Flute of Dancing

Inspired by a recent history of heresy in medieval times, and Richard Wunderli's telling of the story of the Drummer of Niklashausen, Hans Behem, here is a magic item that should please fans of the Pied Piper of Hamlin.

This flute appears to be a normal, oversized flute. When played by a person who succeeds on a DC 15 Perform (wind instruments) check, the flute creates an hypnotic rhythm of a tune. Those within 30 feet who fail DC 20 Will saves are forced to dance for 2d6 rounds. Those affected can still attack, but at a -4. They also receive a +2 bonus to AC while dancing.

Flutes of dancing can be sounded with this effect twice a day.

Faint enchantment; CL 4th; Craft Wondrous Item, scare; Price 5,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.

Cunning

Michael Kane, a new contributor to Claw/Claw/Bite, came up with this new skill that gives DMs and players a fun way to introduce some cinematic action and daring-do into their games.

If you wish to use it in your game, you could make it available as a class skill to rogues, bards, and other quick martial characters.

Cunning (Wis+Int) - Take the average of the two scores.

You are a quick thinker. You can quickly survey a area and see cause and effect. A decorative rug on the floor looks nice to everyone else but to you its a trip attempt, or an elaborate pulley system on a boat is complex, but you know which rope to cut that could pull you to safety and possibly collapse the sails on its crew.

Check- A successful check lets you spot out situations that could come to be. Once in a area you scan the room paying more attention to detail then everyone else. Dms can use this skill in their game, either to place fun and creative situations on the pre-existing maps or make it up from the hip during gameplay.

DC: All check DC will be determined by the DM. A handy rule of thumb - DCs can be set at 10 + Encounter Level for easy tasks, +5 to spot harder situations, or +10 for really tough longshot situations.

Task: Example: Nadira the crafty little Rouge walks into the Thirsty Throat Saloon. The bar is full of patrons all having too much of a good old time. She could make a Cunning check to notice a simple rope holding up a chandler made of antlers, wooden barrels of ale sitting at the the top of a stairway, or a floor plank that is loose and that could be shot up with a solid stomp - causing damage or tripping someone over.

Example: Nadira is on top of a moving carriage being chased by bandits. A standing dead tree on the side of the road just needs a good yank to come tumbling down, stopping the bandits from their chase. Dms can use multiple skills together making a situation have a possible out come good or bad. Here's a round-by round example of how it could be played out:

1st round: While on-top of the carriage Nidira notices the dead tree ahead and quickly pulls out some rope.
2nd: Attempting to make a lasso Use rope DC 12, if its a success she will be granted a +2 circumstance to lasso the tree, if failed Nadira can another attempt next round
3rd: Lasso in hand Nadira will spend the round setting up for the touch attack on the dead tree (+2), rope in hand Use Rope DC 12, if fail situation is missed
4th: Nadira make touch attack to lasso tree AC 11, if failed situation is missed
5th: Rope is lassoed to tree and rope is beginning to tighten (this is where the good or bad situation occurs) Nadira makes a Wis DC 12-14 if successful she'll notice that she doesn't have enough weight to pull the dead tree down and can attempt to tie the rope to the railing of the carriage, if failed Nadira will hold on to rope.
6th: The rope will tighten on the railing and dead tree will come toppling down on the bandits, or if she is still holding on to the rope Nadira is yanked from the carriage and is swung towards the bandits. Nadira makes a swinging kick attack at the surprised bandit knocking him off of his mount. They both tumble to the ground. Nadira may use the downed bandits horse to catch up with the party.

This skill is optional for a player and a DM to use in the game. There is no limit to the creativity of craftiness.

-Michael Kane

Alternative Level Advancement System

Sean K. Reynolds, co-designer of 3rd edition D&D, has shared an alternative character leveling system he developed that uses "Steps" instead of XP. Read all about it on his site here!

DnFnD

Inspired by the Friday and Saturday night shift running of the Tower of Gygax at GENCON 2009, I have begun to delve deeper into 1st Edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, and have been reminded of why I liked this edition so much as a kid. I'm documenting pros and cons of this (just about) original edition at DnFnD.blogspot.com.

Follow along if you too want to reminisce.

Arcane Runethrower

This prestige class is a natural fit for dwarven spellcasters steeped in their runic lore.

