Character Creation

Aug 30, 2024 10:18 am
Use this thread for character creation.

Follow the process described in the OSRIC rulebook. You can download a free copy of the PDF here.

There is a Gamers Plane OSRIC character sheet template here.

For your character's ability scores, roll 4d6, drop the lowest die and arrange to suit. Or purists can use 3d6 in order.

If playing a human character, select one of the following cultures: Archontean, Khumus, Thorcinga or Wiskinga.

Other available races are dwarves, elves, halflings and imperial goblins (there are no gnomes, half elves or half-orcs in Arden Vul).

See this note when deciding on your character's languages.

For your character's hit points, you may reroll any 1s and 2s (at first level only).

You should also hand-draw a sketch of your character for use as their in-game avatar - no artistic talent is required or expected!
Aug 31, 2024 12:03 pm
Hello! I have a couple of questions, but I'll roll the dice and see what comes out first.

EDIT: Decidedly average! That rules out my question about multi-classing restrictions, so I just have the one remaining question. If we make a demi-human character, what kind of cultures do we have them come from?
Last edited August 31, 2024 12:08 pm

Rolls

STR - (4d6h3)

(4143) = 11

DEX - (4d6h3)

(1233) = 8

CON - (4d6h3)

(2513) = 10

INT - (4d6h3)

(1341) = 8

WIS - (4d6h3)

(2533) = 11

CHA - (4d6h3)

(3263) = 12

Aug 31, 2024 1:42 pm
Looks like a good Illusionist, or an Illusionist/Thief! Perhaps a Gnome?!
Last edited August 31, 2024 1:46 pm

Rolls

Str, Dex, Con, Int, Wis, Cha - (4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3)

4d6h3 : (1246) = 12

4d6h3 : (6456) = 17

4d6h3 : (6241) = 12

4d6h3 : (6645) = 17

4d6h3 : (2336) = 12

4d6h3 : (1425) = 11

HP - (d8)

(6) = 6

GP (x10) - (3d6)

(435) = 12

Age - (3d4+40)

(221) + 40 = 45

Aug 31, 2024 1:52 pm
testlum says:
If we make a demi-human character, what kind of cultures do we have them come from?
There are no sub-cultures for dwarves, elves, halflings (and imperial goblins, who are Arden Vul's gnome substitutes). However, I have added the setting notes for each to the "Lore" thread.
Aug 31, 2024 1:54 pm
cowleyc says:
Perhaps a Gnome?!
There are no gnomes in the world of Arden Vul I'm afraid. They are replaced by imperial goblins. More details in the "Lore" thread.
Aug 31, 2024 1:56 pm
You are free to rearrange your ability rolls - you don't have to stick to Str, Dex, Con, etc. in order.
Aug 31, 2024 1:59 pm
Thanks! I'll stick to the ability order I rolled, as a compromise between the two rolling methods.

Can't believe I'm saying this, but I might play a halfling.
Aug 31, 2024 2:25 pm
This should make life easier for everyone.
[ +- ] OSRIC Sheet
Aug 31, 2024 2:28 pm
If Gnomes are off the table (at least without reskinning as a goblin) and ability scores can be moved around, then perhaps an ~~Elven~~ Human Druid might be for me! But the classic style of druid, not the modern one. Secrets, rituals, appeasing the spirits; not just some bubbly shape shifter, but a wielder of the greater mysteries.

Oops, misread the charts. Human, not Elf.
Last edited August 31, 2024 2:39 pm
Aug 31, 2024 2:36 pm
Lovely, thanks for the character sheet.
Aug 31, 2024 2:59 pm
I might have time to play around with it tonight to make it form fillable and auto populating.
Aug 31, 2024 4:45 pm
Rolling my stats, I will choose class based on the ability scores. Okay, lets see,

Strength: 14
Dexterity: 12
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 6
Wisdom: 14
Charisma: 18
Last edited August 31, 2024 4:48 pm

Rolls

Strength - (4d6)

(1464) = 15

Dexterity - (4d6)

(5161) = 13

Constitution - (4d6)

(4426) = 16

Intelligence - (4d6)

(2113) = 7

Wisdom - (4d6)

(6353) = 17

Charisma - (4d6)

(6466) = 22

Aug 31, 2024 6:06 pm
https://i.imgur.com/AWFrWvm.jpeg

Grimidek (Grim) Granite
LG Dwarven Cleric
Last edited September 4, 2024 12:03 pm

Rolls

Stats - (4d6h34d6h34d6h34d6h34d6h34d6h3)

(3145) + (6) + (3) + (5) + (1) + (5) = 33

Take 2 lol - (4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3)

4d6h3 : (6531) = 14

4d6h3 : (4154) = 13

4d6h3 : (6143) = 13

4d6h3 : (1564) = 15

4d6h3 : (2646) = 16

4d6h3 : (5361) = 14

Age, height weight - (2d20, 1d100, 1d4, 1d20)

2d20 : (1616) = 32

1d100 : (90) = 90

1d4 : (1) = 1

1d20 : (3) = 3

Hp - (1d8)

(7) = 7

Starting wealth - (3d6)

(114) = 6

Aug 31, 2024 7:37 pm
Man, I am now confused! I am wondering how I can use that 18 charisma? I want to play a thief but then again having 18 for dexterity would have been really great. I could have played a Paladin but I am missing intelligence.
Aug 31, 2024 7:38 pm
testlum says:

Can't believe I'm saying this, but I might play a halfling.
My condolences. lol
cowleyc says:
This should make life easier for everyone.
[ +- ] OSRIC Sheet
Thanks for this. The custom sheets on this site are great!
Last edited August 31, 2024 7:59 pm
Aug 31, 2024 7:58 pm
@Burbage Will it be too much to ask if I can swap Dexterity with Charisma and then Intelligence with Charisma? Basically giving charisma this awful 6
Aug 31, 2024 9:25 pm
Rolling to see what I've got to work with. Btw, thanks for the dice notation shortcut.

Rolls

Attribute Rolls! - ((4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3))

(4d6h3 : (6525) = 16

4d6h3 : (4614) = 14

4d6h3 : (1354) = 12

4d6h3 : (4356) = 15

4d6h3 : (4341) = 11

4d6h3) : (5412) = 11

Aug 31, 2024 10:24 pm
Stalker05 says:
Man, I am now confused! I am wondering how I can use that 18 charisma? I want to play a thief but then again having 18 for dexterity would have been really great. I could have played a Paladin but I am missing intelligence.
Realizing you might be trying to conserve straight-down as much as possible, but you have Paladin if you put your 6 into Dex.
Sep 1, 2024 12:10 am
WhiteDwarf says:
My condolences. lol
Hah, it's not due to the rolls, but I've never actually felt the urge to play one before.
Sep 1, 2024 12:15 am
testlum says:
WhiteDwarf says:
My condolences. lol
Hah, it's not due to the rolls, but I've never actually felt the urge to play one before.
Same here, I have played them, but I don’t feel like I have the sensibility for them. Interested to read your take on them, if you do go that route.
Sep 1, 2024 1:03 am
Are we using the weapon specialization optional rule?
Sep 1, 2024 7:05 am
Stalker05 says:
@Burbage Will it be too much to ask if I can swap Dexterity with Charisma and then Intelligence with Charisma? Basically giving charisma this awful 6
You may rearrange your ability rolls however you like.
Sep 1, 2024 7:07 am
testlum says:
Are we using the weapon specialization optional rule?
Yes, for those classes that allow it - I think it's only fighters, paladins and rangers.
Sep 1, 2024 7:45 am
I'm working on a fighter/thief right now. I'm not sure how to roll age for multiclassed demi-humans, so I'll take the average for now.

EDIT: Wow, rations are expensive!
Last edited September 1, 2024 8:16 am

Rolls

Age (Thief, Fighter) - (20+4d4, 40+4d4)

20+4d4 : (4124) + 20 = 31

40+4d4 : (3242) + 40 = 51

Starting gold - (3d6+2)

(431) + 2 = 10

Height - (1d100, 1d3)

1d100 : (68) = 68

1d3 : (1) = 1

Weight - (1d100, 1d20)

1d100 : (82) = 82

1d20 : (6) = 6

Hit points (Fighter, thief) - (1d10, 1d6)

1d10 : (7) = 7

1d6 : (6) = 6

Sep 1, 2024 11:18 am
Can someone explain AC to me? I am coming from 5e and these things sound so new to me. Also do you roll your starting hp?

Starting wealth - 50 GP

Damn! Thieves tools cost 30 GP! If I buy that, I won't even have enough money to buy weapons. Do you need thieves tools to get access to the abilities?
Last edited September 1, 2024 11:30 am

Rolls

Starting wealth - (2d4)

(32) = 5

Sep 1, 2024 11:36 am
AC in AD&D 2e and earlier are descending, so the lower your AC value the better. Unarmoured is 10 and wearing leather armour is 8, for example.

And yeah we do roll for HP since Burbage generously lets us reroll 1s and 2s on level 1 :P
Last edited September 1, 2024 11:36 am
Sep 1, 2024 11:36 am
Stalker05 says:
Can someone explain AC to me? I am coming from 5e and these things sound so new to me. Also do you roll your starting hp?
It’s "descending AC", and there’s a table in the book/pdf, under each class section, citing what each class needs to hit the various AC’s from 10 (unarmored) down to a -10 (a magic-armored Sherman tank).
We’re rolling Hp, Reroll 1’s and 2’s at first level only.

Trivia re-AC, everyone refers to Thac0 (chance To Hit AC 0) in AD&D, but that didn’t come along until second edition. First edition just had the combat tables for each class, except in AD&D first edition they were only printed in the DMG. So as a young player, you really didn’t know what you needed to-hit. I like that OSRIC had it printed altogether in the class sections.
Sep 1, 2024 11:38 am
Thank you, @Burbage.

First stage is for ability scores; I will take advantage of your allowance of 4d6 drop the lowest and arrange to taste.

Rolls

Attributes - (4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3)

4d6h3 : (5115) = 11

4d6h3 : (5446) = 15

4d6h3 : (1511) = 7

4d6h3 : (3223) = 8

4d6h3 : (4441) = 12

4d6h3 : (3662) = 15

Sep 1, 2024 11:42 am
So, there is something called AC adjustment which which gives me like -4. Does that mean, that AC get reduced more? Like leather AC 8 get reduced to AC 4?

