Subject: MYSTARA-L Digest - 13 Feb 2002 to 14 Feb 2002 (#2002-45) From: Automatic digest processor Date: 15/02/2002, 19:00 To: Recipients of MYSTARA-L digests Reply-to: Mystara RPG Discussion There are 7 messages totalling 2075 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. Herve...MA Events 2. Elven battle losses 3. D&D Cyclopedia Errata (Classic/Basic D&D) (4) 4. 1018 Almanac - Early reactions ******************************************************************** The Other Worlds Homepage: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/OtherWorlds.asp The Mystara Homepage: http://www.dnd.starflung.com/ To unsubscribe, send email to LISTSERV@ORACLE.WIZARDS.COM with UNSUB MYSTARA-L in the body of the message. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 01:19:50 -0800 From: Herve Musseau Subject: Re: Herve...MA Events From: "Alex Benson" > BTW Herve, any idea when the events are going to be released. I have been out of the Mystaran Loop for a while (real life stuff). I may have missed a projected Event Date though. It's weird not being involved in the Almanac. It will be interesting to read it as a normal reader instead of a contributor and just glad the ordeal is over. The Atlas is out, but the Events haven't been released yet. Probably sometime next month. Then there will be an Adventure book, shortly after. > While I am at it, howabout a bit of applause for Herve, Geoff, and the rest of the Almanac folks. That's a tough job to tackle. I'd still like to do an expose on the Almanac to let the readership know the effort that goes into this thing every year. Plus the development process has almost as many twists and turns, rivalries, hostility, and butt kissing as the events themselves. I suspect the Torpin has just been rewritten to become a luxury bordello. Just joking of course. Thanks. It is indeed hard work, and as you say sometimes an ordeal too, but when we see the end result we are so proud of it that we cannot but say that it was well worth the effort. And we are striving to make it even better each year, and this year it is even more professional-looking than ever, but still there is room for improvement. PS: Oh yes, we had wizards casting (wood, of course!)form spells to reshape it slightly and change its name to It Sinks Deep. Just joking of course :)) ===== ___________________________________________________________ Herve Musseau http://www.geocities.com/hmusseau/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send FREE Valentine eCards with Yahoo! Greetings! http://greetings.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 11:54:21 +0200 From: Ville V Lahde Subject: Re: Elven battle losses Alex, you are absolutely right that the elves are supreme fighters in forest environments - especially Canolbarth, since the forest itself is their ally. In the crude game terminology, I'd give them both the "elves in forest" bonus AND the "favourable environment" bonus in War machine battles that take place in Canolbarth. (Note: Even though the elven irregular units are cavalry units, I would not penalise them in forest surroundings, since we are talking about "elven war horses", a very special breed. A bit like Gandalf's trusted companion in LOTR.) It is also true that the elves aren't used to conventional warfare - with some historical exceptions like large humanoid invasions and the shadowelf incursions - they look at warfare like a big "game". This is one more reason that a large conventional war would be a psychological, social AND demographic schock to them. I'm not sure however if they would be at "a supreme disadvantage" outside forests. They are, after all, fully magic-using cavalry troops, armed with magical melee and missile weapons. The question is more, as you rightly put, whether they are willing to engage in petty human wars at all. the disadvantage is more a social and moral one, not military. The main point of my original question was, what would happen after the elves decide to intervene in a war outside their home forest. I think there are good reasons why they would do so during the Nomad War: destruction of Darokin by Master's (partly humanoid!) troops would increase the propability of future attacks into Alfheim territory in the future. And since elves of Alfheim are living smack in the middle of an active human state, they are likely to have developed some sense of foreign politics. For example, many elves are living in Darokin, they have important trade interests... GAZ5 established pretty well, that even though most of the elves are pretty alienated from the rest of the world, as a nation Alfheim IS a political agent. On the consequences of elves fighting foreign wars the low breeding factor is undoubtably the most important. This is one thing that I'll try to emphasise IMC. The PCs were enthusiastic when they managed to get Doriath sign the alliance treaty, but they will learn that this won't mean total commitment. "Elves are not pointy eared humans and should not be played as such." This is no doubt true, and one of the reasons I asked for help in dramatising the role of elves in the World Wars of Mystara. But we should remember that the elves in Mystara aren't "to humans as humans are to humanoids" - simply due to the long common history of Darokin and Alfheim. Sure enough, they warred with each other in the past (elven viewpoint: had a little game in the woods), but during the last ever so quick human generations they have been cooperating actively. After all, the "capital" of Alfheim is mostly a trading post and asylum seeker resettlement area! Thanks for the comments, Ville ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 13:07:00 +0100 From: =?iso-8859-1?q?Havard=20Faanes?