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View Full Version : An nameless Modern D20 Campaign in the works...


nightinverse
27th of March, 2005, 11:12
Yes, well. I've been kicking around a few ideas since the Summer. It doesn't look like Thomas is interested anymore, but I am thinking of creating the game he and I envisioned.

So, who wants in on a Modern D20 campaign based on an alternative Earth with... well... Urban Arcana?

Note, I will not be allowing exploitation of the Wealth system. I haven't figured that bit out yet, but we will see...

nightinverse
27th of March, 2005, 11:52
The campaign, (If I get enough players) will begin in the U.S. in Winter, 2017. I am working on a map, but for the moment, let me say the U.S.S.R is part of it. Oh, and has been some advancement in space exploration and colonization, but the PCs won't be going up, at least as far as I have planned.

Religion and race are not so important issues in this alternate future when put next to species. Halflings control Israel, and the Halfling language is Hebrew. Dwarves are often Capitalist, Gnomes are often Communist. Stuff like that.

Oh, and elves are in a decline. Not everywhere (Great Wales is a good example) but as the earth dies, so do they.

Takkaryx
27th of March, 2005, 15:18
What PL will it be? (that is if Future is involved)

nightinverse
27th of March, 2005, 15:56
I'm not quite sure what you mean by PL... player level? Sorry, I'm dreadfully sick...

If you mean Player Level, then... either 2nd or 3rd. Otherwise, ask me what you meant to ask again...

Power level, Political level, Player level... the list is endless.

Takkaryx
27th of March, 2005, 16:47
Progress level. I see that we will not be using Future then. We are at PL 5, Information age. It then goes to PL 6, Fusion Age, then PL 7, Gravitic Age, then PL 8, Energy Age.

nightinverse
27th of March, 2005, 16:49
Oh, progress level, I always refer to that as ProgL. No, we are essentially close to entering the Fusion Age, but not quite there.

I have no plans to take it that far, but who knows?

nightinverse
27th of March, 2005, 17:08
I have begun work on a few NPCs and have decided on 2nd level starting characters.

nightinverse
28th of March, 2005, 04:47
*Is working feverishly on finding more stuff*

Doomsmile
28th of March, 2005, 05:02
Ah! I knew I was keeping those source docs on my computer for a reason! Is this IRL or online? Either way, I'm prety sure you can count me in. I'm thinking (off the top of my head) of doing a charismatic hero unless someone else wants that slot really bad, in which case I'll probably do a vehicle-heavy fast hero. Wish I could afford a chopper though....

nightinverse
28th of March, 2005, 05:07
Online. I still haven't worked out some stuff, but in a month or less it should be ready.

nightinverse
28th of March, 2005, 11:08
Yeah, still working!

nightinverse
28th of March, 2005, 14:18
*She-Bump!*

ShadowDawn
28th of March, 2005, 16:01
Hmm... interesting... I'm in, hopefully my workload will decrease after midterms last week and the end of Hell Week the week before last... dunno what I'll play, though...

nightinverse
29th of March, 2005, 08:27
Of course...

nightinverse
7th of April, 2005, 11:50
I will begin to draw up some more stuff over the weekend. I apologize, but illness and stress are taking their toll on me.

nightinverse
11th of April, 2005, 11:39
Okay, so I want to set this up soon, so I want to know who is interested. Please, tell me.

The Hive Custodian
11th of April, 2005, 16:21
I'd like to know more about the campaign first before committing myself.

nightinverse
11th of April, 2005, 23:25
Of course. :depry:

nightinverse
12th of April, 2005, 07:20
The PCs will constitute the staff of a small detective agency nestled in Los Angeles. The business accepts almost all local jobs and for a slight bonus accepts jobs within the state. The CEO of the firm (NPC) has set up ads all the way down to San Diego, and the group can be contracted for nearly anything. It has a loose affiliation with the LAPD, and has most often in the past been hired for gang infiltration. However, the previous team lost two members and the rest went into hiding, so the Pres. hired the PCs.

Essentially, the PCs are contact killers, diplomats, spies, guards, investigators and gang breakers.

Takkaryx
12th of April, 2005, 11:37
Magic? Psionics?

nightinverse
12th of April, 2005, 12:59
Still thinking about them... how many players want them?

Doomsmile
13th of April, 2005, 01:43
I'd rather it be ohne supernatural junk, but I can cope if it isn't.

nightinverse
13th of April, 2005, 08:04
"ohne"?

Doomsmile
14th of April, 2005, 01:23
"ohne" is German for "without"". I throw it in sometimes because it sounds cooler and is much shorter.

The Hive Custodian
14th of April, 2005, 02:43
It's also unintelligible to those of us who don't know German.

nightinverse
14th of April, 2005, 07:23
Exactly.

nightinverse
15th of April, 2005, 14:46
So, after some thought, I will not allow new characters to have access to spiritual or magical resources. However, I will put the general and future use of such up to a vote.

nightinverse
16th of April, 2005, 08:30
Also, being a member of an organization... you will have access to some company property... mainly nice vehicles. You have been warned.

nightinverse
17th of April, 2005, 09:38
So, anything else you need to know specifically?