Rolls

Starting HP - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Sep 1, 2024 11:47 am
Wait hot damn, I just realized that you're supposed to multiply the gold rolls by 10. I was debating whether my character could afford shoes LOL.
Sep 1, 2024 11:49 am
I'm not so familiar with 5E, so others may be better placed to explain the differences, but in 1E armour class (AC) ranges from 10 (no armour) to 3 (plate armour). Armour Table 2 on page 34 of the OSRIC rules is perhaps easier to understand than Armour Table 1. High or low Dexterity also applies a bonus/penalty to a character's AC.

To work out the number you need "to hit" an opponent you then cross-reference the AC of your target on the relevant "to hit" table. Each character class has a different "to hit" table. So a basic 5th level fighter would need a roll of 10 or more on 1d20 to hit an AC 6 goblin (from Fighter To Hit Table on page 15).
Yes, you roll your starting hit points, but as I am a kind and benevolent GM you may re-roll any 1s or 2s.
Yes, you will need thieves' tools to use their "Open Locks" ability. They're not needed for the other stuff ... climbing walls, picking pockets, etc.
Sep 1, 2024 11:50 am
Stalker05 says:
So, there is something called AC adjustment which which gives me like -4. Does that mean, that AC get reduced more? Like leather AC 8 get reduced to AC 4?
Exactly.
Sep 1, 2024 12:11 pm
Avraham says:
Thank you, @Burbage.

First stage is for ability scores; I will take advantage of your allowance of 4d6 drop the lowest and arrange to taste.
Interesting…A total of 68. The RNG gods have it out for me! Given that 6 * 4d6h3 has (roughly) a median of 74 and a mean of 73.46, a 68 is below the 25th percentile. Sorry, I'm basically a statistician in real life :D.

As I'm not really a fan of multi-classing, with these scores, I think I'm restricted to either a fighter or a thief. Since we have a Fighter/Thief in the making, I think I will go with the plain vanilla sword-and-board, not too bright human fighter.

So, for starters:

STR: 15
DEX: 12
CON: 15
INT: 8
WIS: 7
CHA: 11

@Burbage I've never played a character with this low of an INT before; I'm going to ask you a priori to help me make sure I do it properly, please.

Alignment: NG

Money roll below. Equipment/proficiencies will follow in a third post.

That really didn't work (I wish that came up on my ATTRIBUTE rolls :D) but (5 + 6 + 6 + 2) * 10 = 190 gp.
Last edited September 1, 2024 12:13 pm

Rolls

Starting Funds - ((3d6+2)*10)

(566) + 12 = 29

Sep 1, 2024 12:28 pm
Avraham says:
Avraham says:
Thank you, @Burbage.

First stage is for ability scores; I will take advantage of your allowance of 4d6 drop the lowest and arrange to taste.
Interesting…A total of 68. The RNG gods have it out for me! Given that 6 * 4d6h3 has (roughly) a median of 74 and a mean of 73.46, a 68 is below the 25th percentile. Sorry, I'm basically a statistician in real life :D.

As I'm not really a fan of multi-classing, with these scores, I think I'm restricted to either a fighter or a thief. Since we have a Fighter/Thief in the making, I think I will go with the plain vanilla sword-and-board, not too bright human fighter.

So, for starters:

STR: 15
DEX: 12
CON: 15
INT: 8
WIS: 7
CHA: 11

@Burbage I've never played a character with this low of an INT before; I'm going to ask you a priori to help me make sure I do it properly, please.

Alignment: NG

Money roll below. Equipment/proficiencies will follow in a third post.

That really didn't work (I wish that came up on my ATTRIBUTE rolls :D) but (5 + 6 + 6 + 2) * 10 = 190 gp.
OK. Starting Weaponry and proficiencies:

NameCostEncumberance
Chain Mail7530
Shield, large1510
Sword, bastard2510


Will take double specialization in bastard sword, so 3/2 attacks and +3/+3
Fourth proficiency will be long sword (as that's probably the most common weapon I will see).

I have 75 gp left and am at 50lbs encumbrance. I'll fill the rest out in the character sheet. Rolling for HP below.

Rolls

Level 1 HP - (1d10)

(2) = 2

Sep 1, 2024 12:30 pm
Re-rolling the 2 at first level.

Rolls

Level 1 HP - (1d10)

(9) = 9

Sep 1, 2024 12:31 pm
With such high STR, mind helping me lug my rations? :D
Sep 1, 2024 12:31 pm
What is damage vs S/M or L? I am assuming small, medium or large creature.


Equipment bought - Leather armor (5 GP), Short sword (8 GP), Thieves tools (30 GP), Rope (50ft) (1 GP), Large pouch (4 SP), Sling (5 SP), Bedroll (2 SP).
Sep 1, 2024 12:36 pm
Yep, it's referring to small, medium or large creatures.

@Burbage With my redo of the inventory, Jacky Thistletop should be good to go. Submitted!
Sep 1, 2024 12:52 pm
cowleyc says:
This should make life easier for everyone.
[ +- ] OSRIC Sheet
@cowleyc, I'm trying to play with your sheet but absolutely no calculation works. It just registers the code as white on red. Even though the same code works on a bunch of other custom sheets. Is that intentional?
Sep 1, 2024 12:56 pm
This sheet I just copied from the character sheet directory. I haven't made any changes. It absolutely has no calculations in it. This one you just go into the code and swap out the hashtags for actual numbers.
Sep 1, 2024 1:13 pm
cowleyc says:
This sheet I just copied from the character sheet directory. I haven't made any changes. It absolutely has no calculations in it. This one you just go into the code and swap out the hashtags for actual numbers.
I wanted to add some calcs, but OSRIC/1ed doesn't really lend itself to much calculations other than weights. Thanks.
Sep 1, 2024 1:14 pm
In other news, I'm still tinkering away with a Thorcin Druid. I'll be backpacking today into tomorrow, but should be able to knock him out come Tuesday.
Sep 1, 2024 1:15 pm
Avraham says:
cowleyc says:
This sheet I just copied from the character sheet directory. I haven't made any changes. It absolutely has no calculations in it. This one you just go into the code and swap out the hashtags for actual numbers.
I wanted to add some calcs, but OSRIC/1ed doesn't really lend itself to much calculations other than weights. Thanks.
Interestingly, if I load a blank custom and then choose the OSRIC sheet, calculations DO work. Go figure! :)
Sep 1, 2024 1:19 pm
Okay I am more or less done with the character creation. What is proficiency? What are the available languages?
Sep 1, 2024 1:35 pm
Weapon Proficiencies; Each character class may only have a certain number of "Weapons of Proficiency" at first level. All classes gain additional proficiencies at regular intervals. The weapon proficiencies for each specific class are described in the rules entry pertaining to that class. The Weapon of Proficiency must be an individual weapon type (e.g. "Longsword" rather than "Sword"). If a character is fighting with a weapon with which he or she is not proficient, the Non-Proficiency Penalty is applied to his or her rolls "to hit".

The penalty to hit for non-proficiency is also detailed in the class descriptions.

Your available languages are dictated by your race (or human subculture). You may pick any bonus languages due to high Intelligence. For Arden Vul "Mithric" would be a good choice.
Sep 1, 2024 1:36 pm
Avraham says:
Avraham says:
cowleyc says:
This sheet I just copied from the character sheet directory. I haven't made any changes. It absolutely has no calculations in it. This one you just go into the code and swap out the hashtags for actual numbers.
I wanted to add some calcs, but OSRIC/1ed doesn't really lend itself to much calculations other than weights. Thanks.
Interestingly, if I load a blank custom and then choose the OSRIC sheet, calculations DO work. Go figure! :)
I think the issue is one of the table cells was named "class". Well, it's working for me now, so far :)
Sep 1, 2024 1:38 pm
Burbage says:
Weapon Proficiencies; Each character class may only have a certain number of "Weapons of Proficiency" at first level. All classes gain additional proficiencies at regular intervals. The weapon proficiencies for each specific class are described in the rules entry pertaining to that class. The Weapon of Proficiency must be an individual weapon type (e.g. "Longsword" rather than "Sword"). If a character is fighting with a weapon with which he or she is not proficient, the Non-Proficiency Penalty is applied to his or her rolls "to hit".

The penalty to hit for non-proficiency is detailed in the class descriptions.

Your available languages are dictated by your race (or human subculture). You may pick any bonus languages due to high Intelligence. For Arden Vul "Mithric" would be a good choice.
I get one extra language with an INT of 8, but I cannot imaging why a below-average intelligence fighter would know Mithric, so I cannot "Red Mage" that one :D
Sep 1, 2024 1:42 pm
So my Thorcin character would know Archontean, Thorcin, and have three more options from a 12Int? Or would Archontean count as one of those three?

Mithric fits the character, are the other languages just the standard monster languages?
Sep 1, 2024 2:00 pm
I am taking Mithric, is there like elven and dwarven language too? Also, how to determine if literate or not?
Last edited September 1, 2024 2:04 pm
Sep 1, 2024 2:01 pm
You can think of Archontean as "Common". It is the universal language in the world of Arden Vul. So your 12 INT give you three additional languages over and above Archontean and Thorcin

You might want to hold off picking any additional languages until we've done pre-adventure rumours ... these might give you some clues as to what will be useful in Arden Vul.

Elven and dwarven are languages.
Sep 1, 2024 2:05 pm
Oh, there are rumours? I'll keep my one extra language floating then too.
Sep 1, 2024 2:06 pm
With more thief characters the party seems like a band of tressure hunting rogues and scoundrels. I am getting strong Lankhmar vibes here!
Sep 1, 2024 2:41 pm
As a fighter/thief, would I earn additional proficiency points only when I advance my fighter level or whenever I advance either class level (following their respective rates of gaining new proficiency points)?
Sep 1, 2024 2:46 pm
testlum says:
As a fighter/thief, would I earn additional proficiency points only when I advance my fighter level or whenever I advance either class level (following their respective rates of gaining new proficiency points)?
In this edition, you don’t advance at all until you’ve earned enough XP to level both your classes. Then you always gain the best of either one, so you’ll gain proficiencies as Fighter. Check that, that’s incorrect, you DO advance in your classes separately as you gain enough XP (dividing it evenly as you go). Good question re- Proficiencies. I’m guessing you get everything as you level, but I’m not sure.
Last edited September 1, 2024 2:52 pm
Sep 1, 2024 3:11 pm
testlum says:
As a fighter/thief, would I earn additional proficiency points only when I advance my fighter level or whenever I advance either class level (following their respective rates of gaining new proficiency points)?
A good question indeed, and one that apparently generated much debate over at dragonsfoot.org when I went searching just now. The jury seems split, but we'll go with:

1. Initial number of proficiencies based on best class (i.e. fighter).
2. Further proficiencies gained as the character's levels advance in each class (not just the best one). This is based on the logic that you're "paying" experience for levelling both classes, so you should get the benefit of both.
3. Proficiencies selected must abide by the weapon restrictions of the levelling class. So, for example, when the thief class gains a weapon proficiency it can't be used for a non-thief weapon.