= Subject: D&D Cyclopedia Errata (Classic/Basic D&D) This was posted on rec.games.frp.dnd: > The Unofficial Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia Errata > --------------------------------------------------------- > > By Jason Mac Innes > ------------------ > > Errata Revision 5.9b -- February 9, 2002. > > What follows are rule corrections, clarifications, and suggested > changes for the Rules Cyclopedia published in 1991 by TSR. For those > unaware, this is a hard cover volume listing (almost) all of the D&D > rules from the Basic, Expert, Companion, and Master boxed sets of the > early 1980s. The only box set not included is Immortal. > > This line of products should not be confused with Advanced > Dungeons & Dragons, or simply Dungeons & Dragons as currently published > by Wizards of the Coast. > > Contact Information > ------------------- > > If you spot further errors, or see errors in the errata itself, > please send comments to me at: JasonMacInnes@compuserve.com. > > Thanks > ------ > > Thanks go out to my last group of D&D players, their campaign lasting > seven years. They helped work out rule errors and moaned quietly when the > changes had negative effects on their characters. > > So, special thanks to Steve, Ray and Anna, who for a while brought > a world of fantasy to life. And not to forget Shawn and Tony, who dropped > out early on. > > Thanks also to the dozen players who I've DMed for over the past > seventeen years for making all the games a memorable experience. > > The Corrections > --------------- > > Please keep in mind that I love Aaron's Cyclopedia! For such a > monstrous task, Aaron and the editors did an amazing job. All that follows > are corrections, not criticisms. This book is fantastic and truly a must if > you want to run a classic D&D session. > > For these rule corrections I've used the following sources: > > '81 Basic/Expert binder rules > '83 Basic/Expert/Companion/Immortal boxed sets > '94 Classic D&D boxed set > > > The Errata Begins: > ----------------- > > New: > > Page 19 -- Magic user spell table corrections > Page 20 -- Magic user stronghold creation level > Page 26 -- Elf spell table corrections > Page 140 -- Dominion Income example > Page 154 -- Monster charm abilities > > Page 12: > ------- > > There's space at the bottom of this page, which bears the column about > hit points, where we can place the missing natural healing rule: > > Each full day of complete rest (no fighting or traveling!) will restore > 1d3 hit points. If those resting are interrupted during that day in any way, > then no healing will take place. > > Or, from the 1994 Edition: Instead restore 1d4 hit points. > > There's also a mistake on this page, in the third column under > "Maximum Levels and Experience Points." Score a line through "and elves" > that appears in the first paragraph. Elves can only attain a level of 10. > > Page 14: > ------- > > Cleric titles: All level titles were omitted in the cyclopedia. However, in > the cases of thieves and clerics, you may find them still to be of value. > The cleric titles are: > > Level Title > 1 Acolyte > 2 Adept > 3 Priest > 4 Vicar > 5 Curate > 6 Elder > 7 Bishop > 8 Lama > 9 Patriarch > > Turning Undead: Notice the "But don't forget, if the monster is turned, it > hasn't been destroyed, it may decide to return soon..." Now that's nice and > vague. From the Basic rule book: "They will stay away 1d10 rounds." To > determine whether the monsters return when the turning wears off, "make a > Reaction roll. If the result of the roll is 8 or more, the undead return." > > Page 18: > ------- > > For Paladins, the last line in the 4th requirement should read: > > "Therefore, a 16th or 17th level paladin can turn undead with the same > ability of a 5th level cleric." > > (Paladins start at 9th level in D&D! The Avengers column on the opposite > side of the page has the correct values if you want to compare them.) > > Page 19: > ------- > > There are several errors in the Magic User Experience Table in regard > to spell allotments. Mages don't receive 6th level spells until level 12, so > cross out the last "1" in the level 11 row. At levels 13 and 14, mages > should have five of the first level spells (if the progression from the > Expert boxed set is used). > > Page 20: > ------- > > Towers: Enoch Perserico points out a rule variance for when magic users can > build their towers/strongholds. From the Expert rules (both 1981 and 1983), > mages can do so when they reach 11th level. The rules here read "Name level" > or 9th level. Enoch speculates this may be a correction rather than > an error, to bring the requirement for stronghold creation in line with > the other human classes. > > Magi: Item one for the magi suggests that they can assist land-owning magic > users with spell/item research "as described in Chapter 3." That topic is > actually covered in Chapter 16, starting on page 250. However, nowhere in > Chapter 3, 13 or 16 does it mention how a magus decreases time or increases > chance of success. From the Companion rules: Any item or spell research can > be completed in half the normal time and with double the chance of success. > Also, the original item number two was removed from the list. It stated that > > the Magus, like the thief, has a chance (determined by the DM) of finding > treasure maps, and hearing rare rumors of powerful magic items. > > > Page 20: > ------- > > Thief titles: > > Level Title > 1 Apprentice > 2 Footpad > 3 Robber > 4 Burglar > 5 Cutpurse > 6 Sharper > 7 Pilferer > 8 Thief > 9 Master Thief > > Experience levels: Some players may have noticed that the XP requirements > for levels 4 and 5 are wrong. Well, that depends on whether you used to use > the '81 edition and prior or the '83 boxed set series. If you used the > latter, then level 4 is at 5,000 and level 5 is at 10,000. > > Page 24: > ------- > > Languages: This applies to page 25 as well. The rules state the following > point more clearly in other books. Dwarves and elves can speak the > additional languages listed, just like the rules state. However, they > can't read or write them. To do so they must expend their additional > intelligence slots or general skills to pick those languages (as detailed in > the '94 boxed set). > > Page 25: > ------- > > The special abilities "Detection" description of elves does not > mention the exact rule (as the dwarf area did on the previous page). Under > the detection section in the third column note that it's a 1d6 roll, rolling > a 1 or 2 for success. > > Page 26: > ------- > > Elves: Enoch Peserico notes a discrepancy here for the Experience Table > for their spells. He's noticed the table is not the same as in the 1983 > Expert boxed set; on that table, elves did not achieve 5th level spells > until level 10. Actually, this table is from the 1981 Expert binder > rules. However, Enoch cites the 1983 table being used in GAZ 5 > "The Elves of Alfheim" and Gaz 13 "The Shadow Elves". This, as well as > other revisions in the 1983 edition for magic users/clerics, suggest this > 1981 table is incorrectly used. To adjust the table in the cyclopedia, note > that level 6 should be "3 2 2", level 7 "3 3 2 1", level 8 "4 3 2 2", > level 9 "4 4 3 2" and level 10 "5 4 3 2 1". > > Halflings: In the combat bonuses table, the plus one to individual > initiative also applies to the group if they are comprised only of > halflings. > > Page 32: > ------- > > In the third column, at the end of the second paragraph place an > asterisk, then scribble this missing rule