* * * Wizards Community Thread * * * -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Thread : Energy Drain Heelp!!! Started at 01-23-05 01:13 AM by WizzyBlackmore Visit at http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=367879 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 1] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 01-23-05 01:13 AM Thread Title : Energy Drain Heelp!!! My 5th level fight is now a 3rd level fighter....spectres, wraiths, etc are all over B4!!!! Is there no way to restore e- levels?? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 2] Author : Torack Date : 01-23-05 04:09 AM There are two ways to restore lost levels. The first is to simply hack everything to bits, gain experience, go up a level, repeat, or use the 7th level priest spell: Restoration. You're not having a lot of luck, are you? You might want to try a different strategy when dealing with all these undead. IIRC you had 3 priests and 2 fighters? If so, use simple spells such as Bless(stacks: +1 vs Attack and Save vs. Fear each casting) Detect Evil(Undead are evil, thus a spell like this should give you fair warning) Invisibility to Undead(The can't hit what they can't see) Protection from Evil(-2 AC, -2 Saves. BIG PLUS!) Wyvern Watch(Great to cast before resting) Flame Blade(An Additional +2 vs. Undead) Also load up on Vials of Holy Water and toss them at the undead. You could potentially even cast Cure xxx Wounds on them. These spells are from the Positive Energy Plane, whereas undead use the Negative Energy Plane for healing. A Cure xxx Wound should harm them, though the final call's up to the DM, best point it out to him before you use it. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 3] Author : Wyrmbane Date : 01-23-05 04:21 AM Add to that: Recitation Prayer -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 4] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 01-23-05 11:34 AM My offensive capabilities are dang good, I used Protect. Evil on my 2nd level fighter, but the spectre rolled an 18 on my 4th level (prev. 5th) and oh my gosh......a spectre drains 2 levels!!!! Oh no, he's now a 2nd level fighter!!!!! :weep: :weep: :weep: -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 5] Author : GreyLord Date : 01-23-05 11:37 AM Well, when your party used to be 5th level, if there were 3 clerics, I'd have said turning would have been a great option...I think the clerics need a 13 to turn the wraiths, surely with three in your party there'd have to be some successes each attempt I'd imagine. However, now that your down to lvl 3, if the clerics are also down in their levels...well...hopefully the DM will bless you with a rod of restoration, or you'll find some restoration scrolls or potions...if you're lucky. It's time to get out of Dodge for that party. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 6] Author : GreyLord Date : 01-23-05 11:39 AM My offensive capabilities are dang good, I used Protect. Evil on my 2nd level fighter, but the spectre rolled an 18 on my 4th level (prev. 5th) and oh my gosh......a spectre drains 2 levels!!!! Oh no, he's now a 2nd level fighter!!!!! :weep: :weep: :weep: A Spectre!!! What sort of dungeon are you in!!! At 5th level!!! You really made the DM upset at you or something didn't you?? :) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 7] Author : Torack Date : 01-23-05 12:13 PM Well, B4: The Lost City is supposed to be for level 1-3. Granted it has some tough encounters in it, but none of the random encounter tables or encounters in the module shows any sign of Spectre's or Wraiths. Closest it has are Ghouls, Skeletons and a single Banshee. (I checked.) As with all the B-series, it's supposed to deal with Basic Dungeons and Dragons or low-level D&D(levels 1-3). I do not know what your DM is doing, but obviously I'd say your party isn't up to his idea of a challenge... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 8] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 01-23-05 12:45 PM My Clerics turned several wraiths....the 5th level C died, the 4th can't turn spectres..... I'm on the "Expanding the Adventure" dungeon levels 6-10......scarey, I'm trying to get to the lost underground city......found the way but now I need to get past a vampire....this could be it for my group!!!! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 9] Author : Wyrmbane Date : 01-23-05 12:59 PM Based on the AAR you're giving us, I think you are seriously hosed, unless the DM starts giving you a handy MARLOG or two. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 10] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 01-23-05 01:16 PM I'm using solo play rules from DMG (hard to play these days w/ others I'm in dental school)......also some taken from solo mods....I may be too hard on my guys......I make it so everything is determined by die roll to prevent favor........Yes you're right I'm screwed...... btw where in the books is Rod of Restoration.....Book Marv Magic??? Don't see it it DMG.... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 11] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 01-23-05 01:36 PM All my guys are level 0....I believe as they say...the party's over......unless the ancient clerics in the temple I read an oath to serve find us......what are the chances of that unless, I just make it happen......... :confused: -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 12] Author : Torack Date : 01-23-05 03:30 PM I do believe 0-level characters are possible in AD&D. They'd be Mercenaries(level 0) by definition. So not all is lost. Check the DMG page 100. Just start running and don't turn back until you've reached a friendly town. