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Baldur's Gate/Off - 22 - Doom and Gloom


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#1 Guest_Oryx_*

Posted 06 August 2003 - 07:54 AM

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Where there's life there's hope, as my Gaffer used to say; and need of vittles, as he mostways used to add.

- Samwise Gamgee




22. Doom and Gloom

The robed elf sat, balled-and-chained, and sulked.

Age after age, the humans and the others built and multiplied and warred, while the lower races scrounged and pillaged and multiplied even more. And the People grew slowly, and spent many a long year hiding in the woods that were sawed at, gnawed at, and they fled and sailed into the west.

Evil rose and fell, but every time, the woods were cut back further, and the lands left more war-torn and squalid, and evil grew, within the deep halls of the drow and the dwarves, across the city-scarred plains of the Old World and now even the jungles of the New, and there was unchecked, cancerous growth, tyranny and slavery were exported about the world, and the machines of war grew ever greater and more efficient.

They were doomed.


-----


"We're dooooooomed......"

"What'n the blazing..." Kagain grumbled. Montaron slinked over to the edge of the chamber, and nearly disappeared as he sauntered along the wall and peered into an adjoining chamber of the cavern.

The halfling popped into full visibility again and chuckled. "Looky looky here, Mulahey had a pet!"

Mulahey's 'pet' turned out to be a chained moon elf in violet robes, sitting gloomily in the middle of the floor of a dead-end chamber, appropriately enough. The five adventurers approached him warily, and he looked up at them, not with fear or joy, but indifference.

"Who are you?" Jade asked neutrally.

The elf just appraised his surroundings and moaned, "It's unbearable, you know; waking each morn to the mud and rock instead of the rising sun. Too long for one of the fair folk to live like a dwarf."

"Hey now, pansy li'l elf," Kagain grumbled, peering at the prisoner as if assessing the best angle to meet his skull with an axeblade, "Keep on talk' that way, and I'll stuff your mouth with horse dung!"

The elf's face didn't get any sadder than it was, which probably wouldn't have been possible. Jade repeated her query and he answered, "Oh, I'm Xan, a Greycloak of Evereska, and as proficient in the ways of magic as any man can be."

"And why then yer robes be purple?" Montaron glared. "It not be grey, and a sissy color!"

Xan looked dejectely down at the jabbing halfling, but verbally ignored him. "If you be enemies of Mulahey I'd join your cause, hopeless though it is."

"We've already killed him in our 'hopeless' cause," Jade snickered. "Why and how'd you get trapped here?"

"Alas," moaned Xan, "I was sent to investigate the strange goings-on about this area and I landed caged for seemingly hopeless weeks on end. I have not seen the sun almost as long as I have not seen my home."

"Oh, boo hoo," Kagain spat, "I didn't see the sun til' I was older'n all of you are now! Wouldn't miss it if I ne'er saw it again!"

"You were sent by yerself?" Montaron squinted, "Just one mage? These Greycloaks ain't too bright, are they?"

Xan sighed, and slumped over his knees. "I suppose they saw the futility of it all, and decided only to waste me."

"Typical elven thinking," Kagain scoffed. "We killed that half-orc! Surely your pretty li'l elven ears heard it all. You can thank us at your leisure."

"I'd dared to hope so," the elf nodded.

Jade thought for a second. "He has superiors elsewhere, and we'll be continuing an...investigation of our own. We'll free you, and if you prove a useful battle-mage, perhaps you can continue your own by helping us."

"I thank you," Xan exhaled, "However ineffective our actions be, I shall not rest until I have made payment to you."

Branwen grumbled, "You can start by now doing your best to drag party morale deeper than these oppresive mines." Jade snorted in agreement.

Xan merely looked through them. "If you have searched through Mulahey's treasure you may have found a sword among his documents. The sword is a moonblade and my most valued possession."

"Oh really..." Jade shot a sidelong glance at Xzar.

"It was...a bonded weapon," the necromancer shrugged. Jade frowned. "Count Cinnamon will vouch for it." Branwen groaned.

They returned to Mulahey's chamber, and Xan took his sword as if it were an obligation. The weapon was an extremely ornate, impressive, and palpably powerful electric-blue-glowing sword, which the obviously weak and frail elf seemed able to wield with ease. The chest did also contain an enchanted shortsword to replace Montaron's already-weakening-iron blade, and upon Mulahey's body they found a ring which would augment Branwen's repertoire of clerical spells, and magical electrical-resistance boots which Jade donned. She also kept Mulahey's holy symbol of Cyric as proof for Berron Ghastkill.