somewhere: > > If the caster loses initiative and takes damage or fails a saving through, > then the spell is interrupted and lost. > > In the "Reversible Spells" section, note that the caster must be at > least fourth level to reverse spells. > > Page 33: > ------- > > Under the section "Learning New Spells", you may wish to note: > > Clerics receive new spells directly from the power they serve, so they will > be able to learn any spell on the clerical spell list once they gain enough > experience to cast spells of that level. The DM may, however, have their > immortal restrict certain spells. > > Page 35: > ------- > > Resist Spells: For the spells Resist Cold and Resist Fire, I suggest > noting that the minus one point per hit die be applied after the saving > throw. Mathematically this is an important decision (it's better for the > players this way). Although it is implied by their use of "Furthermore", > it's not actually stated when to apply it. > > Page 37: > ------- > > Create Food Spell: Originally, clerics/magic-users didn't have as many > levels or spells, so they acquired higher level spells earlier and were > able to cast a greater number per day. The authors forgot, however, to > update a few of the spell descriptions. So, the second sentence should > now read: > > "For every level of the cleric above 10th, the spell..." > > Page 38: > ------- > > Raise Dead: Again, this is an old rule not revised. The second paragraph > should read: > > "A 10th level cleric can raise a body that has been dead for up to four > days. For each level of the cleric above 10th add four days to this time. > Thus, a 12th level cleric can raise bodies that have been dead for up to > twelve days." > > Truesight: This error originates with the companion set. The duration > should read either: "1 turn + 1 turn per level of the caster" or > "1 round + 1 round per level for the caster." You can choose which you like > better. > > Page 47: > ------- > > Phantasmal Force: You may want to consider that this spell, in relation > to its description and other spells, must be an immobile 20' cube. For > example, you can create a flying monster, but it can't move outside the > original 20' cube. Defining whether this is true or not will avoid arguments > later. > > Page 49: > ------- > > Confusion: Something to consider before the magic-user casts this spell, > is that the effect slot states 2d8 creatures. But the description > suggests it effects all creatures within the radius. > > Page 50: > ------- > > Ice Storm/Wall of Ice: This spell, originally having only one effect, has > two. This first line of the description states this, but then it states > there are three effects. The effect "Icy blast" does not exist, and never > did. So, the first line should read, "This spell may be cast in either of > two ways: either as an ice storm, or wall of ice." > > Polymorph spells: The D&D rules are never actually clear as to whether > such spells, or related potions, change just the body or include > the possessions. You may want to make a ruling on this before a player > argues differently. > > Page 51: > ------- > > Animate Dead: Of little importance here, but every time they use "Cleric" > they obviously mean "Magic User." (The same is actually true of Hold Person > on page 48 as well.) > > Cloudkill: As noted in "Explosive Cloud", this spell creates a greenish > gas cloud. Further, you may wish to consider whether the cloud is > opaque or translucent. > > Dissolve: The spell's range, as first noted in its description, is 120'. > The second value mentioned later in its description, 240', is incorrect. > > Page 62: > ------- > > Money: Okay, here the authors were trying to confuse you as much as > possible. Scribble this down and you'll never get confused! > > Conversion # > > Platinum 5 dollars 5 > Gold 1 dollar 1 > Electrum 50 Cent Piece 2 > Silver Dimes 10 > Copper Pennies 100 > > > Weapons table; missing weapons: > ------------------------------ > > Item Damage Range Cost Enc. Notes > > Morning Star 1d6+1 - 5 30 M > Flail 1d6 - 5 40 c, M > > > Under the Weapons Special Effects table, note down > that page 80 has the full tables -- you'll need them for > reference during the game play. > > > Page 67: > ------- > > In the editions in the early '80s and the '94 edition, magical armour > only weighed half the encumbrance of its normal counterpart, but this rule > was omitted from the Cyclopedia. In the Armour Table, create a "Magic enc." > column. Here are the values that appeared in the Companion boxed set: > > Magic Encumbrance > > Leather 100 > Scale Mail 125 > Chain Mail 150 > Banded Mail 175 > Plate Mail 200 > > Another point, if you consider "Leather" to be "Hardened Leather" > at AC 7, you can have "Padded Leather" at AC 8 (cost 15 GP). "Padded Fur" > > would also occupy AC 8 (in cold weather campaigns) for 10 GP. > > Page 68: > ------- > > The last sentence in the fourth paragraph of the third column is wrong. > The griffin's MAXIMUM is 7000, its half is 3500. You can confirm this on > page 181. Score out 7000 and 14000 and replace it with the correct values. > But take note that the prior logic the author was working through is no > longer valid with these new values. > > Page 69: > ------- > > For the "Adventuring Gear" table, here's a missing item: > > Spell Book: 200 cn (from page 43, last paragraph) > > According to Fabrizio Paoli, Dragon Magazine issue #191 lists new > adventuring gear for D&D. I can't verify this myself, but you may wish to > check it out. > > Page 70/71: > ---------- > > The vessel capacities listed in the descriptions for the river boat > and galleys are all inconsistent with the table. According to the original > Expert booklet, all the inconsistent values in the table are wrong. The > Expert boxed set also bears the same errors. > > The price listed for a Troop Transport (30,000 gp), is actually > the price for the conversion of a sailing ship into a troop transport. > Technically, the price should be 27,000 gp (which is closer to 1/3 of > a large ship's price). However, to buy a Troop Transport off the shelf, > so to speak, it costs 40,000 gp (from the Expert sets). The difference here > is time: can the characters wait around to have their ship upgraded, or > instead shop around for an available Troop Transport vessel. > > Page 72: > ------- > > Jimmy Kerl has spotted an error under the "Troop Transport" section in > the first column. The additional cost to convert a sailing ship into a > troop transport is actually 1/3 of the ship's listed cost, not 1/2. The > cost is correctly listed on the chart's footnotes on page 71. > > Page 74: > ------- > > Note that treasure encumbrance is handled in chapter 16, but if you > want to use the simpler original '81 Expert edition rules you can write them > down at the bottom of this page. Also included are missing values for other > miscellaneous items: > > CN > > Gem 1 > Jewelry 10 (if not worn) > Potion 10 > Rod 20 > Scroll 1 > Staff 40 > Wand 10 > > Page 75: > ------- > > The weapon mastery system COMPLETELY unbalances the game! When your > players have plus 9 or more to hit, you know something is wrong! I HIGHLY > suggest using the system with one change: don't let any player get a weapon > mastery above "skilled." With this restriction the rules do work very > well. You can then move some of the higher level options to apply to the > skilled level. > > Page 80: > ------- > > Related to the page 75 note, I suggest removing the "Deflect" ability > under the "Special Effects Descriptions." This makes it VERY, VERY hard > to hit the player (you never will with high characters). Since they'll > argue, point out the older "Parry" option on page 104. > > Page 85: > ------- > > Assuming you don't read the book straight cover to cover, you might > miss a few rules under the "Riding Skill" section. It mentions restrictions > if you DON'T have the skill. > > Page 89: > ------- > > Under the section "Long-Distance Travel and Rest" the missing forced > march rule of the Expert boxed set (pg. 21) can be re-added. The rule is > essentially: > > "A forced march can be undertaken to increase the party's movement rate by > 50%, but the whole day after the march must be spent resting." > > Furthermore the original rules state that when pursuing and fleeing in > the wilderness you may triple your normal movement rate for a "short" period > of time; and it requires immediate rest afterward. > > Page 93: > ------- > > As the last line of the "Encounter Distances" table, enter: > > Surprise 1d4 x 10 yards > > Interestingly, I couldn't find this table is any of the other rule > books. This is important because it would appear to be wrong. In > previous rule books it was verbally explained, and it only mentioned the > 4d6 x 10 rule. Anyway, notice the comment for two asterisks: it states > those fields are applicable to infravision. Recall infravision is, > generally, a 60 range, but the rows the asterisks apply to allow a > max of 120! Perhaps, in the wilderness, that's possible, but in the > dungeon that has to be dead wrong. > > Page 99: > ------- > > In the third column in the paragraph starting with "The pursuers > decide to give up the chase." there are some missing conditions. Apply > the character's flee adjustments (missing from page 103, so you'll need > to note those in the errata) as before, and then add a further +2 if > the number of monsters is greater than the number of characters. If the > adjusted result is 9 or greater than the monsters continue to pursue. > Monsters will give up pursuit after 1-2 hours if the party is not found, > and will rarely continue searching longer than a day (8 hours) unless > some valuable item was stolen by the characters. (This is the flee > reaction role, *not* a morale check.) > > On the next page, but related to evasion, is "Regain Bearings." > Just remember you can, and should, give the characters general > descriptions as they run away (as noted in the original rule books). Yes, > they're running fast and can't map, but they can still see. > > Page 102: > -------- > > Okay, the first paragraph states that: "During a round, characters can > do one thing..." and "A character cannot do two things in a single round, > such as run 20 feet and then attack." Then in the next paragraph, "To > reflect this limited movement, a character can move up to 5 feet while he is > fighting." So, if you move MORE than that you can not attack. Okay? Good. > Now let's look at page 103.... > > Page 103: > -------- > > Look over at the third column section "Movement", under the sub > heading "Encounter Speed." Put a line through the last sentence that reads > "...and still make his attack this round." That rule is wrong, as we have > just seen on page 102! Confusing? Simply, you can't move and attack at the > same time unless you're within 5 feet of your opponent (you can only perform > one action in a round). > > At the Start of an Evasion: Related to morale is the monster reaction role > towards fleeing characters. To decide if monsters will pursue, role 2d6 and > adjust as follows: -2 if any monsters have been slain, +2 if no monsters > have > been hit, +3 if the monsters are hunting the characters; no adjustments if > any monster has been hit but not slain. If the adjusted result is 9 or > greater, the monsters will pursue. See the correction for page 99 for > further > notes on this missing flight rule. > > Page 104: > -------- > > Fighting Withdrawal: I don't know why, but it lists the character's movement > rate at 5' per round. Now, that makes it VERY hard to do this maneuver! This > rule, in ALL the other rule books, is 1/2 your movement rate. That > differentiates it from "Retreat", which is a movement greater than 1/2. > > Smash: I suggest that when the "Smash" maneuver is performed the players are > not allowed to use their weapon mastery (since this is brute force instead > of skill). This will make the -5 penalty something for players to be > concerned about (otherwise this will become their standard attack). > > Page 108: > -------- > > For "Attack Roll Modifiers" in the first column, may I suggest that you > note somewhere that if the characters are fighting in the dark or their > adversary is invisible, then they are not permitted their weapon defense > bonus from the chapter 5 optional weapon mastery rules. Just a logical > rule modification. > > Jimmy Kerl has noticed that the penalty for hitting a halfling in the > table is incorrect; it should be -2. You may also wish to note here that > page 150 (Special Conditions) lists attack modifiers for blindness and > prone characters. (Note: Blindness is listed as -6 on page 150; however, > -4 should be used if a mage is using detect invisibility to guide characters > in attacking, as outlined in the older rules.) > > Here's a few more adjustments for the Missile Checklist: Crouching -1, > and Moving Quickly -1. > > For the cover adjustments section, a defender is considered to have > at most 3/4 cover if he or she is using a missile weapon to attack. > > Page 110: > -------- > > For the "Two Weapons Combat" rule, may I suggest that characters who > wield two weapons can only attack 1 attacker until they get their fighter > combat options. I also suggest that the second