Seem fair?
Sep 1, 2024 3:12 pm
I'm good with that!
Sep 1, 2024 3:14 pm
(You do realise that, in all probability, this is entirely academic!)
Sep 1, 2024 3:20 pm
Heh, is even reaching level 3 such a distant dream? Granted my experience would be halved as a multi-class character, perhaps it actually is.

Nevertheless, we live in hope!
Sep 1, 2024 5:19 pm
So what's our crew complement shaping up to be right now? It sounds like a cleric, druid, 2 fighters, and a fighter-thief. Do I have that right? If so, it looks like we could use a magic-user.
Sep 1, 2024 5:22 pm
I am playing as thief.
Sep 1, 2024 5:56 pm
testlum says:
Yep, it's referring to small, medium or large creatures.

@Burbage With my redo of the inventory, Jacky Thistletop should be good to go. Submitted!
@testlum - Jacky the halfling fighter/thief looks good. A couple of things I noticed:

1. To be able to use your thief abilities, you're restricted to armour that thieves are permitted to wear, i.e. leather or studded leather. So your padded gambeson is preventing you from thieving.

2. (And this applies to everyone) - please add somewhere on your character sheet your current movement rate. This will be a factor of your strength encumbrance adjustment, the armour you're wearing and the equipment you're carrying. So, in Jacky's case, with no strength adjustment, and because he's a halfling carrying 81.5 lbs, your movement rate will be 30'.

(On a separate note, that's very slow! It's up to the party of course as to how fast they want to move around the dungeon, but remember the slower your movement, the more you're exposed to the risks of wandering monsters per area of dungeon explored).
Sep 1, 2024 6:08 pm
@Stalker05 - Vasco the Thorcin thief also looks good. Same comment about encumbrance and movement. In Vasco's case, he has a +20 lb encumbrance bonus due to his strength, which means his encumbrance thresholds are:

- Up to 55 lbs = 120 ft/round.
- 56-90 lbs = 90 ft/round.
- 91-125 lbs = 60 ft/round.
- 126-170 lbs = 30 ft/round.

So with leather armour and an encumbrance of 38.5, Vasco moves at 120 ft/round.

(But then it could be argued he is underequipped - he'll need to find some food from somewhere, and I wouldn't bank on the halfling sharing!).

You might need to do some cross-party balancing of both equipment carried and funds once everyone has got the basic details of their characters locked down.
Sep 1, 2024 6:10 pm
@Burbage, I have submitted my character on a revised version (fighter and my rolls-specific) of cowleyc's sheet. May I ask that you please review it for accuracy. I don't specifically call out my current movement rate, but I have my calculated weight in bold maroon at the bottom of the equipment section and immediately below it the encumbrance table (adjusted for strength score) so it's a quick visual lookup. E.g. I'm currently carrying 102.5 lbs (including coins) so I am heavily encumbered. If you want a snippet or the like that has the actual word value in it, I'm happy to provide that.

I still need to work on the backstory (spoiler is empty) and draw you the requested stick figure. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. I added the character (Zacharias Polipulis) to the library if anyone would like to provide some constructive criticism or suggestions. Thank you!
Last edited September 1, 2024 6:18 pm
Sep 1, 2024 6:17 pm
Rolls:

Strength: 17
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 8
Charisma: 14
Wisdom: 6
Last edited September 1, 2024 6:26 pm

Rolls

Strength - (4d6)

(5665) = 22

Dexterity - (4d6)

(4146) = 15

Constitution - (4d6)

(3651) = 15

Intelligence - (4d6)

(1233) = 9

Wisdom - (4d6)

(2212) = 7

Charisma - (4d6)

(3265) = 16

Sep 1, 2024 6:19 pm
Avraham says:
@Burbage, I have submitted my character on a revised version (fighter and my rolls-specific) of cowleyc's sheet. May I ask that you please review it for accuracy. I don't specifically call out my current movement rate, but I have my calculated weight in bold maroon at the bottom of the equipment section and immediately below it the encumbrance table (adjusted for strength score) so it's a quick visual lookup. E.g. I'm currently carrying 102.8 lbs (including coins) so I am heavily encumbered. If you want a snippet or the like that has the actual word value in it, I'm happy to provide that.

I still need to work on the backstory (spoiler is empty) and draw you the requested stick figure. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. I added the character (Zacharias Polipulis) to the library if anyone would like to provide some constructive criticism or suggestions. Thank you!
Great. A few comments:

1. Please pick a human subculture.
2. I wouldn't invest too much time in crafting your background (unless you want to, of course). Old school characters generally emerge organically during play rather than out of some pre-scripted backstory.

Some nice edits to the character sheet template!
Sep 1, 2024 6:27 pm
Burbage says:
Please pick a human subculture.
Done. Right at the top between race and class.
Burbage says:
PI wouldn't invest too much time in crafting your background (unless you want to, of course). Old school characters generally emerge organically during play rather than out of some pre-scripted backstory.
OK. I'll probably add a sentence or two to help me get into the mindset.
Burbage says:
Some nice edits to the character sheet template!
Thank you!
Sep 1, 2024 6:29 pm
How much might a stick of incense cost? Certain cleric spells have material components outside of their holy symbols, evidently.
Sep 1, 2024 6:31 pm
@WhiteDwarf - thanks for Grimidek Granite the dwarf cleric.

Movement will be ...

- Up to 55 lbs = 90 ft/round.
- 56-90 lbs = 60 ft/round.
- 91-125 lbs = 30 ft/round.
- 126-170 lbs = 30 ft/round.

Again, like Vasco, you might want to flesh out his equipment list somewhat.

We'll discuss the setting's deities once we've got all the characters rolled up so that you can select an appropriate one (there are rather a lot of them!).

In terms of alignment, whilst the choice is yours of course, I think you'll find playing a lawful good character in Arden Vul quite challenging. This is definitely not a "heroes saving the day/town/world" type of adventure. The factional politics of Arden Vul are extremely "grey" and fluid, with each of the major power bases acting largely in their own self-interest. That's not to say that it might not be fun to play a lawful good character in such a situation ... I just wanted you to be aware that it will come with some challenges that you don't typically find in more classically heroic fantasy settings.
Sep 1, 2024 6:36 pm
WhiteDwarf says:
How much might a stick of incense cost? Certain cleric spells have material components outside of their holy symbols, evidently.
A stick of incense is 1 GP (from AD&D 1E Players Handbook).
Sep 1, 2024 6:39 pm
@Burbage Thanks for the price check, and for the alignment tip, will take that under advisement. :)
Sep 1, 2024 6:48 pm
@Burbage, question. Under weapon specialization, it says "If weapon specialization is not selected during character generation, it remains forever unavailable to the character, barring some magical or divine intervention." If my character takes weapon specialization in one weapon at creation, does that allow him to put another proficiency slot into specialization if he ever makes level 3 since he chose it at 1, or can one never specialize in a weapon after first level?
Last edited September 1, 2024 6:49 pm
Sep 1, 2024 9:59 pm
Also, is this avatar too faint?
Sep 1, 2024 10:30 pm
Avraham says:
Also, is this avatar too faint?
It could be darker.
Sep 1, 2024 10:47 pm
WhiteDwarf says:
Avraham says:
Also, is this avatar too faint?
It could be darker.
Thank you. How about now?
Sep 1, 2024 11:04 pm
Avraham says:
WhiteDwarf says:
Avraham says:
Also, is this avatar too faint?
It could be darker.
Thank you. How about now?
Looks good!
Sep 2, 2024 11:00 am
@Burbage Jacky is now in leather and the proud owner of a ration-lugging mule. I don't see a saddlebag in the equipment list so I just put them into a large sack.
Sep 2, 2024 3:03 pm
testlum says:
@Burbage Jacky is now in leather and the proud owner of a ration-lugging mule. I don't see a saddlebag in the equipment list so I just put them into a large sack.
@Burbage has used AD&D1ed when OSRIC was silent, so perhaps this will help:
https://i.imgur.com/fDXh2IZ.png
Sep 2, 2024 4:26 pm
Avraham says:
@Burbage, question. Under weapon specialization, it says "If weapon specialization is not selected during character generation, it remains forever unavailable to the character, barring some magical or divine intervention." If my character takes weapon specialization in one weapon at creation, does that allow him to put another proficiency slot into specialization if he ever makes level 3 since he chose it at 1, or can one never specialize in a weapon after first level?
To be honest, I don't fully understand the reasoning behind this rule. I guess it's asking you to make a choice between bein a generalist fighter who is competent with a broad range of weapons (which has an advantage in terms of increased access to magic weapons for example), or a specialist fighter who can use a narrower range of weapons more effectively. On that basis, I'll say that if you go down the specialisation route, you can put future proficiency gains into specialisations.
Sep 2, 2024 4:27 pm
testlum says:
@Burbage Jacky is now in leather and the proud owner of a ration-lugging mule. I don't see a saddlebag in the equipment list so I just put them into a large sack.
Cool! What's the mule called?

(And yes, use the 1E prices provided by Avraham for saddle bags, etc.)
Sep 2, 2024 4:46 pm
I think Jacky has a blasphemous streak, so I'll name the mule when we get to gods :D
Sep 2, 2024 5:14 pm
Burbage says:
testlum says:
@Burbage Jacky is now in leather and the proud owner of a ration-lugging mule. I don't see a saddlebag in the equipment list so I just put them into a large sack.
Cool! What's the mule called?

(And yes, use the 1E prices provided by Avraham for saddle bags, etc.)
for the record, the AD&D1ed DMG says that a saddlenbag can hold 150gp/15 lbs. encumbrance. I presume that is a large one, being that a large sack only holds 20gp/2lbs. I think the OSRIC values are more reasonable here, and if a saddlebag is 7.5x a large sack, that would give you carrying capacity of 300lbs. Of course, it's @Burbage's call.
Sep 2, 2024 5:56 pm
Avraham says:
Burbage says:
testlum says:
@Burbage Jacky is now in leather and the proud owner of a ration-lugging mule. I don't see a saddlebag in the equipment list so I just put them into a large sack.
Cool! What's the mule called?

(And yes, use the 1E prices provided by Avraham for saddle bags, etc.)
for the record, the AD&D1ed DMG says that a saddlenbag can hold 150gp/15 lbs. encumbrance. I presume that is a large one, being that a large sack only holds 20gp/2lbs. I think the OSRIC values are more reasonable here, and if a saddlebag is 7.5x a large sack, that would give you carrying capacity of 300lbs. Of course, it's @Burbage's call.
I think 20 coins / 2 lbs for a large sack in the 1E DMG is the encumbrance/weight of the sack itself, not its contents. Found this on Dragonsfoot that seems more reasonable as capacities ...