"Perhaps we'll survive a little longer than I at first thought," Xan sighed as he looked over his reclaimed moonblade, earning hostile glances from his new companions.

"Be you a specialist, elfling?" Xzar cooed fruitily, poking Xan's sallow cheek and then tracing the shape of his skull.

"An enchanter," the elf sighed, making no attempt to fend off the necromancer's proddings.

For some reason, Xzar broke into spasmic fits of high-pitched laughter. "An..enchanter? Oh, the sadistic alien clown from beyond the moon must have a great sense of humor indeed! Nyehehehehehe!"

"What's so funny, Xzar?" Jade peered at her old friend.

"Enchanters can't....can't...." Xzar was holding his sides, barely able to speak through his giggling, "...can't even comprehend evocation!!!" With that he fell down and rolled around on the thin grass, laughing his head off.

Montaron snickered. "No magic missiles, no spiderwebs, no stinking clouds, no fireballs, no lightning bolt..."

"What?" Jade's jaw dropped. "Even I know those are the bread-and-butter battle-mage spells!"

Branwen must have too, for she gave the enchanter a rather deflating, dismissive look.

Xan stared at his small feet, practically burying his pale face in his robes, likely crying.

"Pretty pretty pretty...." Xzar had uncovered a brightly glowing gem that had been hidden behind one of the Calimshani tapestries hanging in the room. It stood on a stone pedestal, and the necromancer reached out for it, with his wild eyes almost glowing with the reflection.

"X, ye blasted fool!" Montaron hissed and dashed up, "It might be...."

Montaron tackled Xzar's legs, but the necromancer managed to swipe the gem before he fell onto a moldly pillow. Moments later, the stone pedestal began to creak and groan, and its center slid upwards, freed from the weight of the gem. A clicking sound echoed.

"...Trapped," the halfling sulked.

Ominous groaning sounds echoed throughout the ceiling of the room. From the chamber where they'd found Xan, a loud crashing sound, as if a stalactite had just fallen and shattered, echoed.

"I told you," Xan moaned. "We're doomed."

No one contradicted him this time. Jade screamed, "RUN!!!!"

The six bolted out of the room and towards the crude stone stairway leading back to the fouth floor, more stalactites and chunks of rock falling down behind them, one nearly smashing Xan. "So close," Kagain grumbled. Once they reached the previous level, they dashed across the bridge just before it gave way, but before they could make it up the tunnel they'd come down before engaging the kobold commandos, its ceiling groaned, cracked, and poured itself over the path, blocking it.

"We're trapped!" Xan screamed.

"This way!" Kagain yelled, turning right and zipping along the edge of the underground river. "There used to be another exit!"

The other five followed, and Jade marvelled at how quickly the short dwarf could zip on his stubby legs. Montaron practically seemed like a cheetah by halfling standards, and Xzar, hiking up his skirt and shrieking, skipped along beside him. Branwen and Jade easily kept astride Kagain, letting him lead, and the moans of the faltering Xan fell further and further behind.

After exiting the chamber with the river into a narrower tunnel, they followed a long hallway as it crumbled behind them, and it last, saw the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone broke into their maximum speed, and Jade led the party out, followed by Branwen, Kagain, Xzar, Montaron, and finally, flinging himself through the mouth of the tunnel just as it collapsed, a screeching Xan saw again the light of day.

#2 Guest_The Blue Sorceress_*

Posted 06 August 2003 - 08:57 PM

[quote]
The robed elf sat, balled-and-chained, and sulked.
[/quote]

Xannykins! YAY!! Though I don't think "sulked" is quite the word you want here. He's not pouting after all, he's thinking about the very depressing nature of life and the world.


[quote]
The halfling popped into full visibility again and chuckled. "Looky looky here, Mulahey had a pet!"
[/quote]

Perhaps cut out one "looky"

[quote]
The elf's face didn't get any sadder than it was, which probably wouldn't have been possible. Jade repeated her query and he answered, "Oh, I'm Xan, a Greycloak of Evereska, and as proficient in the ways of magic as any man can be."
[/quote]

The end of his sentence sounds a little odd... on first glance it seems like he's bragging, but that doesn't make any sense. A second look shows what I think you were trying to say, which is that he's proficient with magic, but since he's just a mortal (and mortals are all dooomed) he's really not very good. Or I could be wrong. I dunno.

[quote]
Jade thought for a second. "He has superiors elsewhere, and we'll be continuing an...investigation of our own. We'll free you, and if you prove a useful battle-mage, perhaps you can continue your own by helping us."
[/quote]

Perhaps "you can continue your by helping us" too many "own"s.