Arcane runethrowers have honed their stonecutting skill to be able to precisely chisel arcane runes into them. These runes replace most standard material components (excluding any with material cost and any others that the DM deems essential) when the spell is to be cast. Arcane runethrowers cast their runes and intone arcane words to bring about their spell effects.

NPC runethrowers usually lead lead solitary lives in towers and reclaimed caves. Some specialize in a particular set of runes, organizing into groups that trade their runes among themselves.

Hit Die: d6.

Requirements

To qualify to become an arcane runethrower, a character must fulfill the following criteria.

Alignment: Any
Skills: Spellcraft +6, Craft (Stonecutting) +6

Class Skills

Arcane runethrowers are intended to hone their Spellcraft and Knowledge: Arcana skills while keeping their tools and Stonecarving skills sharp.

Class Features

Arcane runethrowers gain the ability to cast spells at the same rate as sorcerers, and can elect to use their dexterity bonuses the way sorcerers use intelligence. They gain access to all the spells up to their arcane runethrower level plus any levels of spellcasting they have acquired through other classes. In addition, the following skills are are available: Concentration, Knowledge: Arcana, Knowledge: Dungeoneering, Spellcraft, Stonecarving, and Use Magic Device.

Arcane Skill Bonus: For every 10 points (ranks + ability modifier + misc modifier) in Stonecarving, arcane runethrowers cast spells at an additional level.

Initiative Around the Table

One variant that I have seen work well in multiple sessions is having whoever wins the initiative start the round, and have play proceed around the table from there at the discretion of the first player. This makes it easier to know who moves next, and players can stay close to the action until their turn is up before grabbing a snack or using the restroom.

This can really keep the action moving, but may upset players who want to go next. Use at your own risk.

Silvex

The two rakshasas go by Zilves and Chanaras when they take their human forms, the bards from the Salty Grog. This is where they learn their stories which they weave into stories, stories into song, songs into spells. They do not work with Salodrin, but know of him, and have a fork tuned to the Plane of Knowledge which allows them to plane shift here using Silvex's ring.

Silvex is the younger of the duo, traveling with Janarax and for the most part following his directions. He could be persuaded to help the party for a large sum of gems, for which he has a certain overwhelming fascination.

Silvex
Medium-size Male Rakshasa
Rakshasa 7 Sorcerer 6 Rogue 1

Hit Dice: (7d8)+(6d4)+(1d6)+85
Hit Points: 160
Initiative: +9
Speed: Walk 40 ft.
AC: 32 (flatfooted 27, touch 15)
Attacks: Bite +8; 2 Claws +15/+15
Damage: Bite 1d6+4; 2 Claws 1d6+4
Vision: Darkvision (60')
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Change Shape (Su), Damage Reduction (Su), Detect Thoughts (Su), Spell Resistance (Ex), Summon Familiar, Sneak Attack +1d6
Saves: Fortitude: +12, Reflex: +13, Will: +12
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 20, Con 22, Int 20, Wis 12, Cha 22
Skills: Appraise 4; Balance 12; Bluff 23; Climb 9; Concentration 18; Craft (Alchemy) 4; Craft (Trapmaking) 13; Craft (Untrained) 6; Diplomacy 10; Disguise 24; Escape Artist 7; Forgery 6; Gather Information 6; Heal 2; Hide 5; Intimidate 6; Jump 7; Knowledge (Arcana) 22; Knowledge (Tactics) 10; Knowledge (The Planes) 9; Listen 6; Move Silently 15; Perform (Comedy) 8; Perform (Dance) 10; Ride 5; Search 5; Sense Motive 5; Spellcraft 23; Spot 13; Survival 2; Swim 4
Feats: Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Improved Natural Attack (Claw), Quicken Spell, Simple Weapon Proficiency
Challenge Rating: 14
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Possessions: 5 Tiger Eyes; Bracers of Armor +8; Cloak of Charisma +2; 2 Blue Diamonds; Emerald; Ring of Plane Shift; Star Ruby; Wand of Hold Monster; Tablas of Persuasion

Spells:
Spells per Day: (6/8/8/7/7/7/4/0/0/ DC:16+spell level)
Sorcerer - Known:
Level 0: Arcane Mark, Daze, Detect Magic, Flare, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Read Magic, Resistance
Level 1: Alarm, Expeditious Retreat, Hold Portal, Magic Missile, Shield
Level 2: Arcane Lock, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Knock, Touch of Idiocy
Level 3: Displacement, Fly, Haste, Hold Person
Level 4: Fire Trap, Charm Monster, Ice Storm, Phantasmal Killer
Level 5: Cone of Cold, Dismissal, Telekinesis
Level 6: Dispel Magic, Legend Lore, Shadow Walk

A closer look at a rakshasa reveals that the palms of its hands are where the backs of the hands would be on a human.

