[Mechanics] Competition rules and rules queries

[Scimmy]

For scrolls, normally it requires two steps to be able to use them. Can the deciphering step be assumed complete as long as your character can use read magic? Otherwise using any scroll requires two rounds in outplay.

Note that deciphering scrolls ahead of time is explicitly called out as normal when using scrolls.

Yes, you start out knowing what the contents of the scroll you own are - in the same way that all of the magic items you possess have been properly identified. However, if there is a check required to use a scroll, you will need to make that in game with the normal chance of success or failure.

[ParzivalFair]

[DAquilina]

Originally Posted by Fwalin McFundin

Count me in.

Is it two traits with a drawback? Traits and Drawbacks are not included in Outplay.

With the exceptional of taking the Additional Traits feat, right? Correct. Note that you will be limited to traits from the APG, based on the core +1 rule.

Also note that local campaign feats may not be applicable, as you will not be in your home city/town.

[oztk]

One of the Pathfinder questions made me curious/paranoid: what, precisely, is a "consumable magic item" in 5e? Obviously potions and scrolls are meant to be consumable, but things with multiple charges I was unsure about. The tag doesn't seem to be applied to items in the DMG (at least my copy); you can filter by "consumable" on DnDBeyond but the results are patently inconsistent: Deck of Illusions and Beads of force do show up as consumable, but Necklace of Fireballs does not. Ioun Stone shows up as consumable for some inscrutable reason, Elemental Gems do not.

Elemental Gems and Keoghtom's Ointment seem the obvious candidates for border cases.


Beyond that specific rules question, I am finding it a fine line between balancing the outsize power of consumables (even some that definitely are 'meant' to be 'consumable') in a short campaign, vs. being so cheesy it's not fun / annoys the judges.

That's a good question. We will treat single-use items as consumables, and items with multiple available uses as non-consumable for the purpose of this contest. This is similar to the existing rule about ammunition: a bundle of ammo is treated as "non-consumable". So in your particular edge cases, that would make an elemental gem consumable and Keoghtom's Ointment non-consumable. That means (most) potions and scrolls are consumable, as you point out, but wands and staves with a re-charge would never be consumable.

Pathfinder has much more room for abuse of consumable single-use items than 5e does, which is why there are many more explicit rules limiting their use in the PF bracket than the 5e bracket. But I want to be clear: we take the same dim view to mechanics cheese in both systems to an equal extent. Historically, we've just had to rein in 5e a lot less, because of the basae nature of the system. But I have no intention of applying a double standard. If someone is abusing 5e rules and items in a way that is forbidden in PF, I will default to applying the same spirit of the PF rules to 5e as well.

[creed]

5e/pathfinder (havne't decided which direction to go) - Thinking of doing an anti-paladin as mention in the bodhi's guide to paladin's and anti-paladins, wondered if that would be considered acceptable as a source?

That resource is not on the approved list for either system.

[Scimmy]

Originally Posted by creed

5e/pathfinder (havne't decided which direction to go) - Thinking of doing an anti-paladin as mention in the bodhi's guide to paladin's and anti-paladins, wondered if that would be considered acceptable as a source?

That resource is not on the approved list for either system.

Check the things the guide is suggesting. Usually they are pointing to official sources. You could use a guide as long as the things you pull are from approved sources and you only use the correct number.

True indeed

[Scimmy]

Is an item than can be used once per day but is otherwise unlimited in its use considered a “single-use” item for this competition? If it recharges daily, it can be re-used and is therefore not a ‘single use’ item.

[Scimmy]

Custom magic items following the value rules in the pf crb? Custom Magic items are not allowed in Pathfinder.

[Scimmy]

Specific metamagic rods are listed in the CRB but the pricing scheme is the same since it’s based on spell level adjustment. Can any metamagic feats available in your book be made as rods following that pricing scheme? Nope, only items specifically listed are allowed.

[Yuul]

Secreted for build relevance.

[Yuul]

Additionally for Pathfinder, if Advanced Player's Guide is our +1, can we use the alternate favored class bonuses?

From the same book, alternate racial traits?

Yes and yes but keep in mind that a gnome who trades out gnome magic for an alternate racial trait does not qualify for abilities that augment or modify gnome magic. Maintain consistency.

[Qiksilv]

In Pf can magic ammunition like 'Sleep Arrow' be purchased as a 'Sleep Bolt' or 'Sleep Bullet' (Sling) instead?

For the sake of consistency, you must purchase the items as is.

[Scimmy]

Originally Posted by Qiksilv

In Pf can magic ammunition like 'Sleep Arrow' be purchased as a 'Sleep Bolt' or 'Sleep Bullet' (Sling) instead?

Obviously not an official answer but it seems the answer will be no since this is similar to my question on metamagic rods. Also it’s under “specific weapons” which is more evidence it will be a no.

[Blackfyre]

As long as they contain only items from the Core Books is it ok to use the equipment kits for easier bookkeeping? Even if the source for the kit is not the chosen extra book? (If the price for the kit differs from the price of the individual items put together, then it's obviously a no, but they aren't are they?)

No please buy the 'kits' piecemeal, or à la carte. There are actually some very large discrepancies, especially in weight for some of the even the 'core' kits. For example, the druid kit costs 3s, 6c less than the piecemeal buy, but the weight is almost forty pounds less!

[Antipode]

Completed applications are instructed not to edit the character sheet until the end of the competition. Once actual play begins, does that include marking effects as expended and consumables as, well, consumed? And so forth? Correct. Do not update your character sheet in competition. You can mark consumables, abilities and spells used in spoilers at the bottom of each post.

If you prefer, make a copy of your character sheet which you can update at your leisure however to prevent shenaniganry we ask not to update the character sheet you submit.