Doomsmile
17th of April, 2005, 14:20
Is there a cap on licences we allowed to have? Are there licences the campaign will assume we have? You mentioned being members of an organization, does that grant us assumed licences for restricted or military-level equipment? What is this organization you speak of us being in, anyway? (I'd like some info on that before I make my character... again...)

nightinverse
17th of April, 2005, 14:37
Cap is... restricted, and you can only have ONE EACH. As new operatives of a private organization, you need to prove yourselves.

See post #19 on the organization. It is known as SLK Corp, (for detective and protective employment on a part-time basis). It's traded publicly, and the stock currently rests on a light balance. The controlling share (59%) is owned by the CEO, and 12% is owned by the Mayor of Los Angeles.

Doomsmile
18th of April, 2005, 01:27
Ah. Cool.

Wait, can't charaters atain military licences in regular games on their own, though? I was under that impression, at least.

nightinverse
18th of April, 2005, 10:16
Yes, but I have tightened the system a bit. This is after a long period of deregulation, the United States has entered a time of weapon retraction. Weapons are being removed from the general populace, and as you are not direct, active members of the government system, you are subject to the restrictions as well.

nightinverse
18th of April, 2005, 12:16
Of course, there will be ways around this at some point, but in the beginning, I assume that your characters do not have the sufficient cred.

Doomsmile
18th of April, 2005, 13:38
Would people look at me weird for carying large, but un-drawn and completely licence-free legal on the street (i.e. a sword, bow, deringer, etc.)? What about armor (especially archaic, which require no liceces)?

EDIT: No, I'm not playing amish-man II. I promise.

nightinverse
18th of April, 2005, 15:11
In L.A? Hell no! You would have to have a pike sticking out of your head with a gnome hanging on!

The Hive Custodian
19th of April, 2005, 03:27
Hey, you could always play a LARPer.

Doomsmile
19th of April, 2005, 03:41
Oh DEAR GOD! Don't even joke about that! I was thinking more along the lines of somone who works at the Ren Faire when it rolls around, so owns a sword and armor (they don't require a licence, after all). I don't want to have a bag of sunflower seeds and throw them at people saying "Lightning bolt! Lighning bolt! Lightning bolt!" and expect them to die. Although I could always play something not too far from a LARPer: a red mage!

ShadowDawn
19th of April, 2005, 06:41
Oh DEAR GOD! Don't even joke about that! I was thinking more along the lines of somone who works at the Ren Faire when it rolls around, so owns a sword and armor (they don't require a licence, after all). I don't want to have a bag of sunflower seeds and throw them at people saying "Lightning bolt! Lighning bolt! Lightning bolt!" and expect them to die. Although I could always play something not too far from a LARPer: a red mage!

Brain... hurts...

nightinverse
19th of April, 2005, 09:43
It's even funnier because real LARPing isn't like that.

Takkaryx
19th of April, 2005, 13:33
Any of you read John Ringo?

41st century, everything is run on energy. One day, that energy goes away. Two warring nations, and guess who survives? The Reenactors. The ones that made a living out of the Renn Fair. I found that immensly ammusing.

nightinverse
19th of April, 2005, 14:18
That is funny. So, anything else you guys need before jumping on this campaign?

Shadow_Link
20th of April, 2005, 00:53
I'm interested, but i have some questions about he game.
1. What is the cop levels at? Gestapo or Hippyvile? In other words, how strong is the presence of lawmen?
2. What are some resent events that have occured? Has Alabama split from the nation? Is the Pope found to be part of a satanic cult? I wish to know these things as to base my char on the resent happenings of the land.
3. Are any counties we know of now gone? Are their any new ones? Are there any land masses we all know and love gone? Are there any knew ones?
And now to look at the rules...

nightinverse
20th of April, 2005, 04:06
1. This is L.A. The cops stick to a few zones, but they are Gestapo where they are. You are the law, in some ways.
2. Hurm. Well, somebody tried to remove the two-term restriction for President. A Heavy industry corporation, Forgeworks, has branched off and been contracted for the Mars Terraforming project. A demonstration was held against Gnomish GRU Top Man Esselstockwig of the U.S.S.R, and the Soviets are dealing with a famine in their Southern territory.
3. The Soviet Union never broke up, but Poland gained it's independence through heavy war waged by an underground army. Great Britain is Great Wales, the only majority Elf-led nation in the world aside from Brazil. A Halfling Israel has engulfed Jordan and still holds the Sinai. Pakistan and India divided differently, with the Hindu minority in 1/3 of the territory, and the Muslim majority in the remaining 2/3rds. Oh, and China is split along the Yellow River... Capitalists below, Communists above.

nightinverse
20th of April, 2005, 11:17
So, who's in? I just want to set this up while I have the time, ya know?

The Hive Custodian
20th of April, 2005, 11:56
I'll give it a shot.

