tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143435314932633148.post1718578612208684141..comments2024-03-29T00:46:13.625-07:00Comments on B/X BLACKRAZOR: B/X MountebankJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263662621289630246noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143435314932633148.post-40825116314105202862010-09-02T08:14:09.461-07:002010-09-02T08:14:09.461-07:00This is great too : "...and PCs might be cons...This is great too : "...and PCs might be constantly wondering if they hired an actual magic-user or a mountebank (especially considering they can use wands and such)."<br /><br />I worked up a slight variant to playtest the next game of D&D that I run; there are differences but it's basically rooted in this Mountebank. It's far too verbose to post, but I thought i'd list the level titles for fun. Originally the first level title was "Carny" but I decided it didn't have that Gygaxian ring to it. Oh, and I'm still tempted to have the "name level" title just be "Wizard." :)<br /><br />1 Huckster<br />2 Humbug<br />3 Quacksalver<br />4 Four-flusher<br />5 Charlatan<br />6 Cozener<br />7 Inveigler<br />8 Bamboozler<br />9 Ringmaster<br />10 10th Level RingmasterWelcome to Dungeon!https://www.blogger.com/profile/14346914156633328775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143435314932633148.post-83915976572151408612010-09-02T07:26:55.077-07:002010-09-02T07:26:55.077-07:00Well done. And level titles - always a fan of leve...Well done. And level titles - always a fan of level titles!John Matthew Staterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02310914386482078369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143435314932633148.post-20618829745894813382010-09-02T06:13:43.512-07:002010-09-02T06:13:43.512-07:00@ Cole:
Thanks! Some notes:
- I don't see mo...@ Cole:<br /><br />Thanks! Some notes:<br /><br />- I don't see mountebanks as "scholars;" in general they are flim-flam artists in their own language. With a prime req of Int, they can raise their ability to speak languages at character creation, should players wish the character to have the "gift of tongues."<br /><br />- The ability to confuse appears magical but isn't. A save versus spells appears appropriate due to A) higher level characters being more resistant (better saves), and B) higher wisdom characters being more resistant. I like to work within the normal rules of B/X whenever possible. <br /><br />- 50 GP is a lot for low level characters...I was actually considering it at 75 or 100 and still think that's not a bad idea. For low level characters, this ability is to be used sparingly (pick your moment, like a 1st level MU's one spell). High level characters can use it more frequently, based on funds (and emphasize their "magical" abilties).<br /><br />One possible side benefit of including this class...magic-users may become a lot more rare and powerful, and PCs might be constantly wondering if they hired an actual magic-user or a mountebank (especially considering they can use wands and such). I see the mountebank as a bit like a human "wand of wonder;" you never quite know what he/she is going to do next!<br />; )JBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08532311924539491087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143435314932633148.post-62715275322144625242010-09-01T23:30:25.748-07:002010-09-01T23:30:25.748-07:00I dig this. Good work! I like the use of the Moldv...I dig this. Good work! I like the use of the Moldvay reaction mechanic. <br /><br />I think SPEAKING languages is more fitting to the Mountebank than reading them - maybe instead, at 4th level, if he gets a certain value on an intelligence based Reaction check, it turns out he "picked up" Cloud Giantese somewhere!<br /><br />Maybe there is a way to work the Confusion effect via Reaction roll instead of Saving Throw to shore up its nonmagical nature - that's probably easier to do than with a Save but I think it would be more fun if the "spell" could be broken by someone bringing the victims to their senses. Or maybe the Mountebank has to maintain the charade with a minimum result after the first.<br /><br />50 GP isn't that much money beyond a certain point but is a lot to a beginner. Maybe as long as he has a kit of "Mountebank's Tools," under normal circumstances he could make a dose of smoke powder per day or week, with more at higher levels - I think there could also be room for sneezing or itching powders, or "monster repellent" that would work with the "Pursued by Monsters" rules.<br /><br />This is just great : <br /><br />In general, the only way a mountebank will ever become a dominion ruler is through impersonation of a warlord, wizard, or patriarch. <br /><br />Well played sir!Welcome to Dungeon!https://www.blogger.com/profile/14346914156633328775noreply@blogger.com