weapon (the offhand one), > be a short sword or smaller. This will keep the game balanced. > > Page 111: > -------- > > I don't know WHAT they were thinking, but here's a correction. Look at > the optional "Striking Procedure Checklist", specifically section 3. The > last part of the line should read, "...base damage of 1 plus any bonuses > from a high strength." Both the Companion and Cyclopedia rules actually > state a base damage of 0. However, if that's true, then people with an > average strength can not fight at all (they never do damage!). Optionally, > you could state, that only people with superior strength can use the > striking rules; but the rules don't actually state that. You decide which > you prefer. > > Look over on the third column, under "Striking and Two Weapons Combat." > At the end of the first paragraph in this section add this, "... and the > character must be at least skilled at boxing (next page) to do this." This > will keep the rules balanced. > > Page 113: > -------- > > Fabrizio Paoli has pointed out a rule conflict on this page. Under > "Wrestling Effects" in its last paragraph, it states that the pinning > character can inflict 1-6 damage plus strength on his opponents. However, > the "Wrestling Combat Mastery Table" states a base damage of 1, and then > increases in regard to the various skill levels. This is a rule conflict > originating with the Companion and Master boxed sets. I would suggest that > the 1-6 be used if you don't use the optional Weapon Mastery rules (it was > written before them anyway). If you do use those rules, follow the table as > it's laid out. > > Page 115: > -------- > > An error in the "Ram Attacks Table" was spotted by Jimmy Kerl. The > damage for a small galley ramming a ship is correct at 50-80. However, > the die calculation for this should be "1d4+4x10". > > Page 140: > -------- > > I don't own the Master boxed set, but Enoch Peserico explains that > the Dominion rules here are a cut-and-paste job of the Companion and > Master rules. One of the clarifications in the Master rules, he explains, > was to place a limit that each family could only work one resource (third > column under "Limit Family Skills" here) and also create a minimum resource > usuage of 20%. These changes are only relevant because of the "Example" > section in the middle of the second column. This was lifted directly from > the Companion rules. Which, as Enoch spotted, is now flawed. From the > example, the character has 200 peasant families working a hex, with 1 > mineral and 1 animal resource (worth 3 and 2 gold pieces respectively). > The example calculates that at 1,000 gp of Resource income. That would be > 200 x (1x3 + 1x2). However, since the Master revision added in the > restrictions, noted above, that number is invalid. The highest income > level would be (40 x (1x2)) + (160 x (1x3)) resulting in 560 gp of > Resource income. Or, risking rebellion, everyone can mine for 600 gps. > > Page 145: > -------- > > Under the section "Climbing" add, "A character receives 1 point of > damage for falls under 10'." The rule comes from the thief section in > chapter two. > > But how fast does a person climb? For ease, I suggest a person climbs > at equal their normal rate in easy conditions. In adverse conditions give > non-thief characters a penalty of 1/2. If you want more complex rules, I > suggest referring to AD&D. > > In the second column, the section titled "Damage to Magical Items" > should read "Damage to Magical and Normal Items". > > Page 150: > -------- > > The following weapon mastery notes should be added for each of the > respective sections: > > Blindness: Weapon mastery skills are completely negated > > Deafness: Weapon mastery attack bonus is negated, but damage remains the > same. > > Invisibility: Weapon mastery is completely negated. > > Stunning, sections 1 and 4: Weapon mastery is negated. > > Starvation table: At the bottom of the page, the "Movement Rates" column > of the chart should read "x 1/4" for the 24% - 49% line. > > Page 154: > -------- > > Poison: Omitted from the Companion set (Book 2 pg. 22), summarized: > 1) Monster poison, emanating from sacs or glands, is only poisonous > while in the creature; when exposed to air it becomes useless in 1-10 > rounds. 2) An intact poison sac (rare after a fight) lasts for 1-10 > rounds per hit die of the monster. 3) As per the poison spell, the use > of poison is considered an evil act. > > Charm by monsters: Enoch Peserico noticed that the description here > has been condensed by telling the reader it works just like the Charm > Person spell. That is, however, incorrect. From the Basic set or the > Classic 1994 set, the charm ability of monsters has the expected results > that the character can not attack the monster and must follows its > simple commands. What is missing here is that characters also find > themselves confused and are unable to make decisions. This extends to > the inability to cast spells or use magic items which require > concentration. We might also consider at this point whether these rules > on confusion should also then apply to charm spells and subsequent casting > attempts by a victim. Unfortunately, the rules do not cover this idea, > although there is an allusion to this in the Basic monster section. Yet > it is never stated as such, including in the spell sections in both > Players/DM Basic books or the Classic book. If we reference AD&D (2nd > edition, DM page 90, Combat), there are rules applying to miscasting due to > the befuddled charm state. Whether this applies to D&D, I leave up the > reader. Although, strictly from the rules, charm is a "best friends" spell > and monster charm powers are related better to mesmerization. > > Page 163: > -------- > > Carrion Crawler: Cross out the words "except when" from the second line of > the second paragraph. Someone rewrote the entry and left a few extra words > in there. > > Centipede, Giant: You may want to consider a penalty to allow combat. > Since the characters can move, but not attack, when paralyzed your > players will argue this point. Especially if their characters are > adventuring alone. Try a penalty of -4 without weapon mastery bonuses. > > Page 182: > -------- > > Haunt: In the "Save As" row it states "See below." That, in itself, is okay. > The problem is that although it states the special rules, it never actually > states what they save as (this dates back to the original Companion set). > Consulting the D&D Creature Catalog under "Banshee, Lesser", I think it's > safe to say that the three Haunts save as fighters of equivalent level. > That's