[quote]
Branwen grumbled, "You can start by now doing your best to drag party morale deeper than these oppresive mines." Jade snorted in agreement.
[/quote]

I think you meant "not doing your best to drag party morale deeper etc..."

[quote]
They returned to Mulahey's chamber, and Xan took his sword as if it were an obligation. The weapon was an extremely ornate, impressive, and palpably powerful electric-blue-glowing sword, which the obviously weak and frail elf seemed able to wield with ease. The chest did also contain an enchanted shortsword to replace Montaron's already-weakening-iron blade, and upon Mulahey's body they found a ring which would augment Branwen's repertoire of clerical spells, and magical electrical-resistance boots which Jade donned. She also kept Mulahey's holy symbol of Cyric as proof for Berron Ghastkill.
[/quote]

Ah, looting! The best part, isn't it?

[quote]
"Be you a specialist, elfling?" Xzar cooed fruitily, poking Xan's sallow cheek and then tracing the shape of his skull.
[/quote]

Hands off my Xannykins! Only I get to invade his personal space! Back! *snuggles Xan possessivly* Mine!

[quote]
"Enchanters can't....can't...." Xzar was holding his sides, barely able to speak through his giggling, "...can't even comprehend evocation!!!" With that he fell down and rolled around on the thin grass, laughing his head off.
[/quote]

[quote] Xan stared at his small feet, practically burying his pale face in his robes, likely crying.
[/quote]

You made my Xannykins cry! Aw... poor Xannykins! *Snuggles much more gently this time* Don't worry, pooky, I'll get 'em for you!

Actually, if you want to know the truth, an enchanter gets some of the best spells at higher levels. Otto's Irresistable Dance for example. You make a touch attack and someone is dancing for 2-5 rounds. No save. I'd like to see Irenicus dancing, wouldn't you? Another spell is Insanity, which makes one living creature within range (100 ft + 10 per level) act as if under the effects of a Confusion spell. Permanently. And then there's Dominate Monster, which can make a Red Dragon your bitch if it fails it's save and you can get past spell resistance. Fifth level has a host of delicious enchantment spells, like Dominate Person, Feeblemind, which drops the subjects Int to 1, Hold Monster, and Mind Fog, which drops the subjects Wis by 10! That would completely incapacitate someone with an average wisdom. Hold Person is even better than Fireball at putting people out of commission, as you yourself proved in the last chapter, especially if you have a number of allies to wade into the ranks of the frozen enemies and slice them to ribbons. And ouf course sixth level gives you access to the Geas spell, which can really screw someone over if you want it to.

So, Enchantment isn't as bad of speciality as one might think. Granted, it's not necessarily as flashy, nor does it make things go s'plodie, but it can be just as effective as evocation at putting opponents out for the count, or better yet, make they work for you.

"Pretty pretty pretty...." Xzar had uncovered a brightly glowing gem that had been hidden behind one of the Calimshani tapestries hanging in the room. It stood on a stone pedestal, and the necromancer reached out for it, with his wild eyes almost glowing with the reflection.
[/quote]

Don't touch!

[quote]
Everyone broke into their maximum speed, and Jade led the party out, followed by Branwen, Kagain, Xzar, Montaron, and finally, flinging himself through the mouth of the tunnel just as it collapsed, a screeching Xan saw again the light of day.[/quote]

Yay! He survived! Er... *they* survived... eh heheheh...

Anyway, excellent chapter. I thorougly enjoyed myself.

-Blue

#3 Guest_Oryx_*

Posted 07 August 2003 - 01:41 AM

[quote][quote]
The robed elf sat, balled-and-chained, and sulked.
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Xannykins! YAY!! Though I don't think "sulked" is quite the word you want here. He's not pouting after all, he's thinking about the very depressing nature of life and the world.
[/quote]

brooded?

[quote]
[quote]
The halfling popped into full visibility again and chuckled. "Looky looky here, Mulahey had a pet!"
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Perhaps cut out one "looky"
[/quote]

hmmm

[quote]
[quote]
The elf's face didn't get any sadder than it was, which probably wouldn't have been possible. Jade repeated her query and he answered, "Oh, I'm Xan, a Greycloak of Evereska, and as proficient in the ways of magic as any man can be."
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
The end of his sentence sounds a little odd... on first glance it seems like he's bragging, but that doesn't make any sense. A second look shows what I think you were trying to say, which is that he's proficient with magic, but since he's just a mortal (and mortals are all dooomed) he's really not very good. Or I could be wrong. I dunno.
[/quote]

It's been awhile since I actually wrote this, but I think that's a straight game line. I had the same interpretation. "We're all inept at magic, but I'm as good as any."

