Topic: another game reboot
Subject: Yes Indeed
In a similar head space as Nomad. With Schnozzle's game looking like it;s fizzling I'm wanting to create a character along those lines albeit geared toward this steampunk era. After looking over classes I think I can tweak the witch class into something that will work nicely. The witch could also act as a secondary healer if need be. Shield Wolf, I will PM you this shortly. Just have to give things a once over 
Posted on 2016-06-14 at 20:14:31.
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Topic: Dark Sun Q/A
Subject: And we begin!!!
One quick question. What's an ash skin? That a euphemism for a dark elf? Will have a post up shortly.
Posted on 2016-06-14 at 13:51:47.
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Topic: another game reboot
Subject: Thoughts
Pathfinder, right?
I was thinking either an oracle or a witch. ATM strongly leaning towards an oracle (that haunted curse has hilarious potential...). A lot depends on what others are thinking of. Considering that this is Steampunk (and the Victorian fascination with the occult) I'm thinking about some kind of esoteric charlatan. A bit of a gypsy, a bit promiscuous, rather witchy, and most importantly hedonistically unscrupulous.
Posted on 2016-06-11 at 18:13:57.
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Topic: another game reboot
Subject: This sounds interesting
I'd be interested in joining in too. Like the idea of steampunk.
Posted on 2016-06-10 at 13:04:29.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Mana
Okay, sounds like you're going with something similar to Alacraty's system. Spell Points as normal but we can use HP when we run out, right? How does Defiling work into this? If a caster Defiles does it not cost HP (since it is the land)? Would we need to choose to Defile and pass some kind of Arcana test?
Looking forward to getting things started. Will you be creating a Q/A thread for the game?
Posted on 2016-06-09 at 18:46:54.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Mana System for Second Edition - by Alacrity
Here is the arcane magic system that Alacrity developed for the 2nd edition. Might be a good idea builder for defiling mechanics.
Mana
Mana Points: an Alternate Magic System for D&D Wizards
What is mana? Mana is the energy that the mage can channel through his body from the positive or negative material plane. Every mage can handle only so much mana but as they get older and better at their trade, they can channel more and more. Unlike the game, mana cannot be bottled, decanted or turned into a liquid form. Think of mana as an energy that makes the laws of physics sit, lie down and play dead. You are not gonna find a Diet Mana Max to restore your powers fast.
Mana is recovered naturally by sleep. Mages do not lose all their spells due to loss of consciousness as they do under the standard spell memorization system (however if the DM wants they can use the optional mana seepage rule shown later). However, spells that fizzle (due to being interrupted from an attack while casting, for example) still use up mana. To put in simply, once you put the mana into the caster's hands to do the spellcraft, the mana is released.
Instead of the wizard being assigned a fixed number of various spells per spell level per day, the wizard instead receives a number of mana points equal to the sum of those spell levels (or you can use my alternate mana chart, shown later). So, our sixth level wizard, who normally gets four first level spells, two second level spells, and two third level spells would instead get fourteen mana points (4x1 + 2x2 + 2x3). In addition, the mage receives one bonus mana point for each point of intelligence above fifteen. This is a one-time bonus, not a bonus per level.
Spells cost one mana point per spell level. So a first level spell costs one point, a second level spell costs two points, etc. The mage may cast any spell that is their spell book as often as they like as long as they have sufficient mana. Using our example above, Bob could cast four fireballs and two magic missiles, ten magic missiles and two webs, or five webs, one fireball, and one magic missile, etc. If a mage runs out of mana and needs to cast a spell, they can still do so but at the cost of their life force (Hit points). Hit points lost this way cannot be restored by any magical or other healing means whatsoever - the only way to regain them is to rest one full day per hit point lost.. If a mage is unwise enough to use more lifeforce as mana than he has, he risks literally killing himself with spellcasting (or risk wizard's twilight, see later in article)
Optional Rule: Wizard's Twilight
Fantasy literature also contains quite a few references to wizards who, in times of dire need, wield their magic beyond the physical limitations of their bodies, risking their lives in an effort to save the day. In typical D&D, the reality is that once your mage is out of spells, they have to rely upon beating monsters with a stick, or hiding behind the fighters if they wish to survive.