- Small pouch or purse: 1/4 cu. ft.; 25 coins, 2.5 lbs.
- Larch pouch: 1/2 cu. ft.; 50 coins, 5 lbs.
- Small sack: 1 cu. ft.; 100 coins, 10 lbs.
- Backpack: 3 cu. ft.; 300 coins, 30 lbs.
- Large sack: 4 cu. ft.; 400 coins, 40 lbs.

So perhaps a saddlebag is 200 coins, 20 lbs, i.e. between a small sack and a backpack.

Of course, a mule can carry more than a single saddle bag. The 1E Monster Manual states they can carry "2000 gold pieces in weight at normal speed, 6000 at one-half speed".
Sep 2, 2024 6:30 pm
Vasco can buy rations, but I am hoping somebody can fund him if they have some extra cash.
Sep 2, 2024 6:48 pm
Stalker05 says:
Vasco can buy rations, but I am hoping somebody can fund him if they have some extra cash.
Currently, my character only has one change of clothes. I probably need a second, but I should have enough money to spot you for 5 days rations. You can pay me back out of out first treasure haul. If we both survive 😝😝😝😝
Last edited September 2, 2024 6:48 pm
Sep 3, 2024 4:00 am
Ok, I'm back and working on my character! Alfred (Elf Council) the Aspirant is in progress! Very neutral, very classic.
Sep 3, 2024 6:30 am
I tried to draw Vasco but this is all I get.
Sep 3, 2024 7:14 am
Stalker05 says:
I tried to draw Vasco but this is all I get.
I think I may have accidentally removed Vasco from the game ... please could you resubmit him?
Sep 3, 2024 7:21 am
Sure, submitted Vasco.
Sep 3, 2024 7:28 am
Stalker05 says:
Sure, submitted Vasco.
Thank you, he's back. See if you have any more luck with your avatar now.
Sep 3, 2024 7:32 am
I've added a brief introduction to the setting's gods in the lore thread. However, there are almost 100 of them in total, so if you're looking for something specific, please let me know and I'll look for the closest match. I've got them broken down by culture (Wiskinga, Thorcinga, Khumus, dwarves, etc.), alignment and the aspects they represent.
Sep 3, 2024 7:39 am
I found Alder Lightfingers listed as a halfling god, the vibe seems to fit Jacky but let me know if she's not an option.

I'm also having second thoughts on naming the mule after a god, so I'll just name it Billie.
Sep 3, 2024 7:40 am
You are not the only adventurers exploring Arden Vul. Other, more established parties have already plumbed its depths. You have heard mention of the likes of the "Five Fingers of Destiny", "The Bad Neighbours" and "The Broom". Therefore, if you are to be taken seriously amongst such company, you will need to build your reputation and your brand. What is the name of your adventuring party?
Sep 3, 2024 7:41 am
testlum says:
I found Alder Lightfingers listed as a halfling god, the vibe seems to fit Jacky but let me know if she's not an option.

I'm also having second thoughts on naming the mule after a god, so I'll just name it Billie.
Alder Lighfingers is a perfect fit for Jacky.
Sep 3, 2024 7:45 am
Are there any Thorcinga god of thievery? If I am choosing from Archontean gods, then I will go by Tychias.
Sep 3, 2024 7:54 am
Stalker05 says:
Are there any Thorcinga god of thievery? If I am choosing from Archontean gods, then I will go by Tychias.
Shapral - Chaotic Neutral - God of thieves, the night, adventure, warfare. Son of Utar and Shimra, twin to Ethrik. His symbol is a coil of rope, and his preferred weapon a long sword.

(The preferred weapon is just for flavour; there's no mechanical advantage).
Sep 3, 2024 1:26 pm
I've submitted Alfred, but still need to finish his equipment (and then determine movement) and draw a portrait. And add spells, but he knows them all so this isn't as crucial.
Sep 3, 2024 2:08 pm
Burbage says:
I've added a brief introduction to the setting's gods in the lore thread. However, there are almost 100 of them in total, so if you're looking for something specific, please let me know and I'll look for the closest match. I've got them broken down by culture (Wiskinga, Thorcinga, Khumus, dwarves, etc.), alignment and the aspects they represent.
Zacharias is a simple fighter. I can see him worshipping either Ardenia Tessaeron or Debellaton. Being neutral good and not LG, he could also worship a neutral deity (consider Tempus in the Forgotten Realms). Your thoughts, @Burbage?
Sep 3, 2024 2:49 pm
Avraham says:
Burbage says:
I've added a brief introduction to the setting's gods in the lore thread. However, there are almost 100 of them in total, so if you're looking for something specific, please let me know and I'll look for the closest match. I've got them broken down by culture (Wiskinga, Thorcinga, Khumus, dwarves, etc.), alignment and the aspects they represent.
Zacharias is a simple fighter. I can see him worshipping either Ardenia Tessaeron or Debellaton. Being neutral good and not LG, he could also worship a neutral deity (consider Tempus in the Forgotten Realms). Your thoughts, @Burbage?
I think you really need to have the character's alignment the same as the god they follow. Otherwise, they are likely to be acting in a manner contrary to their deity's teachings.

For a fighter, the most relevant of The Ten would be Ardenia Tessaeron, but that would mean Zacharias being Lawful Good.

Of The Seventeen, there is:

- Envalios - Chaotic Neutral - God of battle, mercenaries, fire as pitiless destruction. His symbol is a crow and his preferred weapon is a battle axe.

- Rudiana - Chaotic Neutral - God of battle, berserkers, unrestrained violence. Her symbol is a red teardrop and her preferred weapon is an axe.

Or, if you were to make Zacharias a Wiskinga there is:

- Odin - Neutral Good - God of war, justice, prophecy, inspiration, the All-Father. His symbol is a raven and his preferred weapon is a spear.

- Thor - Chaotic Good - God of war, battle, storms. His symbol is a hammer and his preferred weapon is a war hammer.

Of course, Zacharias doesn't have to follow any god.
Sep 3, 2024 3:04 pm
Is it unheard of for an Archontean to worship a Wiskinga deity?
Sep 3, 2024 3:16 pm
Avraham says:
Is it unheard of for an Archontean to worship a Wiskinga deity?
It would be very unusual.
Sep 3, 2024 4:48 pm
OK, @Burbage, switched to LG and follower of Ardenia Tessaeron. The background has been started simply. I think it's sufficient for starters, but that's your call.

@testlum,@cowleyc,@Stalker05,@Uchhash,@WhiteDwarf,@ForeverDED , being that this is a public game, perhaps we should add our characters to the library, so all can see them? Also, what is our party makeup now? I'm a plain vanilla fighter.
Burbage says:
You are not the only adventurers exploring Arden Vul. Other, more established parties have already plumbed its depths. You have heard mention of the likes of the "Five Fingers of Destiny", "The Bad Neighbours" and "The Broom". Therefore, if you are to be taken seriously amongst such company, you will need to build your reputation and your brand. What is the name of your adventuring party?
I think the name may be influence by the makeup. I mean if we have no spellcasters we should not reference magic.

We can go classic, we can go humorous, we can go over-the-top.

I'll throw out a few for starters and laughs: "The Society for Gainful Remuneration through Exploration", "The Noble Order of Rapscallions and Rakes", "The Gold and the Green", "Philosophers of Coin", "The Morticians of Might (and Magic)" :D
Sep 3, 2024 7:22 pm
Potential name: DND (Delvers of Nefarious Dungeons).
That’s just one more suggestion, I am ok with any name, but I do tend toward something simple and light-hearted.
Sep 3, 2024 7:26 pm
You see, we're in between names at the moment. We were the Five Finger Discount, then Godslayer, then Ardent Fools Revival, then No Gnomes. We're just, like, looking for our truth, you know?
Sep 3, 2024 11:12 pm
Sure, I added Jacky to the library.

For the group name, do we need to come up with one from the get go? I'm thinking that choosing a name only after our first delve would give it more weight.
Sep 3, 2024 11:19 pm
testlum says:
For the group name, do we need to come up with one from the get go? I'm thinking that choosing a name only after our first delve would give it more weight.
I agree.
Sep 4, 2024 5:28 pm
OK, understood regarding the party name ... you'll decide this at some point in the future.

So, in terms of the party, so far we have ...

- Alfred the Aspirant - a Human (culture to be decided) druid.
- Grimidek Granite - a Dwarven cleric (god to be decided).
- Jackie Thistletop - a Halfling fighter/thief.
- Vasco Bluth - a Thorcin thief.
- Zacharias Polipulis - an Archontean fighter.

@Uchhash - how's your character coming along? Do let me know if you need any assistance or have any questions.

ForeverDED has decided to withdraw from the game for now.
Sep 4, 2024 6:13 pm
Alfred is a Thorcin, and just needs a finished inventory.
Sep 5, 2024 1:33 am
You know, I've been finding myself having to force myself to make each step happen. I think I'm in too many games, so I'm going to back out before play starts. I know I'll be missing out on one heck of an adventure, but my plate is too full!
Sep 5, 2024 1:50 am
cowleyc says:
You know, I've been finding myself having to force myself to make each step happen. I think I'm in too many games, so I'm going to back out before play starts. I know I'll be missing out on one heck of an adventure, but my plate is too full!
We will miss you, @cowleyc.
Sep 5, 2024 2:14 am
Catch you around!

Will we be adding to our numbers then, or simply proceeding with the current players?
Sep 5, 2024 10:16 am
We're now three down from the original invitees (Uchhash has also withdrawn), so I will try and find a couple more players. But I won't let it hold up proceedings. We'll start once the current crop of characters are ready to roll.
Sep 5, 2024 10:38 am
I am ready. Do I have to change something? I was thinking about buying the rations once we start the game.
Sep 5, 2024 2:46 pm
Basically ready with Grimidek, our dwarf cleric. I’ll add a (brief) background to my sheet. Chose Lucreon as a diety. Having trouble getting my character sketch to load up, working on that. Otherwise I’m good.
Sep 5, 2024 3:06 pm
Stalker05 says:
I was thinking about buying the rations once we start the game.
I'm going to drop you straight into the action at the dungeon "entrance", so you should equip yourself with everything you need from the get-go.
Sep 5, 2024 3:08 pm
OK, let's do some starting rumours ...

The Halls of Arden Vul has the most comprehensive (and complex!) set of rumour tables I think I’ve ever come across in an RPG adventure. There are two sets of tables - one that provides "adventuring" rumours and the other that provides "historical" rumours.