ShadowDawn
20th of April, 2005, 12:26
I'm in. Working on a character design now.

nightinverse
20th of April, 2005, 13:38
Good, good.

ShadowDawn
20th of April, 2005, 14:27
What stats for races? DnD standard, or are there specific D20 modern stats somewhere?

nightinverse
20th of April, 2005, 14:30
Check Urban Arcana. Download all the docs to your computer, and access them from there.

nightinverse
20th of April, 2005, 14:37
Here... one second...

This material is Open Game Content, and is licensed for public use under the terms of the Open Game License v1.0a.

SHADOWKIND

Most characters who are not native to the mundane world hail from a place beyond Shadow, and they are known to “mundanes” as Shadowkind.

You can also play characters native to Earth who are the offspring or descendants of Shadowkind.

Characters who enter our world through Shadow have no way of returning home and are forced to adapt to their new environment. Moreover, they retain only a few hazy memories of the place from whence they came.



PLAYING A SHADOWKIND

Shadowkind characters share several traits, as noted below.



Creature of Shadow

Creatures brought to our world by Shadow are reclaimed by the tides of Shadow after they die. As a general rule, a creature of Shadow vanishes 1d4 rounds after it dies (drops to –10 hit points), leaving behind no trace of itself other than its clothing and equipment. Shadowkind heroes have stronger ties to our world than other creatures of Shadow; they fade away 1d4 hours after they die. Before they disappear, slain Shadowkind characters can be raised from the dead as easily as mundane characters can. Slain creatures of Shadow that are transformed into undead creatures remain on our world in their undead state and are not reclaimed by Shadow until they are destroyed.

A slain Shadowkind character who is reclaimed by Shadow can’t be raised from the dead or brought back by any means and is considered lost.

A Shadowkind character is treated as a “creature of Shadow” with regard to special abilities, spells, and psionic powers that affect creatures of Shadow.



TABLE: SKILL POINTS/LEVEL FOR SHADOWKIND

Strong

2 + Int modifier

Fast

4 + Int modifier

Tough

2 + Int modifier

Smart

8 + Int modifier

Dedicated

4 + Int modifier

Charismatic

6 + Int modifier

Advanced Class

Skill Points Per Level

Soldier

4 + Int modifier

Martial Artist

2 + Int modifier

Gunslinger

4 + Int modifier

Infiltrator

6 + Int modifier

Daredevil

4 + Int modifier

Bodyguard

2 + Int modifier

Field Scientist

6 + Int modifier

Techie

6 + Int modifier

Field Medic

4 + Int modifier

Investigator

4 + Int modifier

Personality

4 + Int modifier

Negotiator

4 + Int modifier

Acolyte

4 + Int modifier

Arcane Arranger

6 + Int modifier

Archaic Weaponsmaster

2 + Int modifier

Glamourist

4 + Int modifier

Mage

6 + Int modifier

Mystic

4 + Int modifier

Occultist

4 + Int modifier

Shadow Hunter

4 + Int modifier

Shadowjack

6 + Int modifier

Shadow Slayer

2 + Int modifier

Speed Demon

4 + Int modifier

Street Warrior

4 + Int modifier

Swashbuckler

4 + Int modifier

Techno Mage

6 + Int modifier

Thrasher

2 + Int modifier

Wildlord

4 + Int modifier

Prestige Class

Skill Points Per Level

Archmage

6 + Int modifier

Artificer

6 + Int modifier

Ecclesiarch

4 + Int modifier

Holy/Unholy Knight

4 + Int modifier




Skill Points Per Level

Shadowkind characters do not gain as many skill points as a human character of the same class. Shadowkind characters get 4 fewer skill points at 1st level and 1 fewer skill point each level thereafter.



Native Shadowkind vs. New Arrivals

Characters can be nonhuman natives of our world—the children of one or more Shadowkind parents, born and raised somewhere on Earth—or they can be new arrivals to our world, having recently come through Shadow. In the latter case, Shadowkind characters suffer the disadvantages of being “strangers in a strange land.” They are restricted to a handful of starting occupations at 1st level, they have no wealth to speak of, and they speak bizarre languages unknown to the majority of Earth’s population (though they also acquire the common language of the land they arrive in as a function of passing through Shadow).



Starting Occupation

A character who begins play as a newly arrived Shadowkind must select from the following starting occupations: hedge wizard, noviate, and squire. In addition, regardless of the Wealth bonus provided by the starting occupation, see Starting Wealth Bonus, below.

Only humans and Shadowkind characters born and raised in our mundane world can select from all starting occupations.



Starting Wealth Bonus

A character who begins play as a newly arrived Shadowkind has a starting Wealth bonus of +2 to +12 (roll 2d6). However, the character must spend this entire Wealth bonus on personal gear typical of a medieval fantasy character (such as archaic weapons and armor). Any portion of the character’s Wealth bonus that goes unspent is lost; in effect, the character begins play with some primitive personal items and equipment and a starting Wealth bonus of +0.

Shadowkind characters born and raised in our world follow the normal rules for determining Wealth bonus.