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 13] Author : Wyrmbane Date : 01-23-05 04:09 PM I didn't find it in the Encyclopdia Magica, but that means nothing. Essentially, it's a rod that has x number of charges, and it does restoration (like the Rod of Ressurection). Perhaps the priests in the party have been very good and a certain diety decides to "lend a helping hand"? If not, una** the AO PDQ and start looking for a priest who's willing to cast restoration for you. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 14] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 01-23-05 04:20 PM Ok, so my 3 remaining guys got worked by a vampire.......my cleric pulled out his garlic and prevented the vamp attack for 4 rounds....unfortunately my attack rolls were dreadful, vamp came back and eventually got all 3 to zero.....unconscious...then I rolled for possibility of Brothers of Gorm party and there was one (you need to know the mod. to understand, they are very common in the lost city) w/ an 8th level (1d10 lucky roll), then came upon vampire/unconscious party.....rolled a 16 and turned the vamp........very lucky roll........I believe they are now taking us to the underground city.......they are lawful which is perfect....the party may survive yet.......I may have to give most of the treasure acquired thus far as a diety donation to be restored of mummy curse and gain levels back....if this is offered.....thanks for all the help......... sorry for the play by play....I'll let you know what happens..... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 15] Author : Wyrmbane Date : 01-23-05 10:00 PM They just might make it yet. Giving up all the treasure for another chance at life is a small sacrifice to make. Were it me, I'd do it in a heartbeat. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 16] Author : eshombrule Date : 01-26-05 06:46 PM Mayeb this can be looked at as a test of the Gods to see if your Clerics/Priests were ready for the undertaking and obviously they weren't. Maybe the idea the Gods were trying to send is: You dont have to fight EVERYTHING! ;) Actually, I am trying to figure out what your party is doing there at all since it is fo 6-10th level characters, is it not? you stated your fighter was 5th, what levels were the other characters? 5th and 4th? ~Eshombrule -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 17] Author : eshombrule Date : 01-26-05 06:54 PM Also, not sure if which edtion you are playing, but the 1st edition DMG (and possible all others) states that a character dropped to 0 level by any means can never again gain in levels. If a 0 level charcter is drained, it is dead (possibly to return as an undead if not otherwise noted) How about doing an old cliche and have your characters wake up to realise it was a premonition of what is to come if they don't gain some levels first and aren't prepared? A good scout is always prepared ;) ~Eshombrule -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 18] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 01-27-05 07:51 AM Playing 1st ed. The mod gives the players the option of continuing the adventure even though it is levels 6-10...I unwisely continued. If that's the case about level 0 then my guys are now undead....I thought I read that at level zero a person is alive but has no skills and needs training......have to check... you are probably right.......this weekend will see and probably roll up some new characters and start all over...... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 19] Author : Torack Date : 01-27-05 08:14 AM ...and remember: Pick your battles! :P -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 20] Author : Stonebeard Date : 01-29-05 02:44 PM If you've delved into the darkest depths of B4 then welcome to the Tomb of Horrors for the basic set. I remember this mod well its the hardest mod in all of the B series, providing you range into its darkest reaches where yes you even encounter a vampire. The difficulty your players are facing are not at all uncommon in my opinion. I played the mod often and it was the best butt whooping We ever got. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 21] Author : Torack Date : 01-29-05 06:07 PM Uhm...the Tomb of Horrors is from the S-series. Not the B-series. :P ...and it's supposed to be a total Player Killer. It was designed specifically for that purpose. Granted, I do recall Gygax offing everyone except those he wanted too, but that's another story for another day. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 22] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 01-29-05 07:36 PM So guys what is the general consensus w/ my players then......unconscious at zero level or dead????? What would you do?? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 23] Author : Stonebeard Date : 01-29-05 09:48 PM I have difficulty answering that question because 1/2 the posts here read as if this was 1ed AD&D and to the best of my knowledge B4 was a OD&D module. Possibly Mystarra which i've had noth]ing to do with though I believe thats more from the 2nd editition era. OD&D for clarification purposes is where elf was a class not a race. So in an attempt to answer for both sets of rules. If its 1st Edition AD&D yes the DMG has rules for level 0 characters. OD&D set however, which does not always actually have a DMG but some of the later versions had an equivalent, do no provide for the possibility of level 0 characters at least not in any of the rules sets. A supplement might have it but if so it didn't find its way into the rules cyclopedia. So alive, kicking but hopefully looking for a way out if 1st edition, or dead if its OD&D. Hope that helps. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 24] Author : Torack Date : 01-30-05 04:14 AM B4 IS a Basic D&D adventure. As I recall reading somewhere, Wizzyblackmore stated he had converted it to 1e Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. As for 0-level characters, I'd make them unconcious. I recall N5-Under Illefarn (http://home.flash.net/~brenfrow/fr/n5.htm) had characters start out as 0-level characters. And it was a 1st Edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Adventure -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 25] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 01-30-05 12:15 PM Yes, I'm playing a hybrid of 1st D&D and AD&D........will eventually phase out D&D....The old 1st Ed. Mods are great....B4 goes down to dungeon level 6 and IMO should be an expert mod as I got my glutus kicked. I didn't fight everything, rolled for rxn w/ neutral monsters and usually went our own peaceful way but tried to fight all that is evil as the 2 fighters are neutral and the clerics are lawful. You see the results.... .......I use the original 5 books + the MMII.....random monsters come from appendices in MMII that encompass FF, MM as well.....solo play works, as I've stated before from DMG..... also using as many random tables as possible....I roll for everything to keep it fair.....different than playing w/ a group but difficult to get one together b/c of dental school although there are 2 guys that want to play. My method is very therapeutic (sp?) considering what is going on in my life (school, commute, babies, etc...).......I may sit on my adventure for awhile and see what you guys think I can go either way but would like to continue the adventure after all my party has gone through......thanks for the advice!!!!! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 26] Author : Ourph the Mingol Date : 01-30-05 03:14 PM In both 1st ed. and Classic D&D, a character drained of levels so that their level = 0 is either dead, or has become a creature like the one that drained them. This is the BtB ruling. However, the N-series of modules do contain rules for playing 0-level characters until they reach 1st level in a PC class and if you wanted to treat your PCs as 0-level characters and adventure with them until they regain levels there's certainly nothing wrong with that. I wouldn't recommend trying to take on B4 with them at that level though. ;) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 27] Author : failhelm Date : 02-01-05 01:37 PM 1e AD&D answer; Sorry if this is a repost, but the Cleric spell "Restoration" will also restore lost levels if restored within a certain amount of time. I don't have my books right now, so pls correct me if I'm wrong. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 28] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 02-20-05 02:35 PM Ok, my situation with my 3 characters all devastated by undead to level 0 is resolved! Saved by Lawful clerics of Brotherhood of Gorm...as per the module story.....they already swore fealty to them in the beginning of the mod......well they were taken to the underground city....and restored but at a heavy price: *Gold Donation: 30K, 30K and 12K per character (6K/level). *4 Magic Items/character donated to BoG. *No XP given for paid/donated treasure acquired on adventure. *Characters restored to minimum XP for level (ie) 5th level fighter 18001 XP. *BoG tattoo: blue lightning bolt on shoulder. Although the BoG wants the newly initiated BoG party to help them restore the BoG to power in the underground city, it's too surreal and enough has happened, there's talk of Effriti's there!!! I think the party wants to get the hell out of there!!! They are broke and humbled to death!! Pun intended..... What do you guys think?? Was this fair to easy or too hard on the party?? Or just stupid on my part?? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 29] Author : Stonebeard Date : 02-20-05 03:55 PM Makes for rather poor story telling to have the heroes die in the end. Broke, humiliated and running scared sounds like a good segway (did i spell that right?) to the next adventure. Failure should of course always be possible in an adventure and character death a very real consequence too but outright slaughter? Thats just a bad ending (IMHO). Watching players mourn a dead comrade or making a comeback after a particularly good thrashing is much more fun. Game... Fun... Ring a bell??? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 30] Author : WizzyBlackmore Date : 02-20-05 07:13 PM Well I originally went in w/ a thief and an elf..they died immediately...the 2 clerics were a wandering NPC party..they decidded to join....I rolled them up as characters (still NPCs) and one of them got killed by a giant I think at 2xdamage for a -10 hp or something...I think character death is important, but I agree slaughter?? I justify bringing them back as per the nature of the campaign w/ all the different religious factions wandering around and that level zero may be an option......if all my guys got slaughtered by the giant at like -5 or worse they'd be dead as well....I played the lost levels a more like an undead induced coma...... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 31] Author : Hiryu Date : 03-04-05 02:02 AM To answer your question, I do it very similarly to Ourp when I do decide to actually drain levels (instead of Con, tho I also use the same rule for Con 0). If a character is drained to LESS than level 0 (I already have 0-level rules and make most characters start out that way, so in my games it has to be less), then the character is dead, and due to the massive loss of vital energies, he or she cannot be raised by any means short than a 9th-level Wish spell (ie, no Minor Wish). Then, in 1d10 days after the corpse raises as an undead of the same type that drained the character and becomes an NPC. The only way to avoid this process would be casting a Wish to revive the character before he or she raises as an undead. For a character that is -already- an undead, then to "cure him" it takes an involved proces, and researching it follows the same rules as researching a 9th level spell. (a simple remove curse won't work anymore) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Downloaded from Wizards Community (http://forums.gleemax.com) at 05-10-08 08:18 AM.