F13, F14, and F12 respectively. > > Haunt, Aging: Obviously not play tested all that much. The demi-human > classes lose constitution after a given set of years, which pushes them > towards middle age. However, even still the rate they age should be slower, > to reflect their extended life spans. I suggest that elves lose one point of > constitution every 40 years and dwarves every 20. Based on the age maximums > and averages from chapter 13, this will result in equal aging with their > human counterparts in respect to their max ages. > > Page 185: > -------- > > Hellhound: As far as I can tell they've never had a range stated for their > breath weapon. You may want to interpret this as meaning they can only use > their breath weapon against adjacent targets. Or, taken from AD&D, they have > a range of 30'. However, AD&D Hellhounds are very weak and pathetic > monsters (compared to D&D). So the 30' range on a D&D Hellhound may make it > too powerful for lower level characters to handle. > > Page 192: > -------- > > Mek: The Mek's damage is listed as an impressive 1d6x10(x2). Wow - it scared > the hell out of my players. In supplements such as M2: Vengeance of > Alphaks, however, the damage is listed as 6d10x2. That's more in line with > D&D conventions and makes it an ordinary monster. > > Page 195: > -------- > > Mystic: The leader should save as Mystic 7 and all his thief abilities are > wrong, refer to the thief at level 7. (There was confusion here whether the > leader was level 6 or 7). Also remember the level 4s have hands that act as > silver weapons and save as mystics of fourth level. Note, it says here that, > "They may use potions or other magic items for certain situations." That's > in the third paragraph, which is very interesting considering it doesn't > state that at all in chapter 3. I assume its carrying the thought of the > previous sentence about magic protection, but it's an interesting statement > to consider anyway. > > Page 200: > -------- > > Rat, Giant: For some reason the Giant Rat's treasure type has been changed > to "L". Originally it was "C"; which you may prefer if you perceive giant > rats as pack rats. > > Page 212: > -------- > > Wight: These creatures do 1d4 damage when they attack (taken from AD&D). > > Page 236: > -------- > > Wand of Polymorphing: As the spell, the range is 60'. > > Wands: It should be noted that none of the detection wands, such as Enemy > Detection or Metal Detection, mention anything about the duration of a > charge. Nor can I find any such rule in any other source. I suggest noting > that the charges last only for 1 round, as these are detection wands, not > locating wands; the wands show the player where something is, but not > giving them the ability to go hunting for things. > > Page 238: > -------- > > Telekinesis ring: The speed for the ring is 20' per round (from page 52) > > Protection rings: Magic is not cumulative with other rings (Protection +1 > and Protection +5 is *not* +6; it is +5). > > Page 239: > -------- > > Bag of holding: What they should have said is that you should calculate the > normal cn for the sacks contents, and note this down. Then multiply it by > 0.06 to determine its actual weight. Easy to notice, but if you write it > down here it'll save you time later. > > Displacer cloak: From AD&D, the first attack always misses. That assumes, > of course, that the attacker doesn't know the person is wearing the cloak. > > Page 242: > -------- > > "Armor and Shields." As mentioned by my notes for page 67, the magic armour > rules (half encumbrance) can be found in the '83 and '94 editions. Or you > can use the Companion set magic encumbrance values I listed earlier. > > Page 245: > -------- > > A line needs to be crossed out on this page. Look at the second last > column under "Sword Intelligence..." on the third column. The sentence in > parentheses should be scored out; it starts with "The read magic ability is > discussed below..." Well, this line doesn't appear in the older additions. > Why? Well, because it's wrong. Someone has confused "read magic" with > "detect magic". Assume that read magic has the properties stated at the > beginning of "Primary Powers" - that it may be used once per round and as > often as desired. > > It might also be worth mentioning here the omission of the section > entitled "Special Swords" that appeared in the '83 Expert rules. That > section is, more or less, similar to the new section on "Weapon Bonus vs. > Opponent" that's on page 247. However, here are rules you may find useful. > > If both the intelligence and ego scores of a sword are 12, then the sword > will have the following additional power: > > A lawful sword will paralyze a chaotic opponent struck unless the victim > makes a Saving Throw vs. Spells. > > A neutral sword adds +1 to all of the user's Saving Throws. > > A chaotic sword will cause a lawful opponent struck to make a Saving Throw > vs. Turn to Stone or be turned to stone. > > Page 255: > -------- > > Spell research: According to this rule book, and all previous, both clerics > and druids can create new spells in addition to magic users. This, however, > isn't logical. Recall, clerics obtain their spells from their immortals > by praying. What the rules mean at present is that clerics research spells > and then teach them to their immortals. Which is just twisted. If your > campaign treats clerical spell like mage spells, then use the rules as > listed. Otherwise cross out "cleric and druid" from this section. > > Page 266: > -------- > > The "Ability Scores and Saving Throws" optional rules will unbalance > the game, don't use them. > > I highly suggest the use of the "Keeping Characters Alive" rules > exactly as they appear. Drop them when the characters reach "name" level > if you wish. > > Page 267: > -------- > > Here's an interesting rule conflict pointed out by Alessio. There > seems to be an editing error for the mystic variant experience guidelines. > Look at the "Special Abilities That Do Improve" portion and you'll see that > "saving throws will continue to improve". However, in the next paragraph > under "Saving Throws" the rules state the reverse. > > Alessio suggests that the editor(s) incorrectly copied the text from > the previous character class sections. In which case, this section should > state that the mystic should use the fighter saving throws after passing > the sixteenth level. > > Page 293: > -------- > > Look at the bottom of the chart under "Skills Proficiencies." The D&D > and AD&D lines are mixed up. Add an "A" to the first line, and scratch out > the "A" in front of the second area. > > Tournament/Jousting Rules: > ------------------------- > > In the earlier versions of the errata I mentioned that the Tournament > rules had been omitted from the Cyclopedia. I contacted TSR and was informed > by Michael Huebbe (Consumer Inquiries Manager) that they had omitted these > rules intentionally because of space requirements. At that time, Michael > mentioned that photocopies of these missing rules could be mailed out if > required. Regardless, these joust rules from the Companion > set are well worth having. [My request to include them in this errata was > denied by TSR.] > > ----- > > Well, I hope you've found this text file useful. Good luck with your > adventures. :) > > Jason Mac Innes > > ### > > ______________________________________________________ Sjekk snørapporter... fra 500 ski-destinasjoner i Europa på http://no.snow.