Languages Known

A character who begins play as a newly arrived Shadowkind knows one or more languages, most of which are not spoken on Earth. Such languages include Celestial, Draconic, Elven, and Goblin. However, they all share a common language (called Common) that has striking parallels to the predominant language spoken in the area where they arrived. Shadowkind characters born and raised in our world gain languages as human characters do. In addition to one or more local languages, they may know one or more languages of Shadow (taught to them by their parents and elders).



SHADOWKIND SPECIES

Each Shadowkind entry consists of a description of the species, including appearance and general disposition. It also provides insight into how the species generally interacts with the mundane world. Following the descriptive text is a summary of general traits and special qualities.

Size: The species’ size. Shadowkind that are exceptionally large or small receive modifiers to their Defense, attack rolls, grapple checks, and Hide skill checks.

Ability Modifiers: These modifiers adjust the ability scores of every member of the species.

Base Speed: The distance an average member of the species can move (in feet) during a move action. In general, Medium and Large characters have a base speed of 30 feet, while Small characters have a base speed of 20 feet. Dwarves, though Medium, are slower due to their stockiness.

Special Qualities: Special qualities include species bonuses to skill checks and saving throws, bonus feats, and natural armor bonuses to Defense (if any). This section also describes any special abilities of the species, including special combat bonuses, the ability so see in low light or utter darkness, and the ability to resist magic.

Free Language Skills: Shadowkind species receive a certain number of Read/Write Language and Speak Language skills for free, without spending any skill points. These free language skills are listed here.

Other Languages: Other Shadow languages commonly known to members of the species. Shadowkind may learn additional languages, following the rules presented under the Speak Language and Read/Write Language skill descriptions.

SMALL CHARACTERS

Small characters (such as gnomes, goblins, and halflings) gain a +1 size bonus to Defense, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks. They suffer a –4 penalty on grapple checks.

Small characters’ lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters of those of Medium characters.

Small characters generally move about two-thirds as fast as Medium characters (goblins are exceptions).

Small characters must use smaller weapons than Medium characters. They must use two hands to wield a weapon of Medium, and a weapon must be of Tiny size or smaller for them to consider it as a light weapon.

Armor for Small characters can be chopped down from extant protective outfits. It costs the same as Medium armor and weighs half as much. A Medium or larger creature cannot wear armor sized for a Small character.



DWARF

Size: Medium. Dwarves have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +2 Constitution, –2 Charisma.

Base Speed: 20 feet. Dwarves can move at this speed even when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium and heavy load (unlike other creatures, whose speed is reduced in such situations).

Special Combat Bonuses: Dwarves gain a +1 species bonus on attack rolls against bugbears, goblins, orcs, and other goblinoids. Dwarves also gain a +4 dodge bonus to Defense against creatures of giants (including giants, trolls, and ogres). If a dwarf loses his positive Dexterity bonus to Defense (such as when flat-footed), this dodge bonus is lost.

Stability: Dwarves gain a +4 species bonus on ability checks to resist bull rush and trip attempts when standing on the ground (but not when climbing, flying, riding, or otherwise not standing firmly on the ground).

Darkvision: Dwarves can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and dwarves can function with no light at all.

Saving Throw Bonuses: Dwarves are highly resistant to toxins and innately resistant to magic. They gain a +2 species bonus on saving throws against poisons, spells, and spell-like abilities.

Skill Bonuses: Dwarves gain a +2 species bonus on Search checks to notice unusual stonework, new construction, unsafe surfaces, ceilings, and the like. A dwarf who merely passes within 10 feet of such exceptional construction can, as a free action, make a Search check (DC 15) as though he were actively searching for such.

Dwarves are naturally skilled mechanics and engineers. They gain a +2 species bonus on Craft (mechanical), Craft (structural), and Repair checks.

Bonus Feat: Dwarves gain the bonus feat Archaic Weapons Proficiency. Dwarves may treat dwarven urgroshes and dwarven waraxes as archaic weapons instead of exotic weapons.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Common (or local language), Read/Write Dwarven, Speak Common (or local language), Speak Dwarven.

Other Languages: Giant, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, Terran.



ELF

Size: Medium. Elves have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +2 Dexterity, –2 Constitution.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Low-Light Vision: Elves can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.

Spell Immunities: Elves are immune to sleep spells and effects, and they gain a +2 species bonus on saves against Enchantment spells or effects.

Skill Bonuses: Elves gain a +2 species bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks. An elf who merely passes within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door is entitled to a Search check to notice it as if she were actively looking for the door.

Bonus Feat: Elves gain the bonus feat Archaic Weapons Proficiency.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Common (or local language), Read/Write Elven, Speak Common (or local language), Speak Elven.

Other Languages: Draconic, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, Orc, Sylvan.



GNOME

Size: Small. Gnomes gain a +1 size bonus to Defense, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks. They suffer a –4 size penalty on grapple checks. Gnomes must use smaller weapons than humans use, and their lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters of those of a Medium character.

Ability Modifiers: –2 Strength, +2 Constitution.

