Questions

[danielxcutter]

Hey, long time since I've last dropped in, and figured that I might as well ask a bunch of not-really-important-but-still-curious-so-there-stuff I guess.

1. So, psionics are a Thing^TM in Manjulias, sure. There's Merla, obviously, as well as that Order of Silence dark elf psion. Plus Exillon, who I didn't realize was based on a Beholder except PSIONICS, yeah.

1-1. Guessing that psionics aren't as major as arcane or divine magic in the setting, but still common enough for "oh yeah, think there are people who do that"(in other words, a "common sense" untrained check) then?

1-2. What about the other psionic classes - Wilder, Psychic Warrior, Soulknife - or the prestige classes - Cerebremancer, Elocator et al? I'm guessing they're in the setting world somewhere, but just haven't turned up?

1-2-1. If it exists, how do you handle Slayer - originally Illithid Slayer, but mind flayers aren't OGL - in this setting? As the SRD, or something else?

1-3. How (un)common are psionic monsters like Exillion? Is it relatively more common in G.E.A.R.S.(or whatever the plane itself is called), or is Exillion just an Outsider from that plane with PLAs? Or something else entirely? It is an Outsider, right?(BTW, loved the battle; especially all the discipline powers)


2. The Manjulias pantheon is well made - in fact, I think I might have to put more effort in to my original setting idea just so it isn't quite a ripoff of yours.(That was meant as a compliment.) Still, got a few questions.

2-1. I'm guessing that in general there's no strict "racial pantheons" or whatever like Greyhawk, but certain races certainly do gravitate to one deity or another a la the Asgardian pantheon in 3e Deities and Demigods? Makes sense to me I guess...

2-2. How (un)common are ideal-worshiping clerics like Jordan? Are they more or less common among non-PC races(such as giants)?

2-2-1. Speaking of giants, what kind of giant was the one who appeared during the Hag Coven fight? Doesn't look right for a Stone Giant, so I'm guessing an elite Hill Giant or something similar?

Edit: Oh yeah, almost forgot a few questions.

3. There are a lot of interesting homebrewed monsters of yours in Manjulias - and I do mean "interesting" as "cool".

3-1. So, about the Outsiders from G.E.A.R.S. - those are homebrewed I think. Is there a specific name for that kind of Outsider(if they are Outsiders), like Inevitables and Formians?

3-1-1. Do those last two even exist in this setting?

3-1-2. Can we get statblocks for the Octodaethus(618) and the Cubix(676)? And I'm guessing those are summoned with Summon Monster VIII and IV, respectively?

3-1-2-1. Octo"daethus"? Sounds a lot like Judge "Daethros"... is that just the general naming theme, or something else?

3-2. Soooo... Slammy's a type of Outsider(chaotic, extraplanar) called a Slammaster I think? What abilities(aside from those already shown) do they have? Actually, can we just get the statblock?

4. In 197, Thomas says he has "25 Int without items", but his character sheet has 30 Int. Even with a +6 item, that means his Int is a 24. Typo or not?

[rogonandi]

Jan 4, 2019 6:16:34 GMT danielxcutter said:

Hey, long time since I've last dropped in, and figured that I might as well ask a bunch of not-really-important-but-still-curious-so-there-stuff I guess.

1. So, psionics are a Thing^TM in Manjulias, sure. There's Merla, obviously, as well as that Order of Silence dark elf psion. Plus Exillon, who I didn't realize was based on a Beholder except PSIONICS, yeah.

1-1. Guessing that psionics aren't as major as arcane or divine magic in the setting, but still common enough for "oh yeah, think there are people who do that"(in other words, a "common sense" untrained check) then?

1-2. What about the other psionic classes - Wilder, Psychic Warrior, Soulknife - or the prestige classes - Cerebremancer, Elocator et al? I'm guessing they're in the setting world somewhere, but just haven't turned up?

1-2-1. If it exists, how do you handle Slayer - originally Illithid Slayer, but mind flayers aren't OGL - in this setting? As the SRD, or something else?

1-3. How (un)common are psionic monsters like Exillion? Is it relatively more common in G.E.A.R.S.(or whatever the plane itself is called), or is Exillion just an Outsider from that plane with PLAs? Or something else entirely? It is an Outsider, right?(BTW, loved the battle; especially all the discipline powers)


2. The Manjulias pantheon is well made - in fact, I think I might have to put more effort in to my original setting idea just so it isn't quite a ripoff of yours.(That was meant as a compliment.) Still, got a few questions.

2-1. I'm guessing that in general there's no strict "racial pantheons" or whatever like Greyhawk, but certain races certainly do gravitate to one deity or another a la the Asgardian pantheon in 3e Deities and Demigods? Makes sense to me I guess...

2-2. How (un)common are ideal-worshiping clerics like Jordan? Are they more or less common among non-PC races(such as giants)?

2-2-1. Speaking of giants, what kind of giant was the one who appeared during the Hag Coven fight? Doesn't look right for a Stone Giant, so I'm guessing an elite Hill Giant or something similar?

Edit: Oh yeah, almost forgot a few questions.

3. There are a lot of interesting homebrewed monsters of yours in Manjulias - and I do mean "interesting" as "cool".

3-1. So, about the Outsiders from G.E.A.R.S. - those are homebrewed I think. Is there a specific name for that kind of Outsider(if they are Outsiders), like Inevitables and Formians?

3-1-1. Do those last two even exist in this setting?

3-1-2. Can we get statblocks for the Octodaethus(618) and the Cubix(676)? And I'm guessing those are summoned with Summon Monster VIII and IV, respectively?

