[Mechanics] Options and Variants

[Belros]

Ok, here I will post any optional or variant rules that we will use during the game.

If you have any questions or comments about them, please post in the OOC area so that we can keep this area relatively clean. Thanks!

[Belros]

Hero Points I'm not a fan of the whole Hero Point concept but I've allowed one in game so we'll use them but I am going to change them up a bit. So here is how I will change them up. 1. You only get 1 HP every OTHER level. So you get 1 at 1st level, 3rd level, 5th level, 7th level, etc. 2. You can have a maximum of 3 at a time. So, if you get to 7th level and you have 3 already then you won't get another one. 3. We will not use Hero Point Feats, Spells or Magic Items. 4. With the exception of these two rules we will use them as directed here. As with anything, these rules are subject to change by the GM at any time.

[Shadow0136]

Sounds fine, the only reason that I personally think that they should ever be used myself is on a single roll once in a while. To hopefully save a crucial situation (Such as "Stop the Fleeing Lookout")

[doggius]

I play in mostly PF games, as of late and I do find that the Hero point system can be advantageous to both the players and GM, if used properly. But that's the key. To be honest, though, I usually forget that I have one or to even use them..

[Belros]

High Level Magic Wanted to go ahead and begin this thread to update you all on how high-level magic is going to work in this campaign should you ever reach those levels or have access to it. This will be important even for those who are of the divine or arcane sort but who will seek to employ those types because certain spells might not be available to it. So, the reason for this change is because I don't like the idea of kings, dukes, high level priests, or arch-wizards being able to send messages across great distances that cannot be intercepted or altered, etc. In my mind it takes away the fun and possibility of employing beggars to watch a residence to see who comes and goes, or bribing (or bedding) the maid-in-waiting in order to get information, or kidnapping and holding some loved one for ransom in order to gain information or assistance. I mean those things are not really necessary if you can just divine the information you need or magically spy on someone. Boring. And just imagine the fun you miss out on in trying to ride down that rider that is carrying the request for more troops from the besieged city or some other important message if they could just magically send that message. So, that's the reason behind this change. Now, what all that will effect and how is still a work in progress. I will be working on a list of spells that are either not available or are way too expensive for anyone to ever really use more than in the most extreme or dire of circumstances, or some other reason for interference. All that will grow in time. For now, just be forewarned of this change and I hope that it will add some fun and interesting challenges as well as role-playing opportunities as you won't be able to just magically receive the answers you seek but must actually work to seek them out!

[Belros]

House Rules These are house rules. That means that, instead of the normal system, we're using these. Naturally, these are negotiable. Do so in the Out of Character thread. Passive checks: for Sense Motive and Perception checks, unless you state you wish to make such a check, I will take a 10 and add your check to it. That means that any time you walk into a room, your Passive Perception check will be made. Now, if you want to roll a check to see what remains unseen, you can make it yourself. I also do Passive checks for Knowledge as well. As long as you have the Knowledge check appropriate for a situation, I'll give you the nitty-gritty. If you want to make the check yourself, the same applies as above. Here's some examples:   John Locke is having a casual conversation with Ayn Rand, and Rand makes a Bluff check that gets to 16, because she's evil. Now, John Locke's player doesn't know that. I make a Passive Sense Motive. John Locke has a +7 to Sense Motive because he's a Paladin and into that sort of thing. I add that to a 10, making it 17. I tell John Locke's player that Ayn Rand is lying, and what gave it away. Alternate Perception scenario: Indiana Jones and Jack Sparrow walk into the Temple of Doom. Far-feteched, as they likely flew by mechanism of some trap. Anyway, I describe the setting, and do a Passive Perception check for both. Indy has a +4 to Perception, while Captain Jack has a +9. That means Indy has 14 and Jackie has 19 for their Passive Perception check. Indy doesn't notice the giant snake, but Jack does. As they explore, Indy decides to look more closely, and rolls, getting a 24 before promptly having a fit about the giant snake. He hates snakes. Knowledge example: Elric of Melnibone, the last Emperor of that great empire, is a Magus. He has Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (history). His employer, a fat baron of Tanerlorn, makes mention of the Black Gods of Vellicore. While the first assumption of Elric's player is to make a check, I check his Knowledge (history) and (arcana). History is a +16, and Arcana is +19, so I tell him of the dark history of human sacrifice of the denizens of Vellicore for the Black Gods, while Arcana informs him that the Black Gods are ancient magicians and dragon-masters who preserve themselves by drinking the blood of others: not quite vampires, but close enough. It cuts out a step. The following Knowledge checks can be used Untrained: Geography, History, Local, Noble, Nature, and Religion. These can be justified in that everyone knows a little about each topic, but that doesn't mean they're particularly proficient at it. Other Knowledge checks may not be made Untrained. Piecemeal Armor - At the player's convenience, they may make their own suit of Armor using Armor found around the game, as well as buy their own sets. This allows as much customization as the player wants. Combat Maneuvers - Almost all Paizo CM will be possible in battle. These rules are subject to negotiation, please do so in the OOC thread. Others may be added as they become relevant.