the approved list for certain - the Abolisher, a druid or maybe ranger class.

More Prestige Classes

Swing on over to the Classes page so you can factor in the new prestige classes now available. I have also added two Nubiwatepite weapons to the Gear page, and one or two house rulings on feats as well. All in all, lots of new stuff.

Here are some name translations for you as well:

First of Fifty = Purple Dragon Knight
Scion of Atep-sobek = Scion of Tem-Et-Nu
Shining Blade of Atep = Shining Blade of Heironeous
Berserk = Bear Warrior
Mighty Contender of Hrefna = Mighty Contender of Kord
Keldari Explorer = Royal Explorer
Seeker of Keldar's Tomb= Seeker of the Misty Isle (modified a bit)
Fleet Runner of Elsharra = Fleet Runner of Ehlonna
Tree-top Champion = Duelist (heavily modified)
Guardian of the Border Forests = Nentyar Hunter
Master of the Tuireadhan Wood = Master of the Yuirwood

One more thing - if you really like the idea of a particular class but think it stinks powerwise, talk to me about it, don't just write it off.

Item Identification

Keep in mind that the identify spell is extremely hard to come by in this campaign. There is a feat in the Complete Adventurer that fills this void, however, called Appraise Magic Value. If you want the group to be able to identify items internally, I recommend it. Do not feel obligated to take it though, even if you don't have identify.

Another Update

I have slightly changed the Atepeshite Dwarf heat-oriented racial trait to reflect a more complete set of rules on the subject. In addition, I have modified the Natural Spell feat. Read up on that in the House Rules section.

Mapping

I'd like to get some feedback regarding how you guys feel about in-game mapping. Do you like that dimension of the game if handled in a reasonable way, do you hate it, or do you not much care one way or the other?

Prestige Class Additions

I have added 2 prestige classes to the Atepesh region on the Classes page. The Sand Shaper is a sorcerer prc and the Scorpion Heritor provides unique options for rogues while maintaining the high skill point allotment.

Edit: Several new classes now appear on the list. Orc Scout fills out the Nubiwatep region (listed under Atepesh), Giant-Killer appears on the Halmland list, the Peerless Archer provides elves with some ranged punch, and the Mystic Wanderer fits into the Keldari way of life nicely. Some of these classes require some 3.5 updating or general balancing, but I will not list those updates until it becomes necessary to do so.

Alignment and Party Unity

I recommend you guys all reading this Lawful and Chaotic article on the Wizard's of the Coast site. The info is particularly handy for this game.

While we're at it, I'd like you to consider the possibility of forming an in-game contract after a game or two to solidify characters' commitments to the group. It's just an idea, but it could be written out and be a fun addition while also serving a useful function.

When we create characters, also consider what you do and don't want available as a group beyond the restrictions I have already imposed. To use an extreme example, perhaps the group would decide that no chaotic characters will be admitted now or in the future. If the group defines these preferences, it makes it easier later to replace characters if the need arises.

Pictures

I'd like you to be searching or working with me to find a suitable picture for your character, to be used both on the character sheet and on a token for the map. I will post links to pics I find fitting as the situation arises, but if everyone can lock down a pic sooner rather than later, that will save me a lot of trouble.

Here is a suggested image for Josh's berserker.

Extra Content Info

I'm going to be using a few rules from Sean Reynolds' The New Argonauts, but this info won't get to the site till I have asked him how to handle it appropriately. A little info:

Characters can make sacrifices to gain a chance to be blessed with a minor magical boon (orison, virtue, resistance cantrips) at a time of his or her choosing up to a week after the sacrifice. 1sp in sacrifice = 1% chance for intervention, with some favored sacrifices being worth 150%. Greater sacrifice chances may be made available for specific quests.

Feats available from the book: Armor Defense Mastery (1 point greater dex cap for armor), Defensive Stance (dodge replacement), Scholar (all knowledge skills, +1 bonus to two skills from a short list), Touch of Immortality (+1 fort saves, +2 hp, better chance to stabilize if dying)

To summarize...

Ok, so based on what I heard last night, it seems the party will look something like this.

Amy - Human Druid

Andy(Matus) - Human Priest

Ben - Human Rogue

Collin - Human or Dwarf Mage

Kevin - Elven Ranger

We still have the possibility of Dave and/or Josh joining us. It looks like I might end up being the Melee guy. :)

Ben's Movie Night

I just wanted to see who might be attending Ben's Movie Night on Sunday. I think this will be a great opportunity to pal around, have some fun, exchange character creation ideas, and pose some live questions to Andy or Kenny about the game.

I hope to see you all there.

Kevin