For the adventuring rumours, everyone please roll 1d3 and, based on the result of that die, roll a d100 that number of times.

For the historical rumours, everyone please roll 1d2. And then, if your intelligence is 14 or less roll a d30 that number of times. If your intelligence is 15 or more roll 2d30 that number of times.
Sep 5, 2024 3:11 pm
What do the whispers say?

Rolls

Adventuring rumours - (1d3)

(3) = 3

Historical rumours - (1d2)

(1) = 1

Adventuring rumours, again - (1d100, 1d100, 1d100)

1d100 : (92) = 92

1d100 : (32) = 32

1d100 : (12) = 12

Historical rumours, again - (1d30)

(25) = 25

Sep 5, 2024 3:34 pm
Jackie's adventuring rumours about Arden Vul and its inhabitants (I'll also collate everyone's rumours in the "Lore" thread so you'll have them for easy future reference) ...

"The goblins hate the beast-soldiers with a passion. We struck a deal to help the gobbos eliminate the walking beasts, but it proved too difficult, mostly because those dog-men have built some sophisticated fortifications and are pretty good with missiles. Then the goblins got mad at us and we had to run. My advice? Don't negotiate with anyone. Kill 'em all."

"A patrol of those animal-soldiers told us about a series of elevators operated by intelligent trolls. The elevators can take you from the upper levels to the lower levels, easy as pie. Only those who secure the permission of the troll thegn can use them, though."

"The beastmen admitted that their queen, Dido, has a desperate need for a rare type of subterranean mushroom called 'cloud caps'. They can be identified by their mottled blue-and-white caps."

And his historical rumour ...

"Half of the Twenty Worthies (i.e., the great heroes of Archontos) won their fame by delving into the caverns below Arden Vul. Some, including Larel One-Eye, were buried under the city."
Sep 5, 2024 3:49 pm
Burbage says:
For the adventuring rumours, everyone please roll 1d3 and, based on the result of that die, roll a d100 that number of times.

For the historical rumours, everyone please roll 1d2. And then, if your intelligence is 14 or less roll a d30 that number of times. If your intelligence is 15 or more roll 2d30 that number of times.
First pass for numbers. Will update with rumor rolls momentarily…

Updated.
Last edited September 5, 2024 3:50 pm

Rolls

Adventuring rumours - Amount - (d3)

(3) = 3

Historical rumours - Amount - (d2)

(1) = 1

Adventuring rumours - Values - (1d100, 1d100, 1d100)

1d100 : (83) = 83

1d100 : (59) = 59

1d100 : (81) = 81

Historical rumours - Values - (d30)

(11) = 11

Sep 5, 2024 3:56 pm
Thanks for the invitation Burbage. And hello to my fellow gamers!

Let’s see what the dice tell us about my character’ stats…

EDIT: That’s quite an average character, no lows, no highs. Let me think this over a bit. In terms of overall party composition I have the impression a magic-user could be a good idea. Perhaps a multi-class elf?

I'm warming to the idea of a multi-class magic-user/thief or fighter/magic-user. He'd be pretty mediocre at both, at least at the start of the game. If fighter, he'd probably specialize with the longbow. A third thief might be too much, so I'll probably go with the fighter, even though he'll be capped at level 5/9 and will progress very slowly... that's a consideration for another time.

Let me add some rolls.

EDIT 2: shaping up pretty good. This elven woman is a fighter and a magic-user. She has 6hp total, and is 4'4" tall, and 68lb. As a magic-user she knows read magic, charm person, sleep (the last two determined randomly!) and a fourth spell of her choice, which would be comprehend languages (a bit of utility can't be harmful). She begins with 100gp. I'll be filling in her osric sheet later on today.
Last edited September 5, 2024 5:34 pm

Rolls

Stay rolls - (4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3)

4d6h3 : (4511) = 10

4d6h3 : (4446) = 14

4d6h3 : (2534) = 12

4d6h3 : (2353) = 11

4d6h3 : (2425) = 11

4d6h3 : (4263) = 13

Age (M-U) - (150+5d6)

(11611) + 150 = 160

Hit points fighter, hp M-U - (1d10, 1d4)

1d10 : (8) = 8

1d4 : (1) = 1

Size (female elf, class, bonus) - (1d100, 1d4, 1d20)

1d100 : (18) = 18

1d4 : (1) = 1

1d20 : (4) = 4

Starting wealth - (3d6+2)

(314) + 2 = 10

2 random level 1 spells - (1d30, 1d30)

1d30 : (26) = 26

1d30 : (26) = 26

rerolling M-U HP, and 1st level spell - (1d4, 1d30)

1d4 : (4) = 4

1d30 : (3) = 3

Sep 5, 2024 4:39 pm
Welcome @matmaisan!
Sep 5, 2024 5:15 pm
Good to see some familiar faces, @WhiteDwarf, @testlum!
Sep 5, 2024 5:20 pm
Well now, let’s jus’ see what rumors we know, den! :)

Rolls

Adventuring Rumors - (1d3)

(1) = 1

Adventuring Rumor - (1d100)

(96) = 96

Historical Rumors - (1d2)

(1) = 1

Historical Rumor - (1d30)

(1) = 1

Sep 5, 2024 5:46 pm
Zacharias's rumours ...

"The old Pyramid of Thoth is the most accessible - and safest - means of entering the Halls of Arden Vul. The long staircase through the pyramid that leads to the first dungeon level is worn with age and covered with layers of graffiti; some of that graffiti is really useful!"

"Lady Alexia, who runs Gosterwick (the nearest town to Arden Vul) is competing with her brother, Lord Burdock, to locate four valuable items that used to be held by the archons of Arden Vul. The items include the bone ring of Jagri-Naz and the iron circlet of Ghanor. Lord Burdock has a map leading to both items, but requires that adventurers take his bailiff along with them."

"The green dragon that rules the surface ruins is the daughter of a terrible wyrm that lives at the bottom of the Great Chasm within the mountain. This ancient wyrm is twice as old and twice as potent as the green; it is served by a race of deathless, horned skeletons whom the old Empire referred to as 'the survivors'."

"The Thoth priests built numerous statues of their god. These appear in various forms, including ibis-headed and baboon-headed. The eyes of all these statues were made of huge gemstones, which if removed allowed the bearer to contact Thoth directly. Many of the statues were enchanted." (Thoth is one of "The Twelve", the old gods that are no longer worshipped in the modern Archontean Empire)
Sep 5, 2024 5:50 pm
Grimidek's rumours ...

"Numerous giant, horned skeletons can be found among the ruins. They speak a strange language, and can stun you with the force of their shouts. They are the creation of that mad wizard, Kerbog Khan."

"The city of Arden Vul was dominated by the two great temples of Thoth and Set, as well as by the imperial administration. Most of the subterranean halls were delved by these groups."
Sep 5, 2024 6:52 pm
As I create my elven archer / magic-user, let me roll for rumours known…

Not surprising that this mediocre scholar and uncharismatic outsider elf hasn’t amassed much knowledge about these legendary vaults..
Last edited September 5, 2024 6:54 pm

Rolls

#adventuring rumours - (1d3)

(1) = 1

#historical rumours - (1d2)

(1) = 1

Rumours heard - (1d100, 1d30)

1d100 : (63) = 63

1d30 : (13) = 13

Sep 5, 2024 7:11 pm
@Burbage : 3 questions :
- can a 4’4" elf with average strength properly use a longbow, or is she too short/weak to do so effectively? The answer will determine what weapon she will specialize in.
- what would be a decent option for an elven god of knowledge and/or magic?
- am I correct to assume that for saving throws a multi-class character picks the best (lowest) target among his or her classes (meaning if a fighter needs a 20 to save vs a spell, and a M-U needs a 15, I’ll use 15?)?
Last edited September 5, 2024 7:34 pm
Sep 5, 2024 10:36 pm
Hey hey @matmaisan ^^
Sep 6, 2024 6:42 am
Burbage says:
Stalker05 says:
I was thinking about buying the rations once we start the game.
I'm going to drop you straight into the action at the dungeon "entrance", so you should equip yourself with everything you need from the get-go.
Okay, I bought rations, now I am broke as a beggar. What's the difference between standard rations and trail rations. Also, it's a dungeon, I guess, I will find enough stones for sling? I want to keep 10s at a time.
Last edited September 6, 2024 6:46 am
Sep 6, 2024 6:47 am
Gossips and ears.

Rolls

Adventuring rumours - (1d3)

(3) = 3

Historical rumours - (1d2)

(2) = 2

Adventuring rumour 1 - (1d100)

(57) = 57

Adventuring rumour 2 - (1d100)

(98) = 98

Adventuring rumour 3 - (1d100)

(19) = 19

Historical rumour 1 - (1d30)

(6) = 6

Historical rumour 2 - (1d30)

(14) = 14

Sep 6, 2024 10:36 am
matmaisan's character's rumours ...

"Just to the north of the ruins of Arden Vul, there's an inn and trading post where adventurers can rest and recuperate between delves."

"Among the symbols of the ancient cult of Set were the desert dust storm, the black boar, the crocodile, the serpent, a redheaded man, and a strange animal with the snout of a dog but with squarish ears."
Sep 6, 2024 10:47 am
matmaisan says:
- can a 4’4" elf with average strength properly use a longbow, or is she too short/weak to do so effectively? The answer will determine what weapon she will specialize in.
For simplicity and consistency, I'm happy to go with rules as written. If your race and class say you can use a longbow, that's fine by me.
matmaisan says:
- what would be a decent option for an elven god of knowledge and/or magic?
The elves of Magae do not worship deities per se. They believe that creation was wrought by Valborian, who created Gildorin out of pure magic and who subsequently shaped the hundred First Elves to be Gildorin’s companions. All subsequent elves are thus Valborian’s children, and while they know they will return to him/her some day, they do not actively construct cults, temples, priesthoods, and so forth. Many Elves, particularly wild ones, revere nature, and acknowledge the role that Aranyania (Archontean god of woodlands, nature, growing things, time, balance) plays in human cosmogony; but again, they do not ‘worship’ her per se.
matmaisan says:
- am I correct to assume that for saving throws a multi-class character picks the best (lowest) target among his or her classes (meaning if a fighter needs a 20 to save vs a spell, and a M-U needs a 15, I’ll use 15?)?
Correct.
Sep 6, 2024 10:54 am
Vasco's rumours ...

"A psychotic halfling thug named Plummie, Plumit, or Plum-something has taken over the top level, just under the pyramid. He won't let anyone pass unless they buy an 'exploration license'. I'd pay up, because his goons are armed with potent magic wands."