[quote]
[quote]
Jade thought for a second. "He has superiors elsewhere, and we'll be continuing an...investigation of our own. We'll free you, and if you prove a useful battle-mage, perhaps you can continue your own by helping us."
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Perhaps "you can continue your by helping us" too many "own"s.
[/quote]

thanks

[quote]
[quote]
Branwen grumbled, "You can start by now doing your best to drag party morale deeper than these oppresive mines." Jade snorted in agreement.
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
I think you meant "not doing your best to drag party morale deeper etc..."
[/quote]

LOL! depressed Branwen...

[quote]
[quote]
They returned to Mulahey's chamber, and Xan took his sword as if it were an obligation. The weapon was an extremely ornate, impressive, and palpably powerful electric-blue-glowing sword, which the obviously weak and frail elf seemed able to wield with ease. The chest did also contain an enchanted shortsword to replace Montaron's already-weakening-iron blade, and upon Mulahey's body they found a ring which would augment Branwen's repertoire of clerical spells, and magical electrical-resistance boots which Jade donned. She also kept Mulahey's holy symbol of Cyric as proof for Berron Ghastkill.
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Ah, looting! The best part, isn't it?
[/quote]

:roll: finders, keepes

Onyx: I never understand why cynic-types think we good adventurers are such schmucks for undertaking quests 'for free'. Adventuring is like 5% rewards, 95% looting....

[quote]
[quote]
"Be you a specialist, elfling?" Xzar cooed fruitily, poking Xan's sallow cheek and then tracing the shape of his skull.
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Hands off my Xannykins! Only I get to invade his personal space! Back! *snuggles Xan possessivly* Mine!
[/quote]

He's all yours :twisted:

[quote]
[quote]
"Enchanters can't....can't...." Xzar was holding his sides, barely able to speak through his giggling, "...can't even comprehend evocation!!!" With that he fell down and rolled around on the thin grass, laughing his head off.
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
[quote] Xan stared at his small feet, practically burying his pale face in his robes, likely crying.
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
You made my Xannykins cry! Aw... poor Xannykins! *Snuggles much more gently this time* Don't worry, pooky, I'll get 'em for you!
[/quote]

Tickle Me Xan

[quote]
Actually, if you want to know the truth, an enchanter gets some of the best spells at higher levels. Otto's Irresistable Dance for example. You make a touch attack and someone is dancing for 2-5 rounds. No save. I'd like to see Irenicus dancing, wouldn't you? Another spell is Insanity, which makes one living creature within range (100 ft + 10 per level) act as if under the effects of a Confusion spell. Permanently. And then there's Dominate Monster, which can make a Red Dragon your bitch if it fails it's save and you can get past spell resistance. Fifth level has a host of delicious enchantment spells, like Dominate Person, Feeblemind, which drops the subjects Int to 1, Hold Monster, and Mind Fog, which drops the subjects Wis by 10! That would completely incapacitate someone with an average wisdom. Hold Person is even better than Fireball at putting people out of commission, as you yourself proved in the last chapter, especially if you have a number of allies to wade into the ranks of the frozen enemies and slice them to ribbons. And ouf course sixth level gives you access to the Geas spell, which can really screw someone over if you want it to.
[/quote]

Okay, so my retort is "yeah, but it's not even about your specialty school spells, it's just a pick of opposition schools." Are specialists actually supposed to get a perk for their favored school's spells? Like a DC bonus (i.e. Spell Focus)? Though, despire the rules, I suppose specialists should be expected (roleplayed) to cast from their specialty more often or something.

[quote]
So, Enchantment isn't as bad of speciality as one might think. Granted, it's not necessarily as flashy, nor does it make things go s'plodie, but it can be just as effective as evocation at putting opponents out for the count, or better yet, make they work for you.
[/quote]

Yeah, also, CRPGs limit the school alot (like diplomatic/espianage uses of charm/dominate, and the entire geas thing) but evocation can still be used in all its hack'n'slash glory.

[quote]
"Pretty pretty pretty...." Xzar had uncovered a brightly glowing gem that had been hidden behind one of the Calimshani tapestries hanging in the room. It stood on a stone pedestal, and the necromancer reached out for it, with his wild eyes almost glowing with the reflection.
[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Don't touch!
[/quote]

LOL

Bad touch!