Base Speed: 20 feet.

Special Combat Bonuses: Gnomes gain a +1 species bonus on attack rolls against bugbears, goblins (and other goblinoids), and kobolds. Gnomes also gain a +4 dodge bonus to their Defense against giant creatures (such as ogres and trolls); this bonus represents special training that gnomes undergo, during which they learn tricks that previous generations developed in their battles with giants. Note that any time a gnome loses his positive Dexterity bonus to Defense, such as when he’s caught flat-footed, he loses this dodge bonus, too.

Illusion Mastery: Add +1 to the Difficulty Class for all saving throws against Illusion spells cast by gnomes.

Speak with Animals: Once per day, a gnome can use speak with animals to speak with a burrowing mammal (a mole, gopher, ground hog, and so forth). It has a duration of 1 minute, and the gnome is considered a 1st-level caster when he uses this spell-like ability, regardless of his actual level.

Low-Light Vision: Gnomes can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.

Saving Throw Bonus: Gnomes gain a +2 species bonus on saving throws against illusions.

Skill Bonuses: Gnomes gain a +2 species bonus on Listen checks. Gnomes who have one or more ranks in the Craft (pharmaceutical) skill also gain a +2 species bonus on Craft (pharmaceutical) checks.

Bonus Feats: Gnomes gain the bonus feat Archaic Weapons Proficiency. They may treat gnome hooked hammers (see Chapter Two: Equipment) as archaic weapons instead of exotic weapons.

Gnomes with Charisma scores of 10 or higher gain the bonus feat Magical Heritage.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Common (or local language), Read/Write Gnome, Speak Common (or local language), Speak Gnome.

Other Languages: Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Goblin, Orc.



GOBLIN

Species Traits

Size: Small. Goblins gain a +1 size bonus to Defense, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks. They suffer a –4 size penalty on grapple checks. Goblins must use smaller weapons than humans use, and their lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters of those of a Medium character. See the Small Characters sidebar for more information.

Ability Modifiers: –2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, –2 Charisma.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Darkvision: Goblins can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and goblins can function with no light at all.

Skill Bonus: Goblins gain a +4 species bonus on Move Silently checks.

Bonus Feat: Goblins are keenly aware of their surroundings and gain the bonus feat Alertness.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Goblin, Speak Goblin.

Additional Languages: Common (or local language), Giant.



HALF-ELF

Size: Medium. Half-elves have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: None.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Elven Blood: For all effects related to species, a half-elf is considered an elf. Half-elves, for example, are just as susceptible to special effects that affect elves as their elven ancestors are, and they can use magic items that are only usable by elves.

Spell Immunities: Half-elves are immune to sleep spells and effects, and they gain a +2 species bonus on saves against Enchantment spells or effects.

Low-Light Vision: Half-elves can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.

Skill Bonuses: Half-elves gain a +1 species bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks. They gain a +2 species bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks.

Bonus Feat: Half-elves gain the bonus feat Archaic Weapons Proficiency.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Common (or local language), Read/Write Elven, Speak Common (or local language), Speak Elven.

Other Languages: Draconic, Dwarven, Gnome, Halfling, Sylvan.



HALF-ORC

Size: Medium. Half-orcs have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +2 Strength, –2 Intelligence, –2 Charisma.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Orc Blood: For all special abilities and effects, a half-orc is considered as an orc. Half-orcs, for example, are just as susceptible to special effects that affect orcs as their orcish ancestors are, and they can use magic items that are only usable by orcs.

Darkvision: Half-orcs can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and drow can function with no light at all.

Bonus Feat: Half-orcs gain the bonus feat Archaic Weapons Proficiency.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Common (or local language), Read/Write Orc, Speak Common (or local language), Speak Orc.

Other Languages: Abyssal, Draconic, Giant, Gnoll, Goblin.



HALFLING

Species Traits

Size: Small. Halflings gain a +1 size bonus to Defense, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks. They suffer a –4 size penalty on grapple checks. Halflings must use smaller weapons than humans use, and their lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters of those of a Medium character.

Ability Modifiers: –2 Strength, +2 Dexterity.

Base Speed: 20 feet.

Special Combat Bonuses: Halflings gain a +1 species bonus on attacks with thrown weapons and slings.

Saving Throw Bonuses: Halflings gain a +1 species bonus on all saving throws. In addition, they gain an additional +2 morale bonus on saving throws against fear.

Skill Bonuses: Halflings gain a +2 species bonus on Climb, Jump, Listen, and Move Silently checks.

Bonus Feat: Halflings gain the bonus feat Archaic Weapons Proficiency.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Common (or local language), Read/Write Halfling, Read/Write Language (any one), Speak Common (or local language), Speak Halfling, Speak Language (any one).

Other Languages: Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, Goblin, Orc.



ORC

Size: Medium. Orcs have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +4 Strength, –2 Intelligence, –2 Wisdom, –2 Charisma.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Darkvision: Orcs can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and orcs can function with no light at all.