"The first level underground, you know, beneath the Well of Light, is dominated by giant, sentient spiders. They roam in packs and wield magic wands."

"The best source of information on the hoppers are the trolls. If you can befriend the lodge of trollish hunters, they can explain the powers and weaknesses of the hoppers; they can also tell you how to find the hoppers' ziggurat."

"Many of the most ardent devotees of Thoth, known as Thoth's Beloved, were buried in a set of catacombs located just under the Pyramid. They are guarded by the power of Thoth himself, which has prevented all intruders from entering the catacombs."

"The Set cult favoured blood-red armour in an archaic style, with breastplate, greaves, and helmet."
Sep 6, 2024 11:24 am
Is there any information that's general knowledge? Vasco's rumours reference a pyramid higher than the top level, for example, which presumably means it's above the surface and visible to our characters.
Sep 6, 2024 11:54 am
testlum says:
Is there any information that's general knowledge? Vasco's rumours reference a pyramid higher than the top level, for example, which presumably means it's above the surface and visible to our characters.
We'll come to that when we get started.
Sep 6, 2024 11:55 am
Stalker05 says:
What's the difference between standard rations and trail rations
Standard rations weigh 2lbs per day. Trail rations only weigh 1lb per day. Which is why they are three times as expensive.
Last edited September 6, 2024 11:55 am
Sep 6, 2024 12:10 pm
A couple of minor character creation thoughts/loose ends ...

1. I'm minded to dispense with the material component requirements for spellcasters. Is everyone OK with this? It just seems an unnecessary faff, particularly when the whole adventure will take place in such a localised area.

2. Whilst I won't track water usage in the same way as rations, torches, oil, etc., I think it's a reasonable expectation that everyone must carry a waterskin. OSRIC only provides the weight of an empty water skin, oo, let's say the weight of a full one is 4 lbs. Please update your inventories accordingly.
Sep 6, 2024 12:38 pm
I rather like material components as a means of keeping spellcasters in check, but I'm OK with group preference.

Jacky's waterskin is now full.
Last edited September 6, 2024 12:38 pm
Sep 6, 2024 12:42 pm
Waiving spell components is ok with me.
Sep 6, 2024 1:09 pm
And then there were 6 again! I'm new here at Gamers Plane, glad to join you. Stuck at work for the next 8 hours so likely won't get a character sheet finished until tonight, but let me see if I can figure this dice thing out.

Edit: Oh boy, a 3! This will be fun.
Last edited September 6, 2024 1:09 pm

Rolls

Stats! - ((4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3))

(4d6h3 : (1111) = 3

4d6h3 : (5353) = 13

4d6h3 : (1164) = 11

4d6h3 : (3364) = 13

4d6h3 : (6352) = 14

4d6h3) : (3343) = 10

Sep 6, 2024 1:10 pm
Welcome!
Sep 6, 2024 2:20 pm
Burbage says:
A couple of minor character creation thoughts/loose ends ...

1. I'm minded to dispense with the material component requirements for spellcasters. Is everyone OK with this? It just seems an unnecessary faff, particularly when the whole adventure will take place in such a localised area.
Fine with me. Perhaps unless it’s a special component with a minimum gp value.
Burbage says:
2. Whilst I won't track water usage in the same way as rations, torches, oil, etc., I think it's a reasonable expectation that everyone must carry a waterskin. OSRIC only provides the weight of an empty water skin, oo, let's say the weight of a full one is 4 lbs. Please update your inventories accordingly.
That’s precisely what I did, as the skin is 1lb and water is roughly 1lb per pt, for a total of 4.
Last edited September 6, 2024 2:21 pm
Sep 6, 2024 2:21 pm
@Burbage, thank you for the additional information, I'll wrap up character creation as soon as possible. Regarding material components, I'm okay with it, but that might affect the choice of spell for my character. I had skipped over identify because the component cost 100gp (and I'm not quite sure if the pearl is consumed with each casting). If we're not keeping track of that, I might be willing to swap comprehend languages with identify, though the crippling effects of each casting will preclude its use while adventuring (being bedridden for 8 hours isn't great when random encounters might occur...)


@Dracul104 : Welcome! And dang!, I've never seen quadruple 1's being rolled on 4d6. Incredible!
Sep 6, 2024 2:23 pm
matmaisan says:
@Dracul104 : Welcome! And dang!, I've never seen quadruple 1's being rolled on 4d6. Incredible!
Has exactly a 1/1296 chance of happening. Even an 18 is six times as likely 🤓!
Last edited September 6, 2024 2:27 pm
Sep 6, 2024 2:36 pm
I'm thinking of going goblin fighter just to mix things up, and dumping the 3 in either INT or CHA. What do ya'll think? Alternatively I could go mage to get some more magic in the party. Unfortunately with the 3 I don't think that gives me any good multiclassing options.

Edit: Hmmm if goblins use the gnome racial limitations, I can't use my 3 in INT. @Burbage , permission to possibly break that restriction?
Last edited September 6, 2024 2:52 pm
Sep 6, 2024 2:56 pm
Avraham says:
Fine with me. Perhaps unless it’s a special component with a minimum gp value.
This seems like a sensible compromise.

So, yes, you would need a 100 GP pearl to cast Identify.
Sep 6, 2024 4:35 pm
Having a closer look at race/class restrictions, I'm just gonna go with good ol' human fighter.

Rolls

Age - (15+1d4)

(2) + 15 = 17

Hit points - (1d10)

(5) = 5

Starting wealth - (3d6+2)

(334) + 2 = 12

# of adventuring rumors - (1d3)

(1) = 1

# of historical rumors - (1d2)

(2) = 2

Adventuring rumor - (1d100)

(78) = 78

Historical rumors - (1d30, 1d30)

1d30 : (17) = 17

1d30 : (7) = 7

Size - (1d100)

(92) = 92

Height - (73+1d4)

(4) + 73 = 77

Weight - (185+1d20)

(7) + 185 = 192

Sep 6, 2024 6:22 pm
So, I've submitted an incomplete version of Ellagel Noreddottir, petite elven fighter/ magic-user. The sheet is incomplete — I decided to focus on the sketch before finishing my gear eand encumberance — but should be done soon enough.
Sep 6, 2024 6:45 pm
How are you guys getting the character sheets to work? I copied the OSRIC sheet, but I don't get any of the autocalc or form fields you guys are getting.
Sep 6, 2024 7:04 pm
dracul104 says:
How are you guys getting the character sheets to work? I copied the OSRIC sheet, but I don't get any of the autocalc or form fields you guys are getting.
I manually adjusted the code for my sheet to get auto calculations. Feel free to copy it and modify it. The ability scores and weight should transfer without a problem. However, the attack rolls are fighter-specific based on a level-1 thac0 of 20. It’s probably easier to replace every one of the 21 entries with an input blank, at least for now. Since there is no conditional flow logic (if else) or table lookups (outside of severely bastardizing lookupBonus), table-based results are much harder to implement.
Sep 6, 2024 7:04 pm
I don’t think I’m getting and auto-calc on m’y sheet, as far as I can tell.
Sep 6, 2024 7:32 pm
@Avraham I can live without auto calculation for most things, but yours just looks nicer and has encumbrance tracking. I don't see how to copy yours though, there's no option to view the underlying code unless I'm blind.

@matmaisan I can't even see your sheet following your link, it just says No Character Found. Are you sure you published it to the Character Library?
Sep 6, 2024 7:44 pm
[ +- ] OSRIC Fighter
Sep 6, 2024 9:07 pm
@Dracul, I believe it is public now.

@Burbage, some additional questions :
- a fighter specialized with a bow only gets the +1/+2 bonuses, but does not benefit from increased ROF (5/2 instead of 2)?
- what do the "secondary skills" in the OSRIC character sheet refer to? Are we using those from the DMG 1st ed (you might have been a lumberjack in the past, giving you some insight in handling wood, woodcutting, etc.)?
- are we assumed to have our (ordinary) clothes or do we have to buy those?
Last edited September 6, 2024 9:08 pm
Sep 6, 2024 11:09 pm
@Avraham thanks!

Thrudmarr Halvorsson is here! He's got his axe, his armor, and absolutely no idea what's going on!

@Burbage I went with Wiskinga heritage, are there any specific gods of that culture for a Neutral Good character?
Sep 6, 2024 11:13 pm
@matmaisan I think you need to add your sheet to the library for public viewing? I can't access it either. Oh, nevermind, I think that's 'cuz the GM hasn't accepted the sheet yet.

Am also curious about the bow's rate of fire when specialized, since it applies to Jacky too.
Last edited September 6, 2024 11:14 pm
Sep 7, 2024 5:43 am
I am fine in waiving spell component price and not tracking water.
Sep 7, 2024 7:12 am
Thrudmarr' rumours ...

"The Obsidian Gates only open to those who cast the correct sequence of spells on them. That sequence is knock, rock to mud, passwall."

"Thoth was deeply important to the ancient empire, as he represented the light of knowledge that erased the darkness of ignorance. For this reason, the Thoth priests were obsessed with light; every one of their Halls remains brightly lit with Thoth's bright, clear, light".

"The glorious archon, Marius Tricotor, led the assault on the hoppers from his flying carpet. He and his troops tracked the enemy to a vast underground grotto, where they found an unholy ziggurat at which demon princes were worshipped. Marius acquired the name 'Unconquered' (invictus) when he ordered the ziggurat dismantled, piece-by-piece!"
Sep 7, 2024 7:27 am
matmaisan says:
- a fighter specialized with a bow only gets the +1/+2 bonuses, but does not benefit from increased ROF (5/2 instead of 2)?
Unless I've misunderstood something, I don't see why a fighter that specialises in a missile weapon that has multiple shots per round shouldn't also get the benefit of extra attacks. An "attack routine" with a long bow is two shots. Therefore, when specialising in a long bow you would get three sets of two shots every two rounds (sort of, but not quite, 6/2). I assume that's why missile weapon specialisation is more costly (two proficiency slots).
matmaisan says:
- what do the "secondary skills" in the OSRIC character sheet refer to? Are we using those from the DMG 1st ed (you might have been a lumberjack in the past, giving you some insight in handling wood, woodcutting, etc.)?
Yes, I guess so. They're not in OSRIC, so we won't be using them.
matmaisan says:
- are we assumed to have our (ordinary) clothes or do we have to buy those?
You can assume you have a basic set of clothing. No need to worry about that on your inventory.
Sep 7, 2024 7:30 am
dracul104 says:
@Burbage I went with Wiskinga heritage, are there any specific gods of that culture for a Neutral Good character?
Odin - Neutral Good - God of war, justice, prophecy, inspiration, the All-Father. His symbol is the raven and his associated weapon is the spear.
Sep 7, 2024 9:53 am
I'm going to take this morning's delivery in the mail as a sign from Thoth that we should get this game started. So, please can everyone let me know when they're good to go and I'll kick things off ...

https://i.imgur.com/xMZ4yqE.jpeg
Sep 7, 2024 12:05 pm
That is a pretty book! Eager to get started.