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 13:24:16 -0800 From: Chris Furneaux Subject: Re: D&D Cyclopedia Errata (Classic/Basic D&D) Just read the Errata and had a few points of note ,(which I also posted to the address mentioned to post comments to) Thought someone might like to comment. > Resist Spells: For the spells Resist Cold and Resist > Fire, I suggest noting that the minus one point per > hit die be applied after the saving throw. > Mathematically this is an important decision (it's > better for the players this way). Although it is > implied by their use of "Furthermore", it's not > actually stated when to apply it. I would rule the opposite, because when you save I generally concider it is because you "got out of the way as much as possible" and so were exposed to less of the fire. The spell protection does not get any better, but the ammount of fire changes. Potential damage is reduced, then damage taken is halved because they got away from a lot of it's effect. Furthermore just says that there are two concurrent effects, I do not think it implies anything. > Page 50: > ------- > Ice Storm/Wall of Ice: This spell, originally having > only one effect, has two. This first line of the > description states this, but then it states there > are three effects. The effect "Icy blast" does not > exist, and never did. So, the first line should > read, "This spell may be cast in either of two ways: > either as an ice storm, or wall of ice." The actual phrase in the RC says to me that "ice storm" is an icy blast. The term icy blast describes the apparant form of "ice storm", note the italics used in the description. perhaps another rephraseing could be: "This spell may be cast in either of two ways: either as an ice blast (ice storm) or wall of ice." > Page 68: > ------- > The last sentence in the fourth paragraph of the > third column is wrong. The griffin's MAXIMUM is > 7000, its half is 3500. You can confirm this on page > 181. Score out 7000 and 14000 and replace it with > the correct values. But take note that the prior > logic the author was working through is no longer > valid with these new values. My logic would disagree on which figures were wrong. A griffin is a large creature with x5 barding modifier and the body/wings of an eagle. It makes sence that an apropriate barding modifier (BM) should be given. Because Roc's are essentially giant eagles and it is stated that they can carry up to 1000cn per HD and are likely to be simmilar in wing type and HD to somewhere between a small and large Roc, and a large Roc has a BM of x5, that a simmilar rule should apply. A pegasus OTOH has but 2+2HD and can carry 3000cn with a barding multiplier of x1. Griffins are described as liking horses so one might think that they were sufficently more powerful then a horse like creature. I would replace the 3500 with 7000 etc. and then it all works. Chris. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send FREE Valentine eCards with Yahoo! Greetings! http://greetings.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 14:43:00 -0800 From: "Jenni A. M. Merrifield" Subject: Re: D&D Cyclopedia Errata (Classic/Basic D&D) >> From Havard Faanes > > This was posted on rec.games.frp.dnd: > > > >The Unofficial Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia Errata > >--------------------------------------------------------- > > > >By Jason Mac Innes > >------------------ > > > >Errata Revision 5.9b -- February 9, 2002. [Great Big Snip] Thanks for posting this Havard!!! Did the author indicate whether there was an "always up to date" version of the file kept online anywhere? I'd suggest this is something that, at the very least, the Vaults of Pandius might want to link to if there is. -- Jenni A. M. Merrifield :: strawberryJAMM The Benevolent Despot of the Mystara 3E Project Team http://mystara3e.starflung.com/ strawberry@jamm.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 16:28:04 -0800 From: Beau Yarbrough Subject: 1018 Almanac - Early reactions Hi, everyone. I haven't been too active on this list in far too long -- work, work, work, EQ, work and work have conspired against that. But I'm one of the contributors to the new 1018 Almanac, which has started to appear on the Vaults of Pandius. I'm curious what people think of the new almanac. (And my published section, too, of course, but it won't be too hard for long-time readers of the MML to guess which those are.) So, any initial reactions? My apologies if this discussion is one that's been had before -- I haven't seen it go by as of yet. BEAU http://www.LBY3.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 00:40:56 -0500 From: Dan Eustace Subject: Re: D&D Cyclopedia Errata (Classic/Basic D&D) > >Each full day of complete rest (no fighting or > traveling!) will > restore > >1d3 hit points. Ah, I thought that was the rule, but I kept scoring the RC to double-check, but could never find it! I never went back and searched my old soft-covers, though. > > There are several errors in the Magic User > Experience Table in > regard > >to spell allotments. Mages don't receive 6th level > spells until level > 12, so > >cross out the last "1" in the level 11 row. At levels > 13 and 14, mages > >should have five of the first level spells (if the > progression from > the > >Expert boxed set is used). Huh? I don't get it. Why are the most recent tables "in error"? My 83 Expert rules, RC, and Master Player screen, all concur with 1 6th level at 11th. Some of the oldest rules were written before the full range of L 1-36 were mapped out. I'd go with the RC. > >Elves: Enoch Peserico notes a discrepancy here for > the Experience > Table > >for their spells. He's noticed the table is not the > same as in the > 1983 > >Expert boxed set; on that table, elves did