Light Sensitivity: Orcs suffer a –1 penalty to attack rolls in bright sunlight or within the radius of effects or spells that duplicate bright sunlight (such as daylight).

Bonus Feats: Orcs receive the bonus feats Archaic Weapons Proficiency, Armor Proficiency (light), and Armor Proficiency (medium). They may treat orc double axes as archaic weapons instead of exotic weapons.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Orc, Speak Orc.

Other Languages: Common (or local language), Goblin, Giant.



SHADOWKIND HUMAN

Size: Medium. Shadowkind humans have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: None.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Saving Throw Bonuses: Shadowkind humans gain a +1 species bonus on all saving throws.

Bonus Feat: Shadowkind humans receive a bonus feat at 1st level. Unlike normal humans, this extra feat must be chosen from the following list:

Acrobatic, Alertness, Archaic Weapons Proficiency, Athletic, Attentive, Builder, Cautious, Confident, Creative, Deceptive, Divine Heritage, Educated, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (any one), Focused, Gearhead, Guide, Magical Heritage, Medical Expert, Meticulous, Nimble, Stealthy, Studious, Trustworthy.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Common (or local language), Speak Common (or local language).

Other Languages: Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Gnome, Halfling.



MORE POWERFUL SHADOWKIND



LEVEL ADJUSTMENT AND CHALLENGE RATING

Particularly powerful Shadowkind species have a Level Adjustment, which reflects how much more powerful these species are compared to “baseline” species (such as elves, dwarves, and humans). When you add this Level Adjustment to a character’s total class levels (or character level), the result is a character’s Challenge Rating (CR). The formula for determining a character’s Challenge Rating (CR) is as follows: CR = Character Level + Level Adjustment

CR is used to determine a character’s relative power compared to other characters.

A character’s CR is never used to determine how or when a character gains new skills and feats, nor does it have any effect on talents, spells, and abilities that use character levels. However, a character’s CR is used to determine how many experience points the character needs to advance in level (see Experience, below).



EXPERIENCE

Characters with a Level Adjustment of +1 or higher do not begin play with 0 XP, as humans and other “baseline” characters do. As representatives of more powerful Shadowkind species, they are assumed to have amassed XP before taking their first class level. Powerful Shadowkind use their CR instead of level when determining the experience they start with and the amount needed to gain a level.



AASIMAR

Size: Medium. Aasimars have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Outsider Traits: As outsiders, aasimars cannot be raised from the dead.

Darkvision: Aasimars can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and aasimars can function with no light at all.

Energy Resistance: Aasimars have acid, cold and electricity resistance 5.

Spell-Like Abilities: Aasimars can use the light spell once per day, as cast by an Acolyte of the assimar’s character level.

Allegiance: Aasimars must begin play with an allegiance to good.

Skill Bonuses: Aasimars gain a +2 species bonus on Listen and Spot checks.

Bonus Feat: Aasimars receive either Archaic Weapons Proficiency or Simple Weapons Proficiency as a bonus feat.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Celestial, Read/Write Language (any one), Speak Celestial, Speak Language (any one).

Other Languages: Any Shadow or Earth-based languages.

Level Adjustment: +1.



BUGBEAR

Size: Medium. Bugbears have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +4 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +2 Constitution, –2 Charisma.

Extra Starting Hit Dice: A bugbear gains 3 Hit Dice (3d8 hit points). The bugbears’s Constitution modifier applies to each Hit Die when determining hit points.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Natural Armor Bonus: Bugbears have tough hides and gain a +3 natural armor bonus to Defense.

Attack Bonus: Bugbears gain a +2 species bonus on attack rolls.

Darkvision: Bugbears can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and bugbears can function with no light at all.

Scent: Bugbears may use their keen sense of smell to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.

Allegiance: Bugbears must begin play with an allegiance to chaos, evil, or both.

Skill Bonus: Bugbears gain a +4 species bonus on Move Silently checks.

Bonus Feat: Bugbears gain the bonus feat Simple Weapons Proficiency.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Goblin (or local language), Speak Goblin (or local language).

Other Languages: Giant, Gnoll, Orc, Undertongue.

Level Adjustment: +2.



DRAGONBLOODED HUMAN

Size: Medium. Dragonblooded humans have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Natural Weapon (Claw): Dragonblooded humans may use their sharp claws to deal lethal (slashing) damage instead of nonlethal damage with an unarmed attack. Attacks made with natural weapons do not provoke attacks of opportunity. Feats such as Combat Martial Arts may increase the amount of damage dealt.

Low-Light Vision: Draconic humans can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.

Darkvision: Dragonblooded humans can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and dragonblooded humans can function with no light at all.

Saving Throw Bonuses: Dragonblooded humans gain a +4 species bonus on saves against sleep and paralysis.

Skill Bonuses: Dragonblooded humans gain a +2 species bonus on Intimidate and Spot skill checks.

Bonus Feat: Dragonblooded humans receive either Archaic Weapons Proficiency or Simple Weapons Proficiency as a bonus feat.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Draconic, Read/Write Language (any one), Speak Draconic, Speak Language (any one).

