http://athas.org/releases/tyrianconspiracy/
http://athas.org/releases/tyrianconspiracy/TyrianConspiracy3.5-preview1.pdf
Changes from the last version include:
a) 3.5 Update. Thanks go to Kamelion for updating all the stat blocks and effects caused by 3.0 -> 3.5. In other words, if there are errors, Kam's to blame. ;)
b) 3.5 version of the psionic assassin and latest version of the savage prestige class. Thanks go to Paul Liss for the Power Points and Powers Known progression for the psi assassin.
c) Alternate outcomes and accompanying flavor text added to two encounters.
d) Anything else not covered by a-c.
Please use this thread for feedback, errata etc., or drop me a line at [email]jon@athas.org[/email]. The lightning bolt has been removed from the autoresponder.
(Agony beetles are too darn expensive, and Kam is becoming electricity resistant after all those lightning bolts).
Here are my comments on the 3.5 version of Tyrian conspiracy:
(I did NOT look at the psions/psychic warriors/soulblades in the adventure, because unfortunately I do not have the psionic rules in my head yet)
page 8, ex-slave thugs:
the hp are way too high, they may be though (having hp near maximum possible), but they CAN'T have more than 29 hp
Init should be +0
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
can't have the dodge feat (dex 13 prerequsite)
page 12, half-elven pickpocket:
sleight of hand should be 5 (+13) because of the synergy bonus from bluff
page 15, The man beasts
CR should be 11 für this encounter (four CR 7 opponents)
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
Fort should be +10
Skills all messed up, so many ranks in hide and move silently not possible, they get 21 skill points to spend on brute skills (max rank 7), then they get 3 skill points to spent on savage skills
if they have 6 ranks in survival it should be 6 (+8)
feats seem to be copied from templars on page 14 (should be improved unarmed strike, improved grapple (B), plus two others
page 16, Wind Dancer Raider
feats seem to be copied from templars on page 14 (can't have power attack and cleave (str 13 prerequisite), why weapon focus scimitar?), probably should be point blank shot and rapid shot plus two others
Skills messed up, correct skill points for 1st level rogue (32), but too many ranks in hide and move silently and search(max 4)
I know, it is tedious to watch for this when creating a multi-class npc
page 18, Scorpion, Gold
Grapple should be even lower due (-10) to tiny size
page 21, Giant problems
creature-wise this encounter should have a CR of 12 (two CR 10 creatures), but perhaps you made it a CR 14 encounter because the giants are 600 ft. away
page 21, Vordon Guards
knowledge (tactics) should be changed in knowledge (warcraft)
they can't have power attack (prerequisite str 13), cleave (prerequisite power attack) and dodge (prerequisite dex 13)
page 25, House Troika Guard
speed should be 20 ft. due to scalemail
you can't get 7 ranks in a cross-class skill as a fighter 4, max is 3.5 ranks, but you got the skill points right (28, you spent 14 on both spot and listen)
page 28, Scorpion, Gold
Grapple should be even lower due (-10) to tiny size
page 28, Dune Runner
Reflex should be +8
skills: see comment on page 16, Wind Dancer Raider
skills: need to be adjusted to new ability scores
page 29, Thri-Kreen
as monstrous humanoids, they should get a base attack of +2 IIRC
if this is right, then the attacks need to be adjusted
page 29, Wind Dancer Raider
skills: see comment on page 16, Wind Dancer Raider
these seem to have the right feats for the Raiders on page 16!
page 35, Crakos
Scribe Scroll is missing a (B)
page 35, Cratek Skullsplitter
his race should be mul, not muk
speed should be 30 ft. due to breastplate
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
skill points missing! He gets 7 ranks in all his skills by being a brute 4, after that he seems to have only spent one point on jump as a fighter, there are 7 skill points left
page 36, Derlan Watari
Init should be +9
how does he get a speed of 25 ft.?
shouldn't there be a "+2" after the favoured enemy and terrain?