Ellagel's sheet is complete, I believe, except for background and a brief description. Background is simple and short: in her assessment, she's spent the last 160 years being underestimated by tutors and family, made to believe she is rather mediocre in all that is the calling of a proper elf. Tired of waiting for a moment to disabuse them of such notions, she has decided to set out to prove her family and community wrong, and what better way than to return one day hauling the riches and lore of the legendary Halls!

She has a grand total of 6 coppers to her name, which might explain her willingness to plunder the depths of the Halls of Arden Vul.
Last edited September 7, 2024 12:06 pm
Sep 7, 2024 12:33 pm
Nice picture! I'm ready to begin as well.

Do the rumours provide us with any additional language options? Jacky already has goblin and orcish in his repertoire, so if not, I'll add Mithric to his sheet.
Last edited September 7, 2024 12:35 pm
Sep 7, 2024 1:01 pm
testlum says:
Do the rumours provide us with any additional language options?
I don't think so. Whilst you've heard rumours of "beastmen", you don't really know what they are. And it's unlikely you'd have had an opportunity to learn the language of trolls.
Sep 7, 2024 1:58 pm
I tome is chunky! I am ready to begin delving into Arden Vul.
Sep 7, 2024 3:50 pm
That's a gorgeous book! Ready to begin as well.

Thrudmarr's backstory (I'll try not to get too silly with the 3 Intelligence): Thrudmarr, or "Thrud", was his Wiskinga village's loveable oaf. Orphaned young and raised by the village healer, he learned that helping feels good, even if he can't spell "helping". His motto? "Axe fixes everything!" - whether it's chopping wood, opening doors, or solving arguments. Now he's adventuring because someone told him to "go make a name for yourself", and he's determined to write "THRUDMARR" on everything he sees. Despite his limitations, Thrudmarr's strength and heart make him a loyal friend. Just don't ask him to count past five.
Sep 7, 2024 3:56 pm
@Burbage - Quick Q on Languages Known actually: I took Wiskinga as my subculture, and with the super low Intelligence I know 0 extra languages. I wrote down Archontean on my sheet since it's the common language, but would I know that and Wiskinga?
Sep 7, 2024 5:45 pm
dracul104 says:
@Burbage - Quick Q on Languages Known actually: I took Wiskinga as my subculture, and with the super low Intelligence I know 0 extra languages. I wrote down Archontean on my sheet since it's the common language, but would I know that and Wiskinga?
Yes, OK, although given his intelligence Thrudmarr can only speak Archontean and Wiskin, he can't read or write them.
Sep 7, 2024 6:59 pm
Burbage says:
dracul104 says:
@Burbage - Quick Q on Languages Known actually: I took Wiskinga as my subculture, and with the super low Intelligence I know 0 extra languages. I wrote down Archontean on my sheet since it's the common language, but would I know that and Wiskinga?
Yes, OK, although given his intelligence Thrudmarr can only speak Archontean and Wiskin, he can't read or write them.
Makes sense. If allowed though, I imagined Thrudmarr can write his name in his native Wiskin, and he is likely to scrawl it on the handiest available surface whenever possible in order to "spread his name".
Sep 7, 2024 10:39 pm
As a silly suggestion, what if the word Thrud thinks is his name is actually spelling out something else?
Sep 8, 2024 2:22 pm
Avraham says:
matmaisan says:
@Dracul104 : Welcome! And dang!, I've never seen quadruple 1's being rolled on 4d6. Incredible!
Has exactly a 1/1296 chance of happening. Even an 18 is six times as likely 🤓!
I'm embarrased. I re-ran the numbers. An 18 is twenty-one times as likely as a 3. Out of the 1,296 total possibilities, these are the results.
3456789101112131415161718
141021386291122148167172160131945421


I applied the wrong logic to the combinations. There are 20 ways to have 3 sixes and one of 1–5, but only 1 way to have 4 sixes, so 21 total possible 18s/ There is only one way to get 4 ones.

OK, turning statistician off for now.
Sep 8, 2024 11:22 pm
@Burbage , I was reviewing my character sheet and think I goofed a bit on Weapon Proficiencies. I just saw that missile weapons besides crossbows take 2 prof slots. I have 3 slots in battle axe, and I put the fourth in javelin. If javelin takes 2 slots though, I'll go ahead and swap that out for a spear if you don't mind.
Sep 9, 2024 3:03 am
I’m not the DM, but a javelin isn’t a missile weapon; It’s a thrown weapon (not discussing atl-atl).
Sep 9, 2024 4:47 am
Also, weapons only take more than one proficiency slot if you are specializing in them. I might be wrong, but I believe you can’t specialize in two weapon types in OSRIC/AdnD1e… so you can be double specialised with the battle axe and have a simple proficiency with the javelin at level 1, thereby using up your 4 proficiency slots…
Sep 9, 2024 4:52 am
matmaisan says:
Also, weapons only take more than one proficiency slot if you are specializing in them. I might be wrong, but I believe you can’t specialize in two weapon types in OSRIC/AdnD1e… so you can be double specialised with the battle axe and have a simple proficiency with the javelin at level 1, thereby using up your 4 proficiency slots…
I asked something similar here, and this was @Burbage answer:
Burbage says:
Avraham says:
@Burbage, question. Under weapon specialization, it says "If weapon specialization is not selected during character generation, it remains forever unavailable to the character, barring some magical or divine intervention." If my character takes weapon specialization in one weapon at creation, does that allow him to put another proficiency slot into specialization if he ever makes level 3 since he chose it at 1, or can one never specialize in a weapon after first level?
To be honest, I don't fully understand the reasoning behind this rule. I guess it's asking you to make a choice between bein a generalist fighter who is competent with a broad range of weapons (which has an advantage in terms of increased access to magic weapons for example), or a specialist fighter who can use a narrower range of weapons more effectively. On that basis, I'll say that if you go down the specialisation route, you can put future proficiency gains into specialisations.
Sep 9, 2024 6:42 pm
@Burbage, acceptable for Grim to have Trollish as one of his bonus languages?
Sep 9, 2024 6:55 pm
As far as AD&D 1ˢᵗ edition is concerned, I believe a fighter could only specialize in one weapon type, and only at creation. But that same character could double specialize with the same weapon later in his career, as he levelled and gained new proficiency slots. At higher levels fighters would be able to fight with all sorts of weapons : the Speciali­zation route was to give them an early career boost, particu­larly as character would often have very average scores.
Sep 9, 2024 10:45 pm
Avraham says:
I’m not the DM, but a javelin isn’t a missile weapon; It’s a thrown weapon (not discussing atl-atl).
Hmm I was under the impression thrown weapons counted as missile weapons. The javelin is listed under the "Missle Weapon Table" on p. 33 after all. I'll wait for input from @Burbage before swapping anything out though.
Sep 9, 2024 10:58 pm
dracul104 says:
Avraham says:
I’m not the DM, but a javelin isn’t a missile weapon; It’s a thrown weapon (not discussing atl-atl).
Hmm I was under the impression thrown weapons counted as missile weapons. The javelin is listed under the "Missle Weapon Table" on p. 33 after all. I'll wait for input from @Burbage before swapping anything out though.
I am likely confusing D&D and OSRIC :(
Sep 10, 2024 3:09 pm
To keep things as simple and clear as possible, I'm going to generally follow the OSRIC rules as written unless it is nonsensical to do so.

The rules on specialisation state: "Specialisation costs one proficiency "slot" for melee weapons and crossbows, and two "slots" for missile weapons other than crossbows". Although the weapons tables suggest a javelin can be used as either a melee weapon or a missile weapon, I will rule that to truly specialise in it, you need to be able to use it as a missile weapon. Therefore it requires two proficiency slots in order to specialise.

The same logic would apply to a spear (so that's not a solution to your problem).

To clarify ...

- It takes 1 proficiency slot to be proficient in any weapon, and not suffer a non-proficiency penalty.
- It takes 2 proficiency slots to be proficient and specialise in a melee weapon or crossbow.
- It takes 3 proficiency slots to be proficient and specialise in a missile weapon, or to be proficient and double specialise in a melee weapon.
- You may not double specialise in missile weapons.
- Only fighter classes may specialise.

I *think* (correct me if I am wrong) that weapon specialisation isn't something from AD&D 1E. I think it's an optional OSRIC rule to give fighters a few more options. I can't see anything in the OSRIC rules as written that restricts a fighter to specialising in just one weapon.

On other matters ...

Unless you can convince me how Grim plausibly came to learn trollish (it seems a bit of a stretch), I'm going to say no.

I also had a question about recovering missile weapon ammo. We'll deal with this on a case-by-case basis. If you fire a missile weapon in a relatively confined space you'll have a better chance of recovering its ammo than if you fire it outdoors (for example).
Sep 10, 2024 3:48 pm
Burbage says:
I *think* (correct me if I am wrong) that weapon specialisation isn't something from AD&D 1E. I think it's an optional OSRIC rule to give fighters a few more options. I can't see anything in the OSRIC rules as written that restricts a fighter to specialising in just one weapon.
AD&D 1ed Unearthed Arcana page 18. 🤓🤓🤓
Edit: FWIW, In AD&D1ed PHB, Javelins are listed with bows in the "Hurled Weapons and Missles" so it's reasonable to consider them the same.
https://i.imgur.com/AjiENMr.jpeg
Last edited September 10, 2024 3:53 pm
Sep 10, 2024 3:54 pm
Ah ... Unearthed Arcana. Good find! I couldn't see anything in my PHB or DMG, and didn't think to look there (mainly because I don't have a copy). Let me digest and see if it modifies anything I said previously.
Sep 10, 2024 4:19 pm
Makes sense. I'll just save that extra slot for now then and plan on knabbing javelin when I get another slot through level ups (if Thrudd manages to live that long).
Sep 10, 2024 5:01 pm
Burbage says:
Unless you can convince me how Grim plausibly came to learn trollish (it seems a bit of a stretch), I'm going to say no.
Since it’s rumor-related, I want to give it a college-try to make a pitch. :)

Dwarves have martial advantages (Dodge bonus) against giant-class monsters, such as trolls. While not as common as orcs or kobolds, Grim would have had time over his 282-year lifespan to learn how to communicate with dwarven foes.