Other Languages: Any Shadow or Earth-based languages.

Level Adjustment: +1.



DROW (DARK ELF)

Size: Medium. Drow have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +2 Dexterity, –2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence,+2 Charisma.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Darkvision: Drow can see in the dark up to 120 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and drow can function with no light at all.

Light Blindness: Abrupt exposure to bright light (such as sunlight or a daylight spell) blinds a drow for 1 round. In addition, drow take a –1 circumstance penalty on all attack rolls, saves, and checks while operating in bright light. Sunglasses and tinted visors can negate light blindness.

Spell Immunities: Drow are immune to sleep spells and effects, and they gain a +2 species bonus on saves against Enchantment spells or effects. They also gain a +2 species bonus on Will saves against spells and spell-like abilities.

Spell Resistance: A drow gains spell resistance equal to 11 + the drow’s character level (if any).

Skill Bonuses: Drow gain a +2 species bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks. A drow who merely passes within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door is entitled to a Search check (as a free action) to notice it as if she were actively looking for the door.

Bonus Feat: Drow receive Archaic Weapons Proficiency as a bonus feat.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Elven, Read/Write Language (any one), Speak Elven, Speak Language (any one).

Other Languages: Abyssal, Aquan, Common, Draconic, Drow Sign Language, Gnome, Goblin, Kuo-toan, Undertongue.

Level Adjustment: +2.



GNOLL

Size: Medium. Gnolls have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +4 Strength, +2 Constitution, –2 Intelligence, –2 Charisma.

Extra Starting Hit Dice: A gnoll gains 2 Hit Dice (2d8 hit points). The gnoll’s Constitution modifier applies to each Hit Die when determining hit points.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Natural Armor Bonus: Gnolls have tough hides and gain a +1 natural armor bonus to Defense.

Attack Bonus: Gnolls gain a +1 species bonus on attack rolls.

Darkvision: Gnolls can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and gnolls can function with no light at all.

Allegiance: Gnolls must begin play with an allegiance to chaos, evil, or both.

Bonus Feat: Gnolls gain the bonus feat Simple Weapons Proficiency.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Gnoll (or local language), Speak Gnoll (or local language).

Other Languages: Common, Goblin, Orc.

Level Adjustment: +1.



HALF-DRAGON

Size: Medium. Half-dragons have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +8 Strength (+4 Strength if half-dragon has wings), +2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2 Charisma.

Base Speed: 30 feet. Weaker half-dragons have wings and can fly 30 feet (average maneuverability).

Natural Armor Bonus: Half-dragons have scaly hides and gain a +4 natural armor bonus to Defense.

Natural Weapons (Bite, Claw): A half-dragon can replace an unarmed attack with a bite attack (1d3 points of lethal piercing damage) or claw attack (1d3 points of lethal slashing damage). Using natural weapons to deal lethal damage does not provoke attacks of opportunity. Feats such as Combat Martial Arts may increase the amount of damage dealt.

Breath Weapon: A half-dragon can use its breath weapon once per day. A half-dragon may also spend an action point to use its breath weapon, but each extra use of its breath weapon costs 1 action point. The type of breath weapon depends on the color of the half-dragon, as shown in Table: Half-Dragons. The save DC against the halfdragon’s breath weapon equals 10 + 1/2 the half-dragon’s character level (rounded down) + the half-dragon’s Constitution modifier.

Low-Light Vision: Half-dragons can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.

Darkvision: Half-dragon humans can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and half-dragon humans can function with no light at all.

Immunities: Half-dragons are immune to sleep, paralysis, and one type of energy (see Table 1–5: Half-Dragons).

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Draconic, Read/Write Language (any one), Speak Draconic, Speak Language (any one).

Other Languages: Any Shadow or Earth-based languages.

Level Adjustment: +3.



TABLE: HALF-DRAGONS

Type

Breath Weapon1

Energy Immunity

Black

60-foot line of acid

(6d4 points of acid damage; Reflex half)

Acid

Blue

60-foot line of electricity

(6d8 points of electricity damage; Reflex half)

Electricity

Brass

30-foot cone of sleep gas

(fall asleep for 1d6 rounds; Will negates)

Fire2

Bronze

30-foot cone of repulsion gas

(move away for 1d6 rounds; Will negates)

Electricity

Copper

30-foot cone of slow gas

(slowed, as the spell, for 1d6 rounds; Will negates)

Acid

Gold

30-foot cone of weaknening gas

(1d2 temporary Str damage; Fortitude negates)

Fire2

Green

30-foot cone of corrosive gas

(6d6 points of acid damage; Reflex half)

Acid

Red

30-foot cone of fire

(6d10 points of fire damage; Reflex half)

Fire2

Silver

30-foot cone of paralyzing gas

(paralyzed for 1d6 rounds; Fortitude negates)

Cold3

White

30-foot cone of cold

(6d6 points of cold damage; Reflex half)

Cold3

1 All lines are 5 feet high, 5 feet wide, and 60 feet long. All cones are 30 feet long and 30 feet wide at the base.

2 Dragons with fire immunity take 50% more damage against cold-based attacks.

3 Dragons with cold immunity take 50% more damage against fire-based attacks.




HALF-OGRE

Size: Medium. Half-ogres have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +4 Strength, –2 Dexterity, +2 Constitution, –2 Intelligence, –2 Charisma.