Improved Uncanny Dodge should not have "cannot be flanked" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
didn't bother to check the skills, I just hope you built him from the scratch, level by level
page 36, Mutami
Init should be +9
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
skills points messed up (too few), remember his intelligence bonus, take care when building this npc because it is important in which order he took his classes
one feat too much
page 37, Nadar of Mericles
flat-footed AC should be 15 (tortoise balde)
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
Will should be +7
too many feats, should just have 5 (doesn't need martial weapon profiency as feat, as aristocrat he is proficient with all)
skill points messed up, has 30 skill points too much, that probably means you thought an aristocrat gets 8 skill poins per level (he just gets 4)
page 37, Sa'mar
Grapple should be +7
6 skill points seem to be missing
page 38, Talara Vordon
Aristocrats have d8 HD
attack with the longsword should be +11 and +11/+6 (+10 base +1 str +1 focus -1 bone)
Improved Uncanny Dodge should not have "cannot be flanked" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
skill points messed up?, as a rogue she gets 13 skill points per level (8 base + 4 int +1 human), as an aristocrat she gets 9 per level (4 base + 4 int +1 human), if rogue was her first level she adds 3x13=39, if aristocrat was her first level she adds 3x9=27
page 39, Yaris
attack with the small macahuitls should be +10 and +8/+8 (+5 base +3 dex +1 focus +1 masterwork)
Improved Uncanny Dodge should not have "cannot be flanked" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
skill points right!
but: climb should just be 9 (+9), diplomacy +8 (+12) [synergy bluff], disguise +8 (+12) [synergy bluff for acting], jump 6 (+6), sleight of hand 8 (+13) [synergy bluff]
page 8, 2nd column, last paragraph
"Until the work to put the fire begins," should probably be "Until the work to put the fire out begins,"
page 12, 1st column, 2nd paragraph
"Nadar then leaves Roshan, the guard captain, in charge of transporting the caravan’s goods to the compounds of House Stel and the purchase of slave
carriers." Why Stel and not Vordon? There may be a reason behind this (perhaps the houses trade with each other), but I suppose it should be Vordon.
"Until the work to put the fire begins," should probably be "Until the work to put the fire out begins,"
Yes.
"Nadar then leaves Roshan, the guard captain, in charge of transporting the caravan’s goods to the compounds of House Stel and the purchase of slave carriers." Why Stel and not Vordon? There may be a reason behind this (perhaps the houses trade with each other), but I suppose it should be Vordon.
No, that should be Stel. The houses are indeed trading with each other.
Oh, and as a small incentive for your feedback, for every formatting / stat block error found, I'll have Nyte bite Kam. :D
He is pretty tasty afterall. Living in England then to Holland then back to England adds a certain distinct flavor.
:D
"Nadar then leaves Roshan
Nadar?
Isn't he a Republican candidate running for president this year?
:D
I can handle a few nibbles, but Kam's in serious trouble. Nyt, maybe you and Kam can come to some kind of arrangement with egg rolls or fantasy women pictures or something else Nyt likes biting? :D
I'd make a list, but this is a PG-13 forum. For shame!
page 17, 2nd column, 1st paragraph
"If the initial save fails, he must make another save in 1 minute"
The second save must be made regardless of the the first save succeding or not.
page 17, 2nd column, 1st paragraph
"Also, the PC must make a Fortitude save (DC 24) at the time he is struck or be momentarily paralyzed (the assassin used his death attack)."
The assassin can't use his death attack, because he attacks with a ranged weapon. Death attacks can only be made with melee weapons.
page 19, 1st column, 1st paragraph
"Note: He cannot use his Death attack since he has not studied the PC for three rounds."
The assassin couldn't use his death attack (even if he would have studied the PCs for three rounds), because he attacks with a ranged weapon. Death attacks can only be made with melee weapons.
Note: Derlan Watari should swap out one of his feats for Quick Draw, or he won't actually be able to throw multiple knives with a full attack.
page 19, 1st column, 4th paragraph
"His potion fruit will remain in effect for a total of 10 rounds."