not > achieve 5th level > spells > >until level 10. Actually, this table is from the 1981 > Expert binder > >rules. However, Enoch cites the 1983 table being used > in GAZ 5 > >"The Elves of Alfheim" and Gaz 13 "The Shadow Elves". > This, as well as > >other revisions in the 1983 edition for magic > users/clerics, suggest > this > >1981 table is incorrectly used. To adjust the table > in the cyclopedia, > note > >that level 6 should be "3 2 2", level 7 "3 3 2 1", > level 8 "4 3 2 2", > >level 9 "4 4 3 2" and level 10 "5 4 3 2 1". This I agree with. The table in the RC is the MU spell progression, the elven prog. should be different. > >Truesight: This error originates with the companion > set. The duration > >should read either: "1 turn + 1 turn per level of the > caster" or > >"1 round + 1 round per level for the caster." You can > choose which you > like > >better. What's the problem with 1 turn + 1 round/level? > >Phantasmal Force: You may want to consider that this > spell, in > relation > >to its description and other spells, must be an > immobile 20' cube. For > >example, you can create a flying monster, but it > can't move outside > the > >original 20' cube. Defining whether this is true or > not will avoid > arguments > >later. I would argue that the 20' cube for the illusion could be moved within the range of the spell. An example given is the use of a phantasmal magic missile, which could otherwise only be used within 20'. > > >Confusion: Something to consider before the > magic-user casts this > spell, > >is that the effect slot states 2d8 creatures. But the > description > >suggests it effects all creatures within the radius. The RC says 3-18 affected. > >Polymorph spells: The D&D rules are never actually > clear as to whether > >such spells, or related potions, change just the body > or include > >the possessions. You may want to make a ruling on > this before a player > >argues differently. Equipment should be included, IMO. Otherwise problems are created, as items are left behind, clothing or armor ruined by a morphing body, etc. > >Weapons table; missing weapons: > >------------------------------ > > > >Item Damage Range Cost Enc. > Notes > > > >Morning Star 1d6+1 - 5 30 M > >Flail 1d6 - 5 40 c, M This is good info to have! > > Magic Encumbrance > > > >Leather 100 > >Scale Mail 125 > >Chain Mail 150 > >Banded Mail 175 > >Plate Mail 200 I do use these values for magic armor. > > The vessel capacities listed in the > descriptions for the river > boat > >and galleys are all inconsistent with the table. > According to the > original > >Expert booklet, all the inconsistent values in the > table are wrong. > The > >Expert boxed set also bears the same errors. In fact, the capacities listed are quite low, compared to what actual ships are able to carry. The tonnage levels in CoM are much better, if appied to sea vessels as well as airships. > > The weapon mastery system COMPLETELY unbalances > the game! When > your > >players have plus 9 or more to hit, you know > something is wrong! No argument here! I > HIGHLY > >suggest using the system with one change: don't let > any player get a > weapon > >mastery above "skilled." With this restriction the > rules do work very > >well. You can then move some of the higher level > options to apply to > the > >skilled level. I kept all mastery levels, but with numerous modifications, including comparable benefits for other classes to off set the huge imbalance toward fighters at high levels. My system is in one of Richard Tongue's OD&Dities. > >Page 80: > >------- > > > > Related to the page 75 note, I suggest removing > the "Deflect" > ability > >under the "Special Effects Descriptions." This makes > it VERY, VERY > hard > >to hit the player (you never will with high > characters). Since they'll > >argue, point out the older "Parry" option on page > 104. Yup. Deflect is way too unbalanced. I give an AC bonus for each "deflect point", and the characters use it like parrying. Simply, you can't > move and attack at > the > >same time unless you're within 5 feet of your > opponent (you can only > perform > >one action in a round). Hmm. It does seem cleaner that way, but I've always let charcters run up to an opponent and attack in the same round. It has never been a problem. > >Fighting Withdrawal: I don't know why, but it lists > the character's > movement > >rate at 5' per round. Now, that makes it VERY hard to > do this > maneuver! This > >rule, in ALL the other rule books, is 1/2 your > movement rate. That > >differentiates it from "Retreat", which is a movement > greater than > 1/2. I like this one. > >Smash: I suggest that when the "Smash" maneuver is > performed the > players are > >not allowed to use their weapon mastery (since this > is brute force > instead > >of skill). This will make the -5 penalty something > for players to be > >concerned about (otherwise this will become their > standard attack). This one is interesting. I find that high level fighters usually forego a smash to use multiple attacks instead, though. > > I don't know WHAT they were thinking, but here's > a correction. > Look at > >the optional "Striking Procedure Checklist", > specifically section 3. > The > >last part of the line should read, "...base damage of > 1 plus any > bonuses > >from a high strength." Both the Companion and > Cyclopedia rules > actually > >state a base damage of 0. However, if that's true, > then people with an > >average strength can not fight at all (they never do > damage!). What they were thinking that people of average strength can obviously fight and hurt each other, since knockouts and stuns are still possible. However, damage that takes off hp is different, especially when most normal men or 1st level PCs only have 8 hp at most. I doubt that 8 blows landed in a fist fight between average people would kill anyone. But if Mike Tyson popped me a few times, I'd probably be in a coma! Note that people of avg. Str who take the boxing skill would then do 1 hp damage. > >Protection rings: Magic is not cumulative with other > rings (Protection > +1 > >and Protection +5 is *not* +6; it is +5). Where does this come from? I'm sure I can find some examples in modules where 2 rings combine to give a better AC. > > Well, I hope you've found this text file useful. Yeah, nice compilation, and alot of good catches throughout the rule books. Quite useful, and reading through it reminded me of alot of other rules that had faded from memory a bit. Dan ------------------------------ End of MYSTARA-L Digest - 13 Feb 2002 to 14 Feb 2002 (#2002-45) ***************************************************************