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Post by Finarvyn on Sept 25, 2012 6:36:16 GMT -6
Background:
I'm currently running my group through an OD&D campaign set in Middle-earth. I stole some ideas from Falconer's posting on another thread (NOTE TO SELF: I should look for the link and post it) where Rangers are based on the Cleric and so on. I built my XP charts to top out at level 4 (at the moment) with the notion that it would be a low-level campaign. I'll post my rules tweaks one of these days for those who are interested.
The Question(s):
My problem is the Beornling. I also based it on the Cleric so that it wouldn't have the top combat in the game but would have some spell access.
(1) I'm planning on creating a spell list from the Druid list, with nature-style things he can do.
(2) I was planning on making the shape-shift (into bear form) a spell, so the character would have to use up spells to shift. Any thoughts on a maximum number of shifts per day I should allow?
(3) I wanted to give the Beornling some sort of advantage when in bear form, but also some sort of tangible disadvantage other than just making his CHA or WIS scores drop. Any ideas?
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2012 6:52:41 GMT -6
2.a) Hmmm ... why not base it around their prime requisite divided by three?
2.b) Or, 1 + x with x = combat ability (every four levels for clerics).
3.a) In OD&D bears are AC 5 (GH p. 51). Enforcing that is one step you could take.
3.b) From the same reference, change their damage: 1-3/1 -3/2-8 + hug so they don't get 3 d6 damage attacks.
3.c) Make them easier to hit due to their large size.
3.d) Have them vulnerable to having their hands stuck in hunny pots left lying around the field of combat ... (sorry, couldn't resist) OH, bother!
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Post by Stormcrow on Sept 25, 2012 8:15:35 GMT -6
It's Beorning. No l.
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Post by Finarvyn on Sept 25, 2012 8:31:12 GMT -6
3.d) Have them vulnerable to having their hands stuck in hunny pots left lying around the field of combat ... (sorry, couldn't resist) OH, bother! You could have resisted, but I'm glad you didn't!  Perhaps Beornlings could have a fear of honey bees? Hmmmmm. Nice suggestions, by the way! |
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Post by Falconer on Sept 25, 2012 10:07:55 GMT -6
Finarvyn: Check out the Berserker class from The Dragon #3 (reprinted in The Best of The Dragon #2) and use the Werebear option (advances as Druid). I formerly thought of just using the Druid, but having re-read The Hobbit just recently, I think the Berserker/Werebear option is more accurate.
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Post by owlorbs on Sept 25, 2012 10:12:50 GMT -6
Re: 3) advantages
Bears have 6 HD, would they roll it up upon transformation each time?
Also, they are really fast. Perhaps their speed doesn't enter into it tactically without miniatures but maybe via initiative or length/first strike.
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Post by Finarvyn on Sept 25, 2012 10:17:22 GMT -6
Also, they are really fast. Perhaps their speed doesn't enter into it tactically without miniatures but maybe via initiative or length/first strike. Perhaps an initiative bonus.... |
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Post by jmccann on Sept 25, 2012 22:42:04 GMT -6
Background:I'm currently running my group through an OD&D campaign set in Middle-earth. I stole some ideas from Falconer's posting on another thread (NOTE TO SELF: I should look for the link and post it) where Rangers are based on the Cleric and so on. I built my XP charts to top out at level 4 (at the moment) with the notion that it would be a low-level campaign. I'll post my rules tweaks one of these days for those who are interested. The Question(s):My problem is the Beornling. I also based it on the Cleric so that it wouldn't have the top combat in the game but would have some spell access. (1) I'm planning on creating a spell list from the Druid list, with nature-style things he can do. (2) I was planning on making the shape-shift (into bear form) a spell, so the character would have to use up spells to shift. Any thoughts on a maximum number of shifts per day I should allow? (3) I wanted to give the Beornling some sort of advantage when in bear form, but also some sort of tangible disadvantage other than just making his CHA or WIS scores drop. Any ideas? I think this is a very nice idea in the right kind of campaign. I think the number of spells should be pretty small, and only castable when in human form. I am not sure if I like the idea of requiring a spell though, to me this seems more like an innate ability. Perhaps frequency could be tied to level, or there could be a fatigue mechanism. I think with good roleplaying (and the right input from the referee) the disadvantages would be clear enough - the player has the form of a bear! Probably they would not do well in cities, towns or underground. Any situations requiring negotiations w/ humanoid or similar creatures would be very difficult. No backpacks, clothes, armor etc. I think the ref would have to be strict and fair, and it might not work w/ munchkin or power gamers, but with the right players should be good. |
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Perhaps Beornlings could have a fear of honey bees? Hmmmmm.