He ate a potion fruit of expeditious retreat (5th-level), so the effect lasts for a total of 50 rounds.
page 23, 1st column, last paragraph
"guardhas"
guard has
page 31, 2nd comlumn, 4th paragraph
"You can be as active or passive that you like."
Should probably be "You can be as active or passive as you like."
page 41, 2nd column, 3rd paragraph
"Savages are proficient in light armor and simple weapons."
Should be "Savages are proficient with light armor and simple weapons."
Or, if you want to stay very close to the PHB style: "Savages are proficient with simple weapons. They are proficient with light armor but not with shields."
I hope I was of help and not too terribly nitpicking.
I hope I was of help and not too terribly nitpicking.
Not at all. Though I suspect that Kam will be sending the Shadows to get you. ;)
2nd: I have to comment this:
"The man beasts CR should be 11 für"
Good one! Man Beasts fur! Mwahahahahaha! Good one!
The man beasts CR should be 11 für
Good god! You're right! That's the first time I mixed English and German...it is just too easy if you have nazi-keys like ä,ö,ü on the keyboard :D
Before I go any further, allow me to clear up a misconception that Jon has started. I was not asked to proofread or edit Tyrian Conspiracy and I made no real attempt to do so. I was asked to convert the stat blocks and effects from 3.0 rules to 3.5 rules. I was also asked to look over the scenes for any ways in which they might be improved, which led to the development of multiple outcomes to some encounters. Jon never gave me the impression that my work represented a “final” version of TC – in fact he made it clear that he would be reviewing my work himself (which I submitted 3 weeks ago). When I submitted the 3.5 review I also was explicit in stating that I was not happy with my work on the stat blocks and that they would definitely need another sweep. Jon mentioned one or two issues, which I amended, and I have heard nothing of the matter since - until my return to Holland this evening, after a (successful) house-hunting expedition in the UK.
So, Jon, I am sure that you will understand that I was disappointed to read your multiple passings of the buck (emoticons or no). As the author and, presumably, final reviewer of the document in question, I feel that you should also step up and take ownership of any problems with TC. That you have not done so even in the slightest, is just shameful. While it might be very easy to simply say “if there are errors, Kam's to blame”, it might be more truthful to say that if there are any errors arising from the conversion from 3.0 to 3.5, Kam’s to blame. For such errors, I wholeheartedly take the pie in the face.
I am usually an affable fellow, but seeing as you have chosen to conduct this matter in this fashion in a public forum, shall we dance?
page 8, ex-slave thugs:
the hp are way too high, they may be though (having hp near maximum possible), but they CAN'T have more than 29 hp
Incorrect. With 3d12 HD, the thugs can have as many as 36 hp each.
Init should be +0
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
can't have the dodge feat (dex 13 prerequsite)
You are right about the formatting point. I didn’t know about that when I did my work on TC. The other errors were not part of my 3.5 revision and Jon should answer for these.
page 12, half-elven pickpocket:
sleight of hand should be 5 (+13) because of the synergy bonus from bluff
Yup. I missed that synergy bonus.
page 15, The man beasts
CR should be 11 für this encounter (four CR 7 opponents)
Yes. An error in Jon’s original text that was left unamended.
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
Yes. My mistake.
Fort should be +10
Fort is +10.
Skills all messed up, so many ranks in hide and move silently not possible, they get 21 skill points to spend on brute skills (max rank 7), then they get 3 skill points to spent on savage skills
if they have 6 ranks in survival it should be 6 (+8)
feats seem to be copied from templars on page 14 (should be improved unarmed strike, improved grapple (B), plus two others
Yeah, the feats are a copy/paste error from a late draft of TC. Odd. My original draft gave them Dodge, Improved Grapple(B), Improved Initiative, Wastelander. And, like I said, the skills totals were in need of another sweep.
page 16, Wind Dancer Raider
feats seem to be copied from templars on page 14 (can't have power attack and cleave (str 13 prerequisite), why weapon focus scimitar?), probably should be point blank shot and rapid shot plus two others
Skills messed up, correct skill points for 1st level rogue (32), but too many ranks in hide and move silently and search(max 4)
I know, it is tedious to watch for this when creating a multi-class npc
More of the same – all mea culpa. The elves originally had Concentrated Fire, Pointblank Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Finesse.