If you are using the optional mana rule in your game, you may also use the wizard's twilight rule. What this means is that a wizard may continue to cast spells even after they have expended all of their mana. However, this is very risky.
To continue casting spells one mana is exhausted, a wizard must use his own life force to provide power for the magic. In game terms, this equates to one hit point per mana point needed by the spells to be cast. Hit points lost this way cannot be restored by any magical or other healing means whatsoever - the only way to regain them is to rest one full day per hit point lost.
If a mage is reduced to zero or less hit points due to this, they risk wizard's twilight - a state of being where the mind is essentially burned out, and the caster can do nothing but obey the simplest of commands. Free will and personality are gone; the mage tends to slip in and out of consciousness. Wizard's twilight often results in the death of the caster.
Optional Rule: Blowing Chunks
Once a wizard reaches a certain level, they can manipulate the spells by adding more mana to the mix (referred colloquially as Blowing Chunks). Usually, only duration, area of effect or range can be affected but whether a spell can be manipulated is up to the DM to decide. By doubling the mana output (so 1st level spell costs 2, 2nd cost 4, a 3rd level spell costs 6 mp), the mage can double the range or the duration or the area of effect. Only one factor can be affected at a time. Damage done, or whether a spell as a save cannot be changed.
Level 3 - first level spells
Level 5 - second level spells
Level 7 - third level spells
Level 9 - fourth level spells
Level 12 - fifth level spells
Level 14 - sixth level spells
Level 16 - seventh level spells
Level 18 - eighth level spells
Level 20 - ninth level spells
Optional Rule: Mana Seepage
If a Dm really liked the loss of spells when unconscious rule for mages, they can implement a similar rule here that does not hurt the mage as bad as a sudden total loss. When a mage goes unconscious, the mana they have storied slowly seeps from their body at a rate of 1 point per round. For every point of hp they go below 0 hp, the factor is multiplied. So a mage at level 2 loses 2 hp per round, at level 5 they lose 5 points per round, etc. Of course if a mage dies, the mana dies with them.
Posted on 2016-06-05 at 20:49:09.
Edited on 2016-06-05 at 20:50:38 by Nimu
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Sunday Sunday
Sunday seems to be a good day around here, but really whatever works for you. We can work around that, as long as it's consistent.
At the beginning you brought up mages being able to defile as a way of continuing to cast low level spells when even when they have run out of spell slots. Seems similar to Alacrity's mana burn system where spell casting draws on life. Did I send you the system?
Posted on 2016-06-05 at 19:37:19.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: !!!
Oh we've got ourselves a great mix, I think. And Ochit the Orc Man seriously wins all the name games. I'm looking forward to introducing him to MorrÃgu, the lovely local lunatic. Very much looking forward to getting things started here.
Posted on 2016-06-05 at 08:14:39.
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Topic: Slate Q&A Thread
Subject: Crickets?
Are we just hitting a summer lull around here? Hoping to see things kick back up soon 😊
Posted on 2016-06-05 at 08:10:05.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Yes!
Still here and looking forward to jumping into this!
Posted on 2016-05-29 at 19:09:12.
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Topic: Slate Q&A Thread
Subject: Next Stop
Let's move on to the next rest point. Unless something eventful happens along the way we can just back post the RP, assuming all are okay with that.
If we go this route, Xana will be bluffing and manipulating all she can to get more information about the place where there might be stars. She will be quite relentless in her efforts.
Posted on 2016-05-27 at 10:38:34.
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Topic: Slate: The Hundred Years of Rain
Subject: I'm never gonna share my room
In the early morning hours, Xana let out a single ecstatic cry and then exhaled softly. Still panting, the dark faery moved from her resting place with a languid grace. Today she had performed her morning ministrations with a cantrip, and the fey magic had done its job prodigiously. Still holding the charm, she sent the magic to work cleaning the sweat and grime from her clothes and body. In moments Xana stood resplendent with the morning sunlight alight in her yellow eyes.
