* * * Wizards Community Thread * * * -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Thread : Rakes and Foresters Started at 04-08-04 03:29 AM by Lost Woodrake Visit at http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=216567 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 1] Author : Lost Woodrake Date : 04-08-04 03:29 AM Thread Title : Rakes and Foresters Does anyone here understand what the Rake class is all about? Why would anyone want to play a thief with less abilities and nothing to compensate for it? I have a very vague memory from "Arena of Thyatis" that the Rake is a kind of a diplomatic Rogue - but I guess I'm wrong, since DotE states that Rakes are Lawful. What is their function exactly? As for the Foresters - well, here I also think that it is not enough to simply make them "Human Elves". They need their own uniqueness. But this is easier to solve: with wilderness skills and nature-oriented magic spells, they can become an interesting sort of Ranger. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 2] Author : tjedge1 Date : 04-08-04 07:23 AM I always made the Forester characters more like Rangers. Most of my players would rather just be an elf than a forester. So I gave them a limited group of spells, mixed Druid and Mage spells. Then a couple of thief skills that would be handy in nature. They enjoyed the character a ton after that. When I switched to the RoleMaster spell list system, there are tons of Ranger spells so I just used them from there on. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 3] Author : katana_one Date : 04-08-04 01:22 PM In my 3E game, Rakes and Thieves are both simply replaced with Rogues, and I generally replace Foresters with Rangers. In OD&D the purpose was to give more options for class choices. The Forester allowed someone to play a human fighter/wizard instead of an Elf, while the Rake allowed someone to fulfill the role of Thief without the negative stigma associated with that class. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 4] Author : Lost Woodrake Date : 04-08-04 01:29 PM Originally posted by katana_one while the Rake allowed someone to fulfill the role of Thief without the negative stigma associated with that class. Well, I agree. the thing is I'm not sure that thieves actually have such a negative stigma - at least usually - so I don't find the Rake to be so tempting. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 5] Author : tjedge1 Date : 04-08-04 05:42 PM There is stigma in some places like Alphatia where thieves are much liked. Some of my players who played thieves would disguise themselves as fighters, sailors or mystics. Of course when a fight broke out they would avoid conflict until getting behind the opponent and would reveal their true nature. :smirk: -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 6] Author : Edgewaters Date : 04-09-04 03:12 PM There are certain drawbacks to Rakes over Thieves ... but then, sometimes handicaps and limitations are interesting for roleplaying, imho. Also the Rake does not have to worry about the Thieves Guild or any of that. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 7] Author : havard Date : 04-10-04 03:16 PM Thread Title : OD&D Variant Classes revised OD&D Variant Classes revised: (Not that I play OD&D anymore, but I couldn't resist.) Thief Variant: Rogue Rakes are Honest Rogue types. They follow the same rules as Thieves except: Backstab: Rakes do not have the Backstab Ability Pick Pockets: Rakes do not have the Pick Pockets Ability Hit Dice: As a compensation of a loss of these abilities, Rakes use a d6 when rolling for hit points rather than a d4. Rakes gain +2 hp per level from 10th level and beyond. Elf Variant: Forrester Forresters are Humans who learn the Elven Way. They follow the same rules as Elves except: Do not posess infravision Are not immune to ghoul paralysis Do not have the lifespan of elves. Gain the Move Silently, Hide in Shadows and Hear Noiseabilites of Thieves of the same level. (Use the 36th level Elf Variant from the RC, even if elves are not allowed this option) Btw: Whoever came up with the idea of giving an XP bonus for characters with high ability scores? It should be a penalty instead! After all, isn't it easier to complete a quest if you are more powerful? Havard -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Downloaded from Wizards Community (http://forums.gleemax.com) at 05-10-08 09:23 AM.