[quote]
[quote]
Everyone broke into their maximum speed, and Jade led the party out, followed by Branwen, Kagain, Xzar, Montaron, and finally, flinging himself through the mouth of the tunnel just as it collapsed, a screeching Xan saw again the light of day.[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Yay! He survived! Er... *they* survived... eh heheheh...
[/quote]

ROFL!!!

[quote]
Anyway, excellent chapter. I thorougly enjoyed myself.
[/quote]

Yay! Too bad we can't say the same for Xannykins.

[quote]
-Blue[/quote]

#4 Guest_The Blue Sorceress_*

Posted 07 August 2003 - 03:45 AM


The robed elf sat, balled-and-chained, and sulked.



Xannykins! YAY!! Though I don't think "sulked" is quite the word you want here. He's not pouting after all, he's thinking about the very depressing nature of life and the world.


brooded?


Yeah, that sounds better.


The end of his sentence sounds a little odd... on first glance it seems like he's bragging, but that doesn't make any sense. A second look shows what I think you were trying to say, which is that he's proficient with magic, but since he's just a mortal (and mortals are all dooomed) he's really not very good. Or I could be wrong. I dunno.


It's been awhile since I actually wrote this, but I think that's a straight game line. I had the same interpretation. "We're all inept at magic, but I'm as good as any."


Really? I'll have to take look. Any excuse to banter with my favorite elf ^^ *Hugs Xan*

Xan (in a strained voice): Mystra help me. I'm being crushed!


I think you meant "not doing your best to drag party morale deeper etc..."


LOL! depressed Branwen...


D'you think she'd just hit things with less ferocity? I read in a D20 supplement that the rules for characters with clinical depression is that they can't gain character levels. (which proves that Xan has *some* fight left in him, otherwise he'd always be a level 1 enchanter.)

:roll: finders, keepes


Onyx: I never understand why cynic-types think we good adventurers are such schmucks for undertaking quests 'for free'. Adventuring is like 5% rewards, 95% looting....


Brynn: Yeah, who care about a pidling five hundred gold when the dragon you just killed leaves you behind five *thousand* and half a dozen magic powerful magic items. Not that I can *use* most of them. *grumbles*


Hands off my Xannykins! Only I get to invade his personal space! Back! *snuggles Xan possessivly* Mine!


He's all yours :twisted:


Xan: Now I'm *really* doomed.

Haer'Dalis: Oh, 'tis not *so* bad, my dear elf.

Garrick: She's my rubber ducky!


Xan stared at his small feet, practically burying his pale face in his robes, likely crying.



You made my Xannykins cry! Aw... poor Xannykins! *Snuggles much more gently this time* Don't worry, pooky, I'll get 'em for you!


Tickle Me Xan


I wonder if he'd laugh...


Actually, if you want to know the truth, an enchanter gets some of the best spells at higher levels. Otto's Irresistable Dance for example. You make a touch attack and someone is dancing for 2-5 rounds. No save. I'd like to see Irenicus dancing, wouldn't you? Another spell is Insanity, which makes one living creature within range (100 ft + 10 per level) act as if under the effects of a Confusion spell. Permanently. And then there's Dominate Monster, which can make a Red Dragon your bitch if it fails it's save and you can get past spell resistance. Fifth level has a host of delicious enchantment spells, like Dominate Person, Feeblemind, which drops the subjects Int to 1, Hold Monster, and Mind Fog, which drops the subjects Wis by 10! That would completely incapacitate someone with an average wisdom. Hold Person is even better than Fireball at putting people out of commission, as you yourself proved in the last chapter, especially if you have a number of allies to wade into the ranks of the frozen enemies and slice them to ribbons. And ouf course sixth level gives you access to the Geas spell, which can really screw someone over if you want it to.


Okay, so my retort is "yeah, but it's not even about your specialty school spells, it's just a pick of opposition schools." Are specialists actually supposed to get a perk for their favored school's spells? Like a DC bonus (i.e. Spell Focus)? Though, despire the rules, I suppose specialists should be expected (roleplayed) to cast from their specialty more often or something.


A specialist wizard may prepare one extra spell of each spell level from their chosen school. So instead of just being able to cast Otto's Irresistable dance once 15th level, you can cast it twice, *or* you can cast it once, and also cast something else, like Iron Body, or Horrid Wilting. Plus you get a +2 bonus on all spellcraft checks to learn a spell from that school. Basically, you don't learn one kind of magic, but you get to prepare up to nine extra spells a day from your specialist school. A good specialist will also take the Spell Focus feat for their chosen school, and probably at higher levels Greater Spell Focus. A high level enchanter would be a serious pain to have to fight.