page 18, Scorpion, Gold
Grapple should be even lower due (-10) to tiny size
Incorrect. Check ToA – they get a +8 racial bonus to all grapple checks.
page 21, Giant problems
creature-wise this encounter should have a CR of 12 (two CR 10 creatures), but perhaps you made it a CR 14 encounter because the giants are 600 ft. away
Yes, another error left unamended from the original manuscript.
page 21, Vordon Guards
knowledge (tactics) should be changed in knowledge (warcraft)
they can't have power attack (prerequisite str 13), cleave (prerequisite power attack) and dodge (prerequisite dex 13)
page 25, House Troika Guard
speed should be 20 ft. due to scalemail
you can't get 7 ranks in a cross-class skill as a fighter 4, max is 3.5 ranks, but you got the skill points right (28, you spent 14 on both spot and listen)[/i]
Correctomundo. These would be more 3.0 errors left unamended by whomever was responsible for actually editing and proofreading TC. Jon, I presume.
page 28, Scorpion, Gold
Grapple should be even lower due (-10) to tiny size
There’s that +8 racial bonus again, eh?
page 28, Dune Runner
Reflex should be +8
skills: see comment on page 16, Wind Dancer Raider
skills: need to be adjusted to new ability scores
Indeed. I actually didn’t edit this stat-block, beyond combat and psionics stats. Jon, care to shed some light on this one?
page 29, Thri-Kreen
as monstrous humanoids, they should get a base attack of +2 IIRC
if this is right, then the attacks need to be adjusted
Yes, correct. My mistake, and a stupid one at that.
page 29, Wind Dancer Raider
skills: see comment on page 16, Wind Dancer Raider
these seem to have the right feats for the Raiders on page 16!
Heh, the evil copy/paste demon spared me on that one then, I guess.
page 35, Crakos
Scribe Scroll is missing a (B)
Yup. It was missing in the original and I missed it too when I rewrote his feats to take account of Hidden Talent.
page 35, Cratek Skullsplitter
his race should be mul, not muk
Err, yes. Yes it should.
speed should be 30 ft. due to breastplate
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
skill points missing! He gets 7 ranks in all his skills by being a brute 4, after that he seems to have only spent one point on jump as a fighter, there are 7 skill points left
Yes, I goofed on the speed there.
page 36, Derlan Watari
Init should be +9
how does he get a speed of 25 ft.?
Agreed. Jon?
shouldn't there be a "+2" after the favoured enemy and terrain?
Yes, there probably should – it would fit the 3.5 completeness.
Improved Uncanny Dodge should not have "cannot be flanked" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
didn't bother to check the skills
You are clearly not the only one.
page 36, Mutami
Init should be +9
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
skills points messed up (too few), remember his intelligence bonus, take care when building this npc because it is important in which order he took his classes
one feat too much
Improved Initiative was scrapped, thus the lower Init score. Looks like it was left in the feat list, though.
page 37, Nadar of Mericles
flat-footed AC should be 15 (tortoise balde)
Uncanny Dodge should not have "Dex bonus to AC" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
Will should be +7
too many feats, should just have 5 (doesn't need martial weapon profiency as feat, as aristocrat he is proficient with all)
skill points messed up, has 30 skill points too much, that probably means you thought an aristocrat gets 8 skill poins per level (he just gets 4)
You know, I actually remember thinking that too. Dumb of me. And Uncanny Dodge again, heh. Ho hum. Jon, can you give any input on the non-3.5 errors?
page 37, Sa'mar
Grapple should be +7
6 skill points seem to be missing
Yes, agreed.