Not far off the others were beginning to gather around a cook fire and plot out the day. Gliding past the bickering clerics, Xana made her way to a location perfect for eavesdropping. With a wave of her hand, the witch floated a crisped salt pork slice into her hand. Taking a bite Xana leaned in to listen.
Whether Tolly or Garret won the argument, it was clear that either end would be untenable. There was talk of staying in Pike to defend the walls against raids, or worse escorting the entire wretched town back to Lake City.
The. Entire. Bloody. Town.
It would be another days travel before they reached Pike and she had only until then to manipulate a more suitable end. And perhaps there would be time to seek out more knowledge of the stars. No matter the cost, she would see herself the victor in the end.
"I agree, Daxos." Xana began wearing her most genuine smile. "We cannot leave them here, and there will be ample time on the road to decide on the best course."
Posted on 2016-05-25 at 17:48:52.
Edited on 2016-05-25 at 17:49:57 by Nimu
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Topic: Slate: The Hundred Years of Rain
Subject: I remember the starlight
Xana turned to examine the cuticles of her nails as the scarred axman droned on and on and on and on... A quick healing of the hideous woman he loved and his mouth just flapped without end. There was no need for interrogation nor twists of intrigue and manipulation. They hadn't even needed a magical charm to sweeten his tongue. Matzan was simply grateful and cooperative now. IT WAS SO BORING.
The fey woman had fantasies of torturing him with silent visions of a myriad ugly deaths to be visited on his beloved if he didn't talk. Or compulsions to make him betray himself and those he loved. Sowing seeds of poison had been favorite past times that the dark faery rarely enjoyed since her imprisonment amongst the mortals. Decades of self-denial had left her ill content and sadistically imaginative, a decidedly dangerous combination.
"We are what you call the Feral. Our grandpas' dads got killed in the first big rain, but the Gods thought it was a good idea to leave the kids alone..." Matzan droned on and on, stroking the hair of the wretched woman who slept in his lap. "...well we followed Kadyn because she promised us a better life..."
Bored
"...all set to raise a family in a place away from all this..."
BORED
"...You all ruined that. Yes, we broke Pike. Other places too, but now none of us are better off. Kaydn is dead. Tristiran and Misah are dead, so's Brindan. Why didn't you kill me and Ylena too? Everything is lost for us now."
BORED BORED BORED
Every whimper and whine brought Xana one step closer to fulfilling his wish for death. It might leave them without answers, but a few screams would be a welcome end to the endless, self-pitying droll. She didn't care about the plight of the Ferals or even the death of Pike. All that concerned her was a return to Faerie, and if that was denied her at least some distraction to ease that loss. And yet she had to stay her hand, survival required cooperation and humanity, and above all banality.
The roar of the nocturnal tempest seemed to echo her thoughts as it reminded them all of its rule in this nightmare world. She'd kill to see a flower.
Matzan paused his pontification and then continued on with a fire in his eyes, "You could come with us! You've got priests and kits. Kadyn said it was only a day or two from here to Archumbra. From there we're supposed to join up with some others and make for the Northlands. Kaydn says they still have STARS up there. We could all live like kings and get fat! What do you say?
Stars. Are there stars? It can't be. Can it?
A light long dimmed awoke in her yellow eyes at the mention of starlight. Xana hungered for starlight right to the very core of her being. If there were stars there might be passage beyond this hell world of acid rain. Could there be a way out?
The others jumped in with questions of their own, yet all held their allegiance to the cities. In this world they had forgotten how to dream and desire. All they knew was to huddle together and survive. But perilous though the stars might be, they were dreams and Xana remembered them. She remembered their wonder and it called her home.
Listening to the questions asked, Xana smiled with a new hope. There might yet find the answers sought hidden in Matzan's words. For now, she would listen and be silent. For now.