Extra Starting Hit Dice: A half-ogre gains 2 Hit Dice (2d8 hit points). The half-ogre’s Constitution modifier applies to each Hit Die when determining hit points.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Natural Armor Bonus: Half-ogres have thick hides and gain a +3 natural armor bonus to Defense.

Attack Bonus: Half-ogres gain a +1 species bonus on attack rolls.

Low-Light Vision: Half-ogres can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions

Bonus Feat: Half-ogres gain the bonus feat Simple Weapons Proficiency.

Free Language Skills: Speak Giant (or local language).

Other Languages: Common, Gnoll, Goblin, Orc, Undertongue.

Level Adjustment: +1.



LARGE CHARACTERS

Large characters take a –1 size penalty to Defense, a –1 size penalty on attack rolls, and a –4 size penalty on Hide checks. Large characters gain a +4 bonus on grapple checks.

Large characters’ lifting and carrying limits are twice of those of Medium characters.

Large characters generally move as fast as Medium characters.

Large characters may use larger weapons than Medium characters. A Large character may wield a weapon of Large size in one hand and a Huge weapon in two hands. A Large character treats a weapon of Medium or smaller as a light weapon.

Armor for Large creatures must be custom-made and weighs twice as much as Medium armor of similar type. Increase the purchase DC of Large armor by +2.



OGRE

Size: Large. Ogres take a –1 size penalty to Defense and a –1 size penalty on attack rolls. They gain a +4 size bonus on grapple checks and suffer a –4 size penalty on Hide checks.

Ability Modifiers: +10 Strength, –2 Dexterity, +4 Constitution, –4 Intelligence, –4 Charisma.

Extra Starting Hit Dice: An ogre gains 4 Hit Dice (4d8 hit points). The ogre’s Constitution modifier applies to each Hit Die when determining hit points.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Natural Armor Bonus: Ogres have thick hides and gain a +5 natural armor bonus to Defense.

Attack Bonus: Ogres gain a +3 species bonus on attack rolls.

Fighting Space: As Large creatures, ogres occupy a 10-foot-by-10-foot fighting space.

Reach: As Large creatures, ogres have a 10-foot reach.

Low-Light Vision: Ogres can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions

Allegiance: Ogres must begin play with an allegiance to chaos, evil, or both.

Bonus Feat: Ogres gain either Archaic Weapons Proficiency or Simple Weapons Proficiency as a bonus feat.

Free Language Skills: Speak Giant (or local language).

Other Languages: Common, Gnoll, Goblin, Orc, Undertongue.

Level Adjustment: +3.



TIEFLING

Size: Medium. Tieflings have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Ability Modifiers: +2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, –2 Charisma.

Base Speed: 30 feet.

Outsider Traits: As outsiders, tieflings can’t be raised from the dead.

Darkvision: Tieflings can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and tieflings can function with no light at all.

Energy Resistance: Tieflings have cold, electricity, and fire resistance 5.

Spell-Like Abilities: A tiefling can use the darkness spell once per day, as cast by an Acolyte of the tiefling’s character level.

Allegiance: Tieflings must begin play with an allegiance to evil.

Skill Bonuses: Tieflings gain a +2 species bonus on Bluff and Hide checks.

Bonus Feat: Tieflings receive either Archaic Weapons Proficiency or Simple Weapons Proficiency as a bonus feat.

Free Language Skills: Read/Write Abyssal or Infernal, Read/Write Language (any one), Speak Abyssal or Infernal, Speak Language (any one).

Other Languages: Any Shadow or Earth-based languages.

Level Adjustment: +1.

The rest is in the docs, this is just for speed use.

ShadowDawn
20th of April, 2005, 15:03
Cool, thanks.

nightinverse
20th of April, 2005, 15:09
Just go download the full MSRD.

I'm going to erect the forum request, with the absentee DS and S_L included... because they never complain, and they did seem to be in.

nightinverse
20th of April, 2005, 15:59
Grrr... My forum request did not go smoothly...

The Hive Custodian
20th of April, 2005, 16:00
Are shadowkind actually going to be shadow, or are they "real" inhabitants of the world?

nightinverse
21st of April, 2005, 03:26
They are real inhabitants. Oh, and the forum is up. My title is "Greyscale World"... I think somebody may have tacked on the "World" bit 'cause I don't remember it... but then again, I'm damn ill.

Shadow_Link
22nd of April, 2005, 12:56
I'm in. To let everyone know, I'm playing a radio-style detective. You know, like Sam Spade and such.

nightinverse
22nd of April, 2005, 15:30
Yay! You can take that to the OOC now...

nightinverse
30th of April, 2005, 15:33
As the forum is up, this thread will close.