page 38, Talara Vordon
Aristocrats have d8 HD
attack with the longsword should be +11 and +11/+6 (+10 base +1 str +1 focus -1 bone)
Improved Uncanny Dodge should not have "cannot be flanked" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
skill points messed up?, as a rogue she gets 13 skill points per level (8 base + 4 int +1 human), as an aristocrat she gets 9 per level (4 base + 4 int +1 human), if rogue was her first level she adds 3x13=39, if aristocrat was her first level she adds 3x9=27
Yes, it looks like Jon missed the Weapon Focus there, and there’s more of the same from me. Did nobody proofread this stuff before it was released?
page 39, Yaris
attack with the small macahuitls should be +10 and +8/+8 (+5 base +3 dex +1 focus +1 masterwork)
Improved Uncanny Dodge should not have "cannot be flanked" in parentheses, the ability is now (in 3.5) exactly defined
skill points right!
but: climb should just be 9 (+9), diplomacy +8 (+12) [synergy bluff], disguise +8 (+12) [synergy bluff for acting], jump 6 (+6), sleight of hand 8 (+13) [synergy bluff]
Yay for skill points! Otherwise, as above.
page 17, 2nd column, 1st paragraph
"If the initial save fails, he must make another save in 1 minute"
The second save must be made regardless of the the first save succeding or not.
Yes, quite correct. Jon?
page 17, 2nd column, 1st paragraph
"Also, the PC must make a Fortitude save (DC 24) at the time he is struck or be momentarily paralyzed (the assassin used his death attack)."
The assassin can't use his death attack, because he attacks with a ranged weapon. Death attacks can only be made with melee weapons.
Ditto.
page 19, 1st column, 1st paragraph
"Note: He cannot use his Death attack since he has not studied the PC for three rounds."
The assassin couldn't use his death attack (even if he would have studied the PCs for three rounds), because he attacks with a ranged weapon. Death attacks can only be made with melee weapons.
Note: Derlan Watari should swap out one of his feats for Quick Draw, or he won't actually be able to throw multiple knives with a full attack.
Ditto.
page 19, 1st column, 4th paragraph
"His potion fruit will remain in effect for a total of 10 rounds."
He ate a potion fruit of expeditious retreat (5th-level), so the effect lasts for a total of 50 rounds.
Yes. I originally got this wrong by stating that the potion fruit lasted 5 rounds (instead of 5 minutes – typo), as there was no mention of its duration in the original manuscript. Jon amended this to 10 rounds. We were both clearly waaaay off.
page 23, 1st column, last paragraph
"guardhas"
guard has
Keen eye strikes again.
page 31, 2nd comlumn, 4th paragraph
"You can be as active or passive that you like."
Should probably be "You can be as active or passive as you like."
Agreed.
page 41, 2nd column, 3rd paragraph
"Savages are proficient in light armor and simple weapons."
Should be "Savages are proficient with light armor and simple weapons."
Or, if you want to stay very close to the PHB style: "Savages are proficient with simple weapons. They are proficient with light armor but not with shields."
Yup, that would be cleaner.
I hope I was of help and not too terribly nitpicking.
Lots of help – just look at all the errors you found! It looks more nitpicky than it probably is - a good percentage of the stablocks seem to have come through unscathed, but of course a thread about correct stats makes for a very boring read. Let me, again, second what The Ragi says:
You should hire this guy as the Athas.org official proof-reader
I agree wholeheartedly. Every document needs multiple sweeps from multiple sets of eyes – I lose track of how many we have gone through on ToA and there are still niggles arising. I have actually recommended Elonarc to Jon on several occasions for this exact purpose – one of these times was during my conversion of TC to 3.5, actually.
I realise that I may be coming across as being on the defensive, and for this I truly apologise. However, I do not think that my involvement in this project has been correctly represented at all – to the contrary in fact, despite the smilies. Jon knows very well how busy I was at the time with other projects as well as more pressing RL concerns (connected to relocating my family to the UK, with my gf in hospital with a serious kidney infection).
I was, therefore, explicit in my desire that another reviewer double-check my work, as I was not happy with the skill points at all. However, given the pressures of the time, I eventually had to draw a line under my involvement in the project and pass it back to Jon for review. If that review did not take place to a sufficiently high standard, then that is regrettable. But it should not be inferred that I was the one responsible for that review, as that was most emphatically not the case and it is misleading of Jon to suggest otherwise.