So, Enchantment isn't as bad of speciality as one might think. Granted, it's not necessarily as flashy, nor does it make things go s'plodie, but it can be just as effective as evocation at putting opponents out for the count, or better yet, make they work for you.


Yeah, also, CRPGs limit the school alot (like diplomatic/espianage uses of charm/dominate, and the entire geas thing) but evocation can still be used in all its hack'n'slash glory.


To that I say, Hold Person, Will Save DC 21: 10 (base) + 3 (spell level) + 4 (ability mod, 18 int) + 4 (Greater Spell Focus) You could concievably force someone to make a save like that as level five. I don't know many fifth level characters -or CR 5 monsters- that could be sure of making that kind of save, even if they had a 18 or 19 wisdom. Heck, I've got a twenty-second level assassin NPC that couldn't make that save unless he rolled a 17.


Anyway, excellent chapter. I thorougly enjoyed myself.


Yay! Too bad we can't say the same for Xannykins.


I wonder if Xan has *ever* actually enjoyed himself. My poor Xannykins needs prozac.

-Blue

#5 Guest_Oryx_*

Posted 07 August 2003 - 05:32 AM

Really? I'll have to take look. Any excuse to banter with my favorite elf ^^ *Hugs Xan*


lol

Xan (in a strained voice): Mystra help me. I'm being crushed!


LOL! Careful, Blue! He *is* on the frail side!



I think you meant "not doing your best to drag party morale deeper etc..."



LOL! depressed Branwen...


D'you think she'd just hit things with less ferocity? I read in a D20 supplement that the rules for characters with clinical depression is that they can't gain character levels. (which proves that Xan has *some* fight left in him, otherwise he'd always be a level 1 enchanter.)


Heehee. He's *mostly* depressed.


:roll: finders, keepes



Onyx: I never understand why cynic-types think we good adventurers are such schmucks for undertaking quests 'for free'. Adventuring is like 5% rewards, 95% looting....


Brynn: Yeah, who care about a pidling five hundred gold when the dragon you just killed leaves you behind five *thousand* and half a dozen magic powerful magic items. Not that I can *use* most of them. *grumbles*


Onyx: *waves Carsomyr, dragonscale mail, etc.* Ha ha!



Hands off my Xannykins! Only I get to invade his personal space! Back! *snuggles Xan possessivly* Mine!



He's all yours :twisted:


Xan: Now I'm *really* doomed.


Haer'Dalis: Oh, 'tis not *so* bad, my dear elf.


Garrick: She's my rubber ducky!


Onyx: Get in line, boys!

Aerie: Why, you-

Onyx: I didn't mean behind me! That's a colloquialism! I meant, in their own line. Yes.


Tickle Me Xan


I wonder if he'd laugh...


Have a little string in the back, when you pull it, says "We're all doomed," and 5 other phrases! Also comes with glowing moonblade! Batteries not included!

A specialist wizard may prepare one extra spell of each spell level from their chosen school. So instead of just being able to cast Otto's Irresistable dance once 15th level, you can cast it twice, *or* you can cast it once, and also cast something else, like Iron Body, or Horrid Wilting. Plus you get a +2 bonus on all spellcraft checks to learn a spell from that school. Basically, you don't learn one kind of magic, but you get to prepare up to nine extra spells a day from your specialist school. A good specialist will also take the Spell Focus feat for their chosen school, and probably at higher levels Greater Spell Focus. A high level enchanter would be a serious pain to have to fight.


Ahhhhh I always *wondered* if that extra slot was supposed to be w/i their school. It seemed more balanced and sensible, but I guess it was a tad complicated for a CRPG.



So, Enchantment isn't as bad of speciality as one might think. Granted, it's not necessarily as flashy, nor does it make things go s'plodie, but it can be just as effective as evocation at putting opponents out for the count, or better yet, make they work for you.



Yeah, also, CRPGs limit the school alot (like diplomatic/espianage uses of charm/dominate, and the entire geas thing) but evocation can still be used in all its hack'n'slash glory.


To that I say, Hold Person, Will Save DC 21: 10 (base) + 3 (spell level) + 4 (ability mod, 18 int) + 4 (Greater Spell Focus) You could concievably force someone to make a save like that as level five. I don't know many fifth level characters -or CR 5 monsters- that could be sure of making that kind of save, even if they had a 18 or 19 wisdom. Heck, I've got a twenty-second level assassin NPC that couldn't make that save unless he rolled a 17.


Mmm it is a good spell. But is it more powerful than the clerical version? Because a L2 cleric slot is much cheaper than a L3 mage slot.