A rakshasa is about the same height and weight as a human.

Rakshasas speak Common, Infernal, and Undercommon.

Combat

In close combat, which a rakshasa disdains as ignoble, it employs its sharp claws and powerful bite. Whenever possible, it uses its other abilities to make such encounters unnecessary.

Detect Thoughts (Su): A rakshasa can continuously use detect thoughts as the spell (caster level 18th; Will DC 15 negates). It can suppress or resume this ability as a free action. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Spells

Change Shape (Su): A rakshasa can assume any humanoid form, or revert to its own form, as a standard action. In humanoid form, a rakshasa loses its claw and bite attacks (although it often equips itself with weapons and armor instead). A rakshasa remains in one form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but the rakshasa reverts to its natural form when killed. A true seeing spell reveals its natural form.

Skills

A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks. *When using change shape, a rakshasa gains an additional +10 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks. If reading an opponent’s mind, its circumstance bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks increases by a further +4.

Rakshasas As Characters

Rakshasa characters possess the following racial traits.

* +2 Strength, +4 Dexterity, +6 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +6 Charisma.
* Medium size.
* A rakshasa’s base land speed is 40 feet.
* Darkvision out to 60 feet.
* Racial Hit Dice: A rakshasa begins with seven levels of outsider, which provide 7d8 Hit Dice, a base attack bonus of +7, and base saving throw bonuses of Fort +5, Ref +5, and Will +5.
* Racial Skills: A rakshasa’s outsider levels give it skill points equal to 10 × (8 + Int modifier). Its class skills are Bluff, Disguise, Listen, Move Silently, Perform, Sense Motive, and Spot. A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks, and it can gain further bonuses by using change shape (+10 on Disguise checks) and detect thoughts (+4 on Bluff and Disguise checks).
* Racial Feats: A rakshasa’s outsider levels give it three feats.
* +9 natural armor bonus.
* Natural Weapons: Bite (1d6) and 2 claws (1d4).
* Detect Thoughts (Su): The save DC is 12 + the character’s Cha modifier.
* Spells: A rakshasa character casts spells as a 7th-level sorcerer. If the character takes additional levels of sorcerer, these levels stack with the rakshasa’s base spellcasting ability for spells known, spells per day, and other effects dependent on caster level. A rakshasa character likewise uses the sum of its racial spellcasting levels and class levels to determine the abilities of its familiar.
* Special Qualities (see above): Change shape, damage reduction 15/good and piercing, spell resistance equal to 27 + class levels.
* Automatic Languages: Common, Infernal. Bonus Languages: Sylvan, Undercommon.
* Favored Class: Sorcerer.
* Level adjustment +7.

Janarax

A devious bard who has focused his sorcerous powers on murder and deceit, Janarax partners with Silvex, one of his brethren. The two make a powerful spellcasting force, wandering the planes causing trouble.

Recently, he has learned about the power of Magesilver and has been wielding a large chunk. In his research into powerful artifacts, he has discovered the Silver Orb of the Ages, which he seeks in the Great Library that is the Plane of Knowledge.