So yes, I will wear the mud from any errors that arose as a result of my conversion work (and from responding in this fashion) and I invite Jon to step forward and share his thoughts on the other issues that Elonarc has raised above.
Here is the obligatory smiley:
Incorrect. With 3d12 HD, the thugs can have as many as 36 hp each.
What a dumb math mistake of me (3x12=26?).
Fort is +10.
Ahem
. Right 
. But it should be +9 :D. (my bad)I realise that I may be coming across as being on the defensive, and for this I truly apologise. However, I do not think that my involvement in this project has been correctly represented at all – to the contrary in fact, despite the smilies. Jon knows very well how busy I was at the time with other projects as well as more pressing RL concerns (connected to relocating my family to the UK, with my gf in hospital with a serious kidney infection).
Congrats Jon, you win an award. That's the first time I've seen Kam in a semi ******-off mood. :D
I don't like editing much, but I can at least help in reviewing the stat blocks, that I don't mind, plus I have the free time to do it.
So Jon, feel free to send that my way if it needs another glance.
Also get Elonarc on board, we need all the reviewers we can get our hands on. Then maybe, just maybe, we can kill the number of versions we end up doing on each project somewhat.
Before I go any further, allow me to clear up a misconception that Jon has started. I was not asked to proofread or edit Tyrian Conspiracy and I made no real attempt to do so. I was asked to convert the stat blocks and effects from 3.0 rules to 3.5 rules.
I didn't think I gave the impression you had proofread or edited, just converted. Though, going on previous experience with your work, I didn't really figure it would need much editing, thus the joking tone about any errors on your account. Anyhow, I wrote version 1.1 has been released for *public playtesting*. The purpose of a playtest is to get rid of all the bugs. The front page on athas.org pretty clearly states it is a *preview* release and that bugs should be reported to me. Sorry if you got the impression it was the final version.
I was also asked to look over the scenes for any ways in which they might be improved, which led to the development of multiple outcomes to some encounters.
Thanks for your opinions on those. I had been thinking about fixing those since a couple of playtest rounds back, but didn't get around to it before you pointed them out to me again.
Jon never gave me the impression that my work represented a “final” version of TC – in fact he made it clear that he would be reviewing my work himself (which I submitted 3 weeks ago).
I know I said I would look over your work, but due to time constraints I asked Mike to do it, so I could work on Dregoth Ascending. Since he didn't report back to me, I went with a public playtest to speed up the process. I should have checked with you to see if that was ok, but you weren't online and I wanted to get the playtest done as fast as possible. Sorry.
When I submitted the 3.5 review I also was explicit in stating that I was not happy with my work on the stat blocks and that they would definitely need another sweep.
I know your standard of work quality and assumed you were just being modest when you said you were a little uncertain about the stat blocks. Or at least that was the impression I got. Sorry.
So, Jon, I am sure that you will understand that I was disappointed to read your multiple passings of the buck (emoticons or no). As the author and, presumably, final reviewer of the document in question, I feel that you should also step up and take ownership of any problems with TC.
I'm sorry if you perceive that I have dumped the mekillot load on you, Kam, that was not my intention. To clear up any misconceptions, Kam has done me a huge favor by converting TC from 3.0 to 3.5, and any lack of editing on my part is not his fault. I didn't figure his conversions needed much editing, and going on previous experience with Kam's thoroughness, I naturally assumed everything was in order - including past errors of mine from previous editions.
That you have not done so even in the slightest, is just shameful. While it might be very easy to simply say “if there are errors, Kam's to blame”, it might be more truthful to say that if there are any errors arising from the conversion from 3.0 to 3.5, Kam’s to blame. For such errors, I wholeheartedly take the pie in the face.
So, you wanna share a lightning bolt to the face and shake hands and stuff?
Congrats on the house by the way!
.*shakes*
... Hey! Where's my award, Nyte?
Sorry, too much Babylon 5, hehe.
WTH did I not watch this series sooner?
I suck I know...