Spawning Grounds (character creation)

[Inferno]

Here is the mad laboratory where the players will bring their characters to life.

[Inferno]

Character Creation:

Game System: AD&D 1e by the book, except where noted below.

Tone: Fantasy Horror

Stats: Choose from one of the following arrays, and assign as you like. No modifications except for racial. Fyi, each array has an average of 12.5.

• A) 18, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8
  B) 17, 15, 13, 12, 9, 9
  C) 16, 14, 13, 13, 10, 9
  D) 15, 15, 15, 11, 10, 9

Both Int and Cha must be at least an 8. You're leading an investigation, not a war party.

Race and Class: Any from 1e PHB except assassins. No Unearthed Arcana.

Starting xp: 2,502 points each.

Hit points: Maximum for first level. You’ll roll the rest on the US dice roller. Re-roll 1s.

Alignment: No evil or chaotic neutral characters. Briarsgate's got trouble enough of its own!

Starting GP, as per the players handbook, x2 due to your xp.

Spell casters: I’ll provide the spells in your spellbook.

One magical item for each character; a +1 item or equivalent.

Unseen servant dice roller will be used for tracking.

The world is a horror fantasy version of Greyhawk.

Thanks!

[OGRE MAGE]

I'm leaning towards Druid a lot now unless someone objects.

Any idea on a start date yet Inferno?

[Inferno]

A day after we have approved character sheets for everyone. The sooner the better.

[Zhym]

I had been thinking of a druid too. It's been a while since I've played one (and I don't think I've had one on these forums yet). I probably wouldn't fight over it, though, especially since I've been waffling on what to play.

The pick-a-list-of-stats system is not good for me. Too many options. I do much better with rolling straight down the line.

[DadsAngry]

I made up an elven magic-user/thief.

[OGRE MAGE]

I had been thinking of a druid too. It's been a while since I've played one (and I don't think I've had one on these forums yet). I probably wouldn't fight over it, though, especially since I've been waffling on what to play.

The pick-a-list-of-stats system is not good for me. Too many options. I do much better with rolling straight down the line.

Well, I'm half done with mine but I'm cool with starting over with something else if you want to go with Druid instead.

[DadsAngry]

Can my +1 magic item be +1 thieves tools?

[Zhym]

Nah, you can have the druid. I'll either go with a paladin or maybe someone elfish.

The problem with running a paladin is that you really need two high stats to make a good paladin. Plus, they're kind of pains in the ass in any situation requiring subtlety or subterfuge.

On a somewhat related note: can thieves use bows?

[OGRE MAGE]

[DadsAngry]

On a somewhat related note: can thieves use bows?

Surprisingly no. I would have said yes if I didn't look it up.

[Zhym]

Yeah—that's why I was asking Inferno if he had a house rule on that, since a lot of DMs allow thieves to use short bows.

Thieves getting to use bows turns out to be another UA addition. So I guess that's out.

That's UA in a nutshell for me: 95% of it is total crap IMO, but the other 5% loosens up some things I think are too tight in the PHB.

[Zhym]

So now I'm thinking of a half-orc fighter. And, just for kicks, I had this thought about making him mute. He could communicate with basic sign language, but that's it.

Is the muteness thing something that would be a problem in this game?

[Mister-Kent]

Working on a human ranger. Never played one before--thinking he'll be a good "monster hunter" type

[Zhym]

If we have a fighter with 18 strength, do we roll for exceptional strength?

For our +1 item, do we need to pay anything for it? For example, could I outfit my half-orc fighter with +1 plate mail?

[Inferno]

Can my +1 magic item be +1 thieves tools?

Yes.

[Inferno]

On a somewhat related note: can thieves use bows?

Nope. Club, dagger, dart, sling, sword. As per the PHB 1e, p. 19.

[Inferno]

So now I'm thinking of a half-orc fighter. And, just for kicks, I had this thought about making him mute. He could communicate with basic sign language, but that's it.

Is the muteness thing something that would be a problem in this game?

Probably, in that it would somewhat hinder investigation of a mystery.
I don't want anyone to get too bored during the investigation phase because their character design blocks them from particiapting.
But it's up to you.

[Inferno]

If we have a fighter with 18 strength, do we roll for exceptional strength?

For our +1 item, do we need to pay anything for it? For example, could I outfit my half-orc fighter with +1 plate mail?

Yes, after he's 90% done, we'l roll for exceptional strength. I don't want to roll it before you're committed to a fighter.

You buy the mundane armor or sword or lockpicks with your starting gold, and chose to make it your +1 item.

[Inferno]

Seeing some sheets starting to come in. Thanks. So far so good!

Looking forward to the background write ups!

Equipment will be monitored. If it's not on the sheet, you don't have it.

Also, please fill out your THAC0's on the weapons section.

Thanks.