Subj : Re: 3rd Edition, part 1 To : All From : krynhoth@druidic.net Date : Mon Sep 04 2000 05:36 pm From: Jason Tamez Subject: Re: 3rd Edition, part 1 At 06:03 PM 9/4/00 -0500, Boyd wrote: > > Racial attribute adjustments are typically in the form of one +2 bonus and > > one -2 penalty. The exception is the half-orc which has an additional -2 to > > intelligence, though this can't force the score below 3. > >How well do the races balance, playwise now? Back when I was but a lad, >all the munchkins took elves because of the racial bonuses. Well, let me give you the rundown: Humans: Medium size, base speed of 30ft, 1 extra feat at 1st level (feats are explained further along) since humans are quick to master specialized tasks and have varied talents, 4 extra skill points (used to buy ranks in skills) at 1st level, plus 1 point at each additional level since humans are versatile and capable, can learn any language used in their area, favored class: Any. Dwarves: +2 CON, -2 CHA, Medium size, base speed of 20ft, darkvision, stonecunning (+2 racial bonus to notice unusual stonework), +2 racial bonus vs poison, +2 racial bonus against spells and spell-like effects, +1 vs orcs and goblinoids, +4 dodge bonus vs. giants, +2 racial bonus on appraise checks related to rare/exotic items, +2 on Craft checks for stone or metalwork, Languages: Common and Dwarven, can choose from Giant, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, Terran, and Undercommon, Favored class: Fighter. Elves: +2 DEX, -2 CON, Medium size, speed is 30ft, immune to sleep spells and effects, +2 racial save bonus vs. enchantment spells/effects, low-light vision, proficient with either longsword or rapier, proficient with shortbow, longbow, composite longbow, and composite shortbow, +2 racial bonus on Listen, Search and Spot checks, passing within 5 feet of a secret door gives him an automatic Search check to notice it, Languages: Common and Elven, may choose from Draconic, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Orc and Sylvan, Favored Class: wizard. Gnomes: +2 CON, -2 STR, Small size, base speed is 20ft, low-light vision, +2 racial bonus vs. illusions, +1 vs. kobolds and goblinoids, +4 dodge bonus vs. giants, +2 racial bonus to Listen checks, +2 racial bonus on Alchemy checks, Languages: Common and Gnome, other languages: Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Goblin, Orc, can Speak With Animals once a day with burrowing mammal, if the gnome has a 10 or higher in Intelligence, he may cast Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound and Prestidigitation cantrips once a day, Favored Class: illusionist. Half-Elves: Medium size, base speed of 30ft, immune to sleep spells/effects, +2 vs. enchantment spells, low-light vision, +1 on Listen, Search, and Spot checks, Elven blood (considered as an elf for all special abilities and effects), Languages: Common and Elven, other languages: any (same as human), Favored class: Any. Half-Orcs: +2 STR, -2 INT, -2 CHA, Medium size, 30ft base speed, darkvision, Orc blood (considered an Orc for special abilities/effects), Languages: Common and Orc, others: Draconic, Giant, Gnoll, Goblin, Infernal, Favored Class: barbarian. Halflings: +2 DEX, -2 STR, Small size, base speed of 20ft, +2 racial bonus on Climb, Jump and Move Silently, +1 on ALL saving throws, +2 morale bonus vs. fear effects, +1 racial bonus with a thrown weapon, +2 on Listen checks, Languages: Common and Halfling, others: Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, Goblin, and Orc, Favored Class: rogue. >Did they balance the barbarian? The first edition barbarian had an >incredible amount of abilities. The only attempt at balance was the >highest experience table out there. Proficient with all simple weapons and armor (many classes have this ability, actually). Rage: Temporary +4 CON, +4 STR, +2 Morale bonus on Will saves, -2 AC. Lasts 3 rounds + new CON modifier. Can use this once per encounter, and a limited number of times per day (1 at 1st, 2 at 4th, 3 at 8th, etc). Fast movement: +10ft to your speed. Uncanny Dodge: 2nd level: Retains DEX bonus when caught unawares (unless bound and tied). 5th: cannot be flanked (except by a rogue 4 levels higher). 10th: +1 bonus for Reflex saves and +1 Dodge bonus to AC when reacting to a hidden trap. 13th: bonus increases to +2. 16th: +3. 19th: +4. Damage Reduction: Can shrug off damage from hits at high level. 11th: subtract 1 point from each hit. 14th: 2 pts. 17th: 3pts. 20th: 4pts. Damage cannot be reduced below 0. Characters starting as a barbarian are illiterate unless they spend 2 skill points per language. If a barbarian becomes lawful, he loses the ability to Rage and cannot gain levels. >Come to think of it, since all the clases use the same experience table >now, how are they for play balance? I'm not sure yet, and I'm not sure I ever will be. I'm -not- going to post all THAT info. ;) Basically, I think the "balance" comes out not so much through penalties, but that each class has its own set of perks. And your enemies will have these perks, too. -- Jason -- |Fidonet: krynhoth@druidic.net |Internet: scott@conchbbs.com | | Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly his own. --- # Origin: (1:106/357.99) * Origin: ConchGate (1:106/357.0) .