Anyway, excellent chapter. I thorougly enjoyed myself.



Yay! Too bad we can't say the same for Xannykins.


I wonder if Xan has *ever* actually enjoyed himself. My poor Xannykins needs prozac.


LOL!

Onyx: Let's try the fantasy version. **Remove Fear** Hmmm, I guess technically he's not afraid, just...sad.

-Blue



#6 Guest_The Blue Sorceress_*

Posted 07 August 2003 - 06:03 AM


Brynn: Yeah, who care about a pidling five hundred gold when the dragon you just killed leaves you behind five *thousand* and half a dozen magic powerful magic items. Not that I can *use* most of them. *grumbles*


Onyx: *waves Carsomyr, dragonscale mail, etc.* Ha ha!


Brynn: Bah, me and my two masterwork katanas do just fine. I just wish I could wear my ring of protection without feeling likeI was letting Master Touga down.


I wonder if he'd laugh...


Have a little string in the back, when you pull it, says "We're all doomed," and 5 other phrases! Also comes with glowing moonblade! Batteries not included!


I want a Xan plushie... it'd be so~ cute. I'd take a Haer'Dalis plushie and a Yoshimo plushie as well. And maybe a Cernd one just so he didn't feel so left out. Maybe an Irenicus plushie too... just because seeing the mastermind of so many evil plots reduced to a cute and cuddly plush dolly would be the most hilarious thing ever.

Ahhhhh I always *wondered* if that extra slot was supposed to be w/i their school. It seemed more balanced and sensible, but I guess it was a tad complicated for a CRPG.


*nods* Too bad they didn't have the ability to do it like they did domain spells in Icewind Dale II.


To that I say, Hold Person, Will Save DC 21: 10 (base) + 3 (spell level) + 4 (ability mod, 18 int) + 4 (Greater Spell Focus) You could concievably force someone to make a save like that as level five. I don't know many fifth level characters -or CR 5 monsters- that could be sure of making that kind of save, even if they had a 18 or 19 wisdom. Heck, I've got a twenty-second level assassin NPC that couldn't make that save unless he rolled a 17.


Mmm it is a good spell. But is it more powerful than the clerical version? Because a L2 cleric slot is much cheaper than a L3 mage slot.


Actually, it *is* more powerful even if the cleric had an 18 wisdom and the same feats. The 3E formular for figuring out spell DC's is 10+spell level+ability modifier. So, assuming that except class, our enchanter and our cleric have the same sort of stats (just switch Int and Wis) and the same feats, the DC for the cleric's spell would only be 20, (10+2(spell level)+4(ability mod)+4(GSF).


I wonder if Xan has *ever* actually enjoyed himself. My poor Xannykins needs prozac.


LOL!


Onyx: Let's try the fantasy version. **Remove Fear** Hmmm, I guess technically he's not afraid, just...sad.


Maybe Emotion (Hope) would work. ^^ He could even cast it on himself, if he ever felt motivated to do it. Of course, it's a combat-buff spell with that only lasts as long as you concentrate on it, so maybe not. Maybe someone could make up a happy-spell that lasts all day.

#7 Guest_Hunter_*

Posted 07 August 2003 - 09:10 AM

[quote]
Montaron snickered. "No magic missiles, no spiderwebs, no stinking clouds, no fireballs, no lightning bolt..."
[/quote]

Now i'm laughing as well. :roll: He's worthless.

[quote]
"X, ye blasted fool!" Montaron hissed and dashed up, "It might be...."
[/quote]

A trap?

[quote]
"...Trapped," the halfling sulked.
[/quote]

Yep.

[quote]
The other five followed, and Jade marvelled at how quickly the short dwarf could zip on his stubby legs. Montaron practically seemed like a cheetah by halfling standards, and Xzar, hiking up his skirt and shrieking, skipped along beside him.

:roll:

Hunter

#8 Guest_Oryx_*

Posted 07 August 2003 - 08:40 PM



Brynn: Yeah, who care about a pidling five hundred gold when the dragon you just killed leaves you behind five *thousand* and half a dozen magic powerful magic items. Not that I can *use* most of them. *grumbles*



Onyx: *waves Carsomyr, dragonscale mail, etc.* Ha ha!


Brynn: Bah, me and my two masterwork katanas do just fine. I just wish I could wear my ring of protection without feeling likeI was letting Master Touga down.


Onyx: *looks at own paper doll, sees every slot is occupied* Mmmm...I say more the merrier. If you've got toys, use 'em.