How’s that? :). If not, no biggie, I’d just need to mull over another option. Def taking Mithric, just coming up short on another useful (unique) alternative.

Cheers.
Sep 10, 2024 5:09 pm
Burbage says:
Ah ... Unearthed Arcana. Good find! I couldn't see anything in my PHB or DMG, and didn't think to look there (mainly because I don't have a copy). Let me digest and see if it modifies anything I said previously.
Two main differences I see between UA specialization and OSRIC specialization are:
- in OSRIC only the fighter can specialize (in the UA rangers can as well)
- in OSRIC there is no "point blank" rule for missile weapons (and that’s a good thing: in my home game the double damage on point blank shots is very unbalancing)
Sep 10, 2024 5:22 pm
So, revised guidelines for weapon specialisation taking into account the additional insight from Unearthed Arcana ...

- Fighters and rangers only.
- It can be applied to a single weapon only. A character cannot specialise in more than one weapon.
- Specialising in most weapons costs 1 additional proficiency slot. The exceptions are bows (other than crossbows) that cost 2 additional slots. So, now, spears and javelins (for example) only cost 1 additional proficiency slot.
- Double specialisation can only be applied to melee weapons, excluding pole arms and two-handed swords.
- The number of attacks per round is given by the table from Unearthed Arcana above.
- Ignore the stuff about point blank range shooting.

Everyone OK with this?
Sep 10, 2024 5:23 pm
WhiteDwarf says:
Burbage says:
Unless you can convince me how Grim plausibly came to learn trollish (it seems a bit of a stretch), I'm going to say no.
Since it’s rumor-related, I want to give it a college-try to make a pitch. :)

Dwarves have martial advantages (Dodge bonus) against giant-class monsters, such as trolls. While not as common as orcs or kobolds, Grim would have had time over his 282-year lifespan to learn how to communicate with dwarven foes.

How’s that?
Go on then, as I'm a kind and benevolent GM.
Sep 10, 2024 6:00 pm
Burbage says:
WhiteDwarf says:
Burbage says:
Unless you can convince me how Grim plausibly came to learn trollish (it seems a bit of a stretch), I'm going to say no.
Since it’s rumor-related, I want to give it a college-try to make a pitch. :)

Dwarves have martial advantages (Dodge bonus) against giant-class monsters, such as trolls. While not as common as orcs or kobolds, Grim would have had time over his 282-year lifespan to learn how to communicate with dwarven foes.

How’s that?
Go on then, as I'm a kind and benevolent GM.
Much obliged! :)
Sep 10, 2024 6:11 pm
Burbage says:
So, revised guidelines for weapon specialisation taking into account the additional insight from Unearthed Arcana ...

- Fighters and rangers only.
- It can be applied to a single weapon only. A character cannot specialise in more than one weapon.
- Specialising in most weapons costs 1 additional proficiency slot. The exceptions are bows (other than crossbows) that cost 2 additional slots. So, now, spears and javelins (for example) only cost 1 additional proficiency slot.
- Double specialisation can only be applied to melee weapons, excluding pole arms and two-handed swords.
- The number of attacks per round is given by the table from Unearthed Arcana above.
- Ignore the stuff about point blank range shooting.

Everyone OK with this?
Zach is fine; he specialized in bastard sword. Means that if he finds a bright and shiny longsword somewhere he wont get his special attacks, but I doubt he's finding magic items any time before level 3/4.

Of course, the "benevolent GM" can make it so he finds a beautiful glowing bastard sword…
Last edited September 10, 2024 6:12 pm
Sep 10, 2024 6:14 pm
Burbage says:
So, revised guidelines for weapon specialisation taking into account the additional insight from Unearthed Arcana ...

- Fighters and rangers only.
- It can be applied to a single weapon only. A character cannot specialise in more than one weapon.
- Specialising in most weapons costs 1 additional proficiency slot. The exceptions are bows (other than crossbows) that cost 2 additional slots. So, now, spears and javelins (for example) only cost 1 additional proficiency slot.
- Double specialisation can only be applied to melee weapons, excluding pole arms and two-handed swords.
- The number of attacks per round is given by the table from Unearthed Arcana above.
- Ignore the stuff about point blank range shooting.

Everyone OK with this?
Sounds good! I think part of my confusion before was that I was mixing up "proficiency" and "specialization" in my head.
Sep 10, 2024 10:23 pm
Sure, I'm fine with the UA rules.
Nov 4, 2024 11:27 am
Hello there everyone!

Glad to join the game.
DM told me that you just lost a rogue... I am happy to roll one, but I am open to any other suggestions you may have for the good of the party.

Anyway I am going to leave here the rolls so I can start working on it.

Rolls

4d6h3

(5314) = 12

4d6h3

(1445) = 13

4d6h3

(3314) = 10

4d6h3

(3445) = 13

4d6h3

(3311) = 7

4d6h3

(1132) = 6

Nov 4, 2024 11:48 am
We also have a fighter/thief (played by yours truly) and an elf in the group, so we still have some means of scouting.

I say play whatever catches your fancy!
Nov 4, 2024 1:58 pm
We currently have :
- an elf fighter/magic-user (longbow specialist)
- a dwarf cleric
- two human fighters (one axe specialist — Thrudmar — and one bastard sword specialist — Zacharias)
- a halfling fighter/thief (shortbow specialist?)

A pure thief wouldn't be bad (they advance in level pretty quickly in 1st edition DnD), but the party is quite rounded as it is, so you should feel free to play whatever you like!
Nov 4, 2024 2:55 pm
Welcome to our game!
Nov 5, 2024 9:09 am
Thank you all!!

What about a human wizard?

Could complement the elf in the magic area...

And eventually cover areas with fireballs!

Level 1?
Nov 5, 2024 9:19 am
That's what we're all at. I don't think anyone has a single point of XP yet.
Nov 5, 2024 9:33 am
Yep, no xp, so far, despite two (near catastrophic) encounters.

A pure magic-user wouldn't be bad, given that by multi-classing my elf will take a very long time to level. By the time she's reached level 2 as a magic-user, a thief would be reaching level 4, a cleric would be at level 3, and all other classes would be edging closer to reaching level 3 as well...

On the other hand, if you've never played a OSRIC/AD&D 1st or 2nd edition magic-user before, I'd point out that they are extremely weak for a pretty long while. They get one spell to cast (well one additional if they are 2nd edition specialized mages, but I digress), there are no cantrips (at-will o otherwise), and their weapon and proficiency options limit their ability to do much in combat quite drastically.

I recently played one and had a blast, but it was mostly role-playing and playing the (relatively) smart(er) PC for all its worth, since action-wise he was quite limited.
Last edited November 5, 2024 9:35 am
Nov 5, 2024 9:56 am
Yeah thanks for the advice... I've layed them before... I cast shield! and... run around trying not to be noticed for the rest of the day! hahaha

But he will become powerful and will be squishy forever!! XD

And specially with that rolls... dear Goodness... don't blame me for this character he is going to be a pain in the ass with that low STR and CHA he is going to have ;)
Nov 5, 2024 2:48 pm
Let's roll for those spells and HP

Rolls

Lvl 1 HP - (1d4)

(3) = 3

Lvl 1 Spell - (1d30)

(4) = 4

Lvl 1 Spell - (1d30)

(2) = 2

Nov 5, 2024 4:29 pm
I've approved Belisarious. From his name, he sounds like he's Archontean, right?

Still to do:

- Money and equipment.
- Character sketch.
Nov 5, 2024 4:45 pm
Indeed he is..

Money! yeah of course.. and... must I do the sketch? that could be.. awful...
Nov 5, 2024 4:47 pm
Hehe ... no artistic talent required or expected!
Nov 5, 2024 4:54 pm
Ok I'll try it! but it has to be tomorrow or the day after!

This week and until next monday I will be at a journey and with not PC and not much hours to connect but I will keep an eye, and if you want to introduce him I will do my best to post and interact!
Nov 24, 2024 5:19 pm
Here goes

Rolls

Str - (4d6h3)

(5635) = 16

Int - (4d6h3)

(5125) = 12

Wis - (4d6h3)

(3122) = 7

Dex - (4d6h3)

(5245) = 14

Con - (4d6h3)

(1561) = 12

Chr - (4d6h3)

(5253) = 13

Nov 24, 2024 6:16 pm
You may rearrange the scores if you wish ... you don't have to take them Str -> Cha in order.
Nov 25, 2024 2:47 am
Hit points

Rolls

Hit points - (1d10, RA)

(8) = 8

Nov 25, 2024 2:53 am
Money

Rolls

Starting cash - ((3d6+2)*10)

(425) + 12 = 23

Nov 25, 2024 2:55 am
130 gold. my formula was broken. But the 3d6 worked. 11+2×10=130, eh?
Nov 27, 2024 4:38 pm
@Dorkelf - just a reminder that you still need to complete your character sheet with your equipment and encumbrance. I'll assume your movement rate for now is 60'.
Dec 6, 2024 11:45 pm
Lots of real world stuff cropping up. I have it all down on paper. But that does no good. I just won't make any moves until I can update.
Dec 7, 2024 1:24 am
If you need something to start it feel free to copy Thruds sheet and change it to match your stuff. I think I stole mine from Avraham.

Edit: Actually, I dunno how to share it now lol. But see page 8 of this thread where Avraham posted his. I think there's another version someone put on the first page as well.
Last edited December 7, 2024 1:29 am
Dec 7, 2024 1:36 am
If you prefer a simpler character sheet, you can use my format too:
[ +- ] OSRIC 2e
Dec 20, 2024 11:17 am
ook here I am again! Glad to be here and apologies for the disappearance last month... it was... bizarre and annoying. But all ended well fortunately.

So I had left roll for coins and the portrait.

Let's roll for that cash and I will try to have something about the protrait later in the day, if work allows.

Rolls

Initial Money - (2d4+10)

(14) + 10 = 15

Dec 20, 2024 11:27 am
Welcome back Frandal!

Frandal replaces Dorkelf/Akoslan, who was just taking too long to finalise their character sheet.
Dec 20, 2024 12:31 pm
@Frandal - initial money is 2d4 x 10, so 50 gp.
Dec 22, 2024 10:07 am
oh that's right.

Do we have any initial equipment? like a spellbook in my case?
Dec 22, 2024 10:10 am
Frandal says:
oh that's right.

Do we have any initial equipment? like a spellbook in my case?
Go ahead and purchase any equipment you want using your gold and the equipment lists in the OSRIC rulebook. Yes, you will need to purchase a spellbook.

You do not have permission to post in this thread.