Posted on 2016-05-12 at 15:44:03.
Edited on 2016-05-12 at 15:45:03 by Nimu
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Topic: Slate Q&A Thread
Subject: No fizzles!
Yes, no fizzles. Really enjoying this too.
Will have a post coming soon. Sorry, having to finalize things with students the last few days of the semester and my brain has officially died. I will post either Wednesday or Thursday.
Posted on 2016-05-09 at 19:59:19.
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Topic: Recruiting Trilogy War
Subject: !!!
Welcome to the longest running game, Impulse! Glad to have you on board.
Posted on 2016-05-08 at 15:20:33.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Defiling/Mana
Connecting exhaustion to spellcasting always made more sense to me. If you are interested in this idea, Alacrity has a system he thought up called "Mana Burn" where casters use HP to cast spells if they run out of mana. Spellcasting can literally kill.
Say all casters normally use their own power, it's probably easier and more reliable. There are times when a caster would need magic but the well of personal power is gone. Then one would need to either drain their own life force to power their spells or decide to drain it from the land. Most would choose the land, right?
I don't know 5E enough to think through the mechanics of that too well, but there ideas about expanding casting through exhaustion could be interesting. Adds color.
Posted on 2016-05-05 at 19:18:46.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Defile/Preserve
The concept of magic draining line from the land is an interesting one. From an RP/world perspective, why would this path have been chosen by so many if there is another path? What are the benefits? If preservers don't draw their magic from the land where does it come from?
Is it that magic is drawn from the self/personal power which has limits? Defiling allows a caster to ignore their own limitations? What the mechanics of that are I don't know, but could be rich RP territory.
Posted on 2016-05-04 at 15:25:23.
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Topic: Slate Q&A Thread
Subject: Congratulations!!!!
That's wonderful news! When's the baby due?
Yahoo!!!
Posted on 2016-05-02 at 22:14:01.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Thank you!!!
These Resources are helpful. Think we have a pretty well rounded group, right? If Kaelyn joins we have a cleric.
Building my lunatic drow wizard. This is an interesting platform.
Posted on 2016-05-02 at 18:37:31.
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Topic: Slate Q&A Thread
Subject: yeah...
crickets... everyone still around?
Posted on 2016-05-02 at 18:35:38.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Levels and thoughts
I can work with whatever you want to start with. In terms of RP, I'm usually not as interested in the ingenue concept so tend to like starting a little higher (4th or 5th would be good). That said I can work with whatever you prefer.
Oh, probably going to wizard route. Nothing is set is stone yet.
Posted on 2016-04-29 at 17:41:34.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Fantastique!
Thanks for all the resources and suggestions. Will look into a few different options. Leaning towards the wizard but the warlock could be interesting.
What is the starting level? 4th (the popular default of late)? 9th? 20th? 500th?
Thanks!
Posted on 2016-04-29 at 16:02:06.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Exiled and crazy
Exiled from the underdark makes sense, or something along those lines. Will have to think on it. Getting a picture of a wandering witch driven to madness by solitude. Anyway, have to think on it.
Where can we find resources to build out characters? How does this all work? Thanks for help!
Posted on 2016-04-28 at 22:25:45.
Edited on 2016-04-28 at 22:26:02 by Nimu
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Great!
That's great!
I've got a fondness for the spellthrowers. Really like the spellcaster as heretic quality (and fighting against a god king makes my inner radical very happy).
As to a character, I was thinking some kind of arcanist outcast, perhaps with a few screws loose. Are there dark elves in this world? Would an exiled person have been able to survive?
Posted on 2016-04-28 at 22:02:33.
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Topic: Recruitment for Dark Sun setting campaign?
Subject: Intriguing...
This is an interesting concept. Low magic, mages as heretics.
Also curious about 5e. How does it work?
If you have room for one more, I'm interested.
Posted on 2016-04-28 at 18:46:24.
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What game do you own the 
Return to Charadun - Q&A
The Morphing Game
Return to Charadun - Recr