Janarax
Medium-size Male Rakshasa
Rakshasa 7 Sorcerer 7

Hit Dice: (7d8)+(7d4)+70
Hit Points: 140
Initiative: +9
Speed: Walk 40 ft. (8 squares)
AC: 32 (flatfooted 27, touch 15)
Attacks: *Bite +8;*Claw +13/+13; ;
Damage: *Bite 1d6+1;*Claw 1d6+3; ;
Vision: Darkvision (60')
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Change Shape (Su), Damage Reduction (Su), Detect Thoughts (Su), Spell Resistance (Ex), Summon Familiar
Saves: Fortitude: +12, Reflex: +12, Will: +12
Abilities: STR 16 (+3), DEX 20 (+5), CON 20 (+5), INT 22 (+6), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 22 (+6)
Skills: Appraise 6; Balance 5; Bluff 26; Climb 3; Concentration 22; Craft (Alchemy) 11; Craft (Trapmaking) 9; Craft (Untrained) 6; Diplomacy 10; Disguise 27; Escape Artist 5; Forgery 6; Gather Information 6; Heal 2; Hide 5; Intimidate 8; Jump 7; Knowledge (Arcana) 23; Knowledge (Tactics) 10; Knowledge (The Planes) 10; Listen 6; Move Silently 12; Perform (Comedy) 8; Perform (Dance) 8; Ride 5; Search 6; Sense Motive 7; Spellcraft 25; Spot 11; Survival 2; Swim 3;
Feats: Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Improved Natural Attack (Claw), Quicken Spell, Simple Weapon Proficiency
Challenge Rating: 17
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Possessions: Alexandrite; Tiger Eye; Amethyst; Aquamarine; Bite; Bracers of Armor +8; Claw; Cloak of Charisma +2; Blue Diamond; Emerald; Ring of Blinking; Star Ruby; Wand of Ice Storm; Sizable chunk of Magesilver (adds +2 to all spell levels while wielded)

Spells:
Spells per Day: (6/8/8/7/7/7/6/3/0/ DC:16+spell level+2 for the Magesilver)
Sorcerer - Known:
Level 0: Arcane Mark, Daze, Detect Magic, Flare, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Read Magic, Resistance
Level 1: Alarm, Expeditious Retreat, Hold Portal, Magic Missile, Shield
Level 2: Arcane Lock, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Knock, Touch of Idiocy
Level 3: Fireball, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt
Level 4: Black Tentacles, Charm Monster, Phantasmal Killer, Solid Fog
Level 5: Baleful Polymorph, Dismissal, Wall of Force
Level 6: Chain Lightning, Greater Dispel Magic
Level 7: Spell Turning

A closer look at a rakshasa reveals that the palms of its hands are where the backs of the hands would be on a human.

A rakshasa is about the same height and weight as a human.

Rakshasas speak Common, Infernal, and Undercommon.

Combat

In close combat, which a rakshasa disdains as ignoble, it employs its sharp claws and powerful bite. Whenever possible, it uses its other abilities to make such encounters unnecessary.

Detect Thoughts (Su): A rakshasa can continuously use detect thoughts as the spell (caster level 18th; Will DC 15 negates). It can suppress or resume this ability as a free action. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Spells

Change Shape (Su): A rakshasa can assume any humanoid form, or revert to its own form, as a standard action. In humanoid form, a rakshasa loses its claw and bite attacks (although it often equips itself with weapons and armor instead). A rakshasa remains in one form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but the rakshasa reverts to its natural form when killed. A true seeing spell reveals its natural form.

Skills

A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks. *When using change shape, a rakshasa gains an additional +10 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks. If reading an opponent’s mind, its circumstance bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks increases by a further +4.

Rakshasas As Characters

Rakshasa characters possess the following racial traits.

* +2 Strength, +4 Dexterity, +6 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +6 Charisma.
* Medium size.
* A rakshasa’s base land speed is 40 feet.
* Darkvision out to 60 feet.
* Racial Hit Dice: A rakshasa begins with seven levels of outsider, which provide 7d8 Hit Dice, a base attack bonus of +7, and base saving throw bonuses of Fort +5, Ref +5, and Will +5.
* Racial Skills: A rakshasa’s outsider levels give it skill points equal to 10 × (8 + Int modifier). Its class skills are Bluff, Disguise, Listen, Move Silently, Perform, Sense Motive, and Spot. A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks, and it can gain further bonuses by using change shape (+10 on Disguise checks) and detect thoughts (+4 on Bluff and Disguise checks).
* Racial Feats: A rakshasa’s outsider levels give it three feats.
* +9 natural armor bonus.
* Natural Weapons: Bite (1d6) and 2 claws (1d4).
* Detect Thoughts (Su): The save DC is 12 + the character’s Cha modifier.
* Spells: A rakshasa character casts spells as a 7th-level sorcerer. If the character takes additional levels of sorcerer, these levels stack with the rakshasa’s base spellcasting ability for spells known, spells per day, and other effects dependent on caster level. A rakshasa character likewise uses the sum of its racial spellcasting levels and class levels to determine the abilities of its familiar.
* Special Qualities (see above): Change shape, damage reduction 15/good and piercing, spell resistance equal to 27 + class levels.
* Automatic Languages: Common, Infernal. Bonus Languages: Sylvan, Undercommon.
* Favored Class: Sorcerer.
* Level adjustment +7.