I want a Xan plushie... it'd be so~ cute. I'd take a Haer'Dalis plushie and a Yoshimo plushie as well. And maybe a Cernd one just so he didn't feel so left out. Maybe an Irenicus plushie too... just because seeing the mastermind of so many evil plots reduced to a cute and cuddly plush dolly would be the most hilarious thing ever.


LOL! It would. And the plush mask and bondage suit...

Baldurie Babies...collect 'em all!


Ahhhhh I always *wondered* if that extra slot was supposed to be w/i their school. It seemed more balanced and sensible, but I guess it was a tad complicated for a CRPG.


*nods* Too bad they didn't have the ability to do it like they did domain spells in Icewind Dale II.


Oh yeah they could have done it much like that...although I find the domain spells a tad annoying..all that extra organization for one slot / level.



To that I say, Hold Person, Will Save DC 21: 10 (base) + 3 (spell level) + 4 (ability mod, 18 int) + 4 (Greater Spell Focus) You could concievably force someone to make a save like that as level five. I don't know many fifth level characters -or CR 5 monsters- that could be sure of making that kind of save, even if they had a 18 or 19 wisdom. Heck, I've got a twenty-second level assassin NPC that couldn't make that save unless he rolled a 17.



Mmm it is a good spell. But is it more powerful than the clerical version? Because a L2 cleric slot is much cheaper than a L3 mage slot.


Actually, it *is* more powerful even if the cleric had an 18 wisdom and the same feats. The 3E formular for figuring out spell DC's is 10+spell level+ability modifier. So, assuming that except class, our enchanter and our cleric have the same sort of stats (just switch Int and Wis) and the same feats, the DC for the cleric's spell would only be 20, (10+2(spell level)+4(ability mod)+4(GSF).


A small improvement. Still, the spell could be useful simply so that you can layer Hold Persons or have more casts of it across the party....or if you expect the cleric to be fighting or smothing...



I wonder if Xan has *ever* actually enjoyed himself. My poor Xannykins needs prozac.



LOL!



Onyx: Let's try the fantasy version. **Remove Fear** Hmmm, I guess technically he's not afraid, just...sad.


Maybe Emotion (Hope) would work. ^^ He could even cast it on himself, if he ever felt motivated to do it. Of course, it's a combat-buff spell with that only lasts as long as you concentrate on it, so maybe not. Maybe someone could make up a happy-spell that lasts all day.


Jade: It's called black lotus...hmmm, that would more mellow him, which would still be an improvement....

#9 Guest_Oryx_*

Posted 07 August 2003 - 08:42 PM


Montaron snickered. "No magic missiles, no spiderwebs, no stinking clouds, no fireballs, no lightning bolt..."


Now i'm laughing as well. :wink: He's worthless.


And what good is giving a mage a special sword!?!?!


"X, ye blasted fool!" Montaron hissed and dashed up, "It might be...."


A trap?



"...Trapped," the halfling sulked.


Yep.


You know it.

#10 Guest_Hunter_*

Posted 08 August 2003 - 04:38 PM


Montaron snickered. "No magic missiles, no spiderwebs, no stinking clouds, no fireballs, no lightning bolt..."



Now i'm laughing as well. :P He's worthless.


And what good is giving a mage a special sword!?!?!


No idea, perhaps he'll make the enemies die with laughter.

I can just see it before me, at the end of the game when facing sarevok

Sarevok: You...you are a battlemage, yes? But...you have no useful offensive spells, and you're a mage, right? A mage...with no spells!!!!! And you....you, a mage... is trying to fight me with a sword to compensate??????

That's... that's just too much. (sarevok and his men crumbles in laughter, the party kills them while they are defenseless)

Afterwards xan looks extremely insulted.

#11 Guest_Oryx_*

Posted 13 August 2003 - 08:40 AM


Montaron snickered. "No magic missiles, no spiderwebs, no stinking clouds, no fireballs, no lightning bolt..."




Now i'm laughing as well. :) He's worthless.



And what good is giving a mage a special sword!?!?!


No idea, perhaps he'll make the enemies die with laughter.


I can just see it before me, at the end of the game when facing sarevok


Sarevok: You...you are a battlemage, yes? But...you have no useful offensive spells, and you're a mage, right? A mage...with no spells!!!!! And you....you, a mage... is trying to fight me with a sword to compensate??????


That's... that's just too much. (sarevok and his men crumbles in laughter, the party kills them while they are defenseless)


Afterwards xan looks extremely insulted.


ROFL!!!!! That's be awesome. And I can totally see Sarevok saying that in his deep, booming voice.




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