3-1-2-1. Octo"daethus"? Sounds a lot like Judge "Daethros"... is that just the general naming theme, or something else?

3-2. Soooo... Slammy's a type of Outsider(chaotic, extraplanar) called a Slammaster I think? What abilities(aside from those already shown) do they have? Actually, can we just get the statblock?

4. In 197, Thomas says he has "25 Int without items", but his character sheet has 30 Int. Even with a +6 item, that means his Int is a 24. Typo or not?

Okey Dokie... 

1. Psionics have been simplified to just another set of supernatural magic-like abilities. That being said only the Psion class is used in the comic, but I wouldn't scream at any DM that decides to use other psionic character classes in a Manjulias campaign setting D&D game. There's magic-psionic transparency in Manjulias, so those wanting psionic characters won't get any sort of advantage over a mage and vice-versa.

2. There aren't any strict racial gods/goddesses, and if they do the god/goddesses are only minor deities. I haven't come up with any quite yet. I may have created this world but I don't know anything worthwhile about it. 

3. I haven't figured out a name for them yet. They do belong to a family with their own set of defined abilities like the Baatezu or the Tanar'ri. Inevitables do exist in Manjulias, though they have different names and abilities and appearances. The Formians do not exist in Manjulias, but there are a family of native outsider/constructs called the "Automa." They're in the game too. 

4. I actually had to look up his info on his character sheet. His 'natural' intelligence is actually 26 now. He has gained one level since page 197 apparently. Did you take age into consideration when you were thinking about this? Stratus is considered 'Old' in dungeons and dragons standards which means he gets +2 to all of his mind-based skills (INT, WIS, CHA.) He also has an inherant bonus which wasn't gained through spending money.


 

[danielxcutter]

Jan 4, 2019 7:49:47 GMT rogonandi said:

Jan 4, 2019 6:16:34 GMT danielxcutter said:

Hey, long time since I've last dropped in, and figured that I might as well ask a bunch of not-really-important-but-still-curious-so-there-stuff I guess.

1. So, psionics are a Thing^TM in Manjulias, sure. There's Merla, obviously, as well as that Order of Silence dark elf psion. Plus Exillon, who I didn't realize was based on a Beholder except PSIONICS, yeah.

1-1. Guessing that psionics aren't as major as arcane or divine magic in the setting, but still common enough for "oh yeah, think there are people who do that"(in other words, a "common sense" untrained check) then?

1-2. What about the other psionic classes - Wilder, Psychic Warrior, Soulknife - or the prestige classes - Cerebremancer, Elocator et al? I'm guessing they're in the setting world somewhere, but just haven't turned up?

1-2-1. If it exists, how do you handle Slayer - originally Illithid Slayer, but mind flayers aren't OGL - in this setting? As the SRD, or something else?

1-3. How (un)common are psionic monsters like Exillion? Is it relatively more common in G.E.A.R.S.(or whatever the plane itself is called), or is Exillion just an Outsider from that plane with PLAs? Or something else entirely? It is an Outsider, right?(BTW, loved the battle; especially all the discipline powers)


2. The Manjulias pantheon is well made - in fact, I think I might have to put more effort in to my original setting idea just so it isn't quite a ripoff of yours.(That was meant as a compliment.) Still, got a few questions.

2-1. I'm guessing that in general there's no strict "racial pantheons" or whatever like Greyhawk, but certain races certainly do gravitate to one deity or another a la the Asgardian pantheon in 3e Deities and Demigods? Makes sense to me I guess...

2-2. How (un)common are ideal-worshiping clerics like Jordan? Are they more or less common among non-PC races(such as giants)?

2-2-1. Speaking of giants, what kind of giant was the one who appeared during the Hag Coven fight? Doesn't look right for a Stone Giant, so I'm guessing an elite Hill Giant or something similar?

Edit: Oh yeah, almost forgot a few questions.

3. There are a lot of interesting homebrewed monsters of yours in Manjulias - and I do mean "interesting" as "cool".

3-1. So, about the Outsiders from G.E.A.R.S. - those are homebrewed I think. Is there a specific name for that kind of Outsider(if they are Outsiders), like Inevitables and Formians?

3-1-1. Do those last two even exist in this setting?

3-1-2. Can we get statblocks for the Octodaethus(618) and the Cubix(676)? And I'm guessing those are summoned with Summon Monster VIII and IV, respectively?

3-1-2-1. Octo"daethus"? Sounds a lot like Judge "Daethros"... is that just the general naming theme, or something else?

3-2. Soooo... Slammy's a type of Outsider(chaotic, extraplanar) called a Slammaster I think? What abilities(aside from those already shown) do they have? Actually, can we just get the statblock?

4. In 197, Thomas says he has "25 Int without items", but his character sheet has 30 Int. Even with a +6 item, that means his Int is a 24. Typo or not?

Okey Dokie... 

1. Psionics have been simplified to just another set of supernatural magic-like abilities. That being said only the Psion class is used in the comic, but I wouldn't scream at any DM that decides to use other psionic character classes in a Manjulias campaign setting D&D game. There's magic-psionic transparency in Manjulias, so those wanting psionic characters won't get any sort of advantage over a mage and vice-versa.

2. There aren't any strict racial gods/goddesses, and if they do the god/goddesses are only minor deities. I haven't come up with any quite yet. I may have created this world but I don't know anything worthwhile about it. 

3. I haven't figured out a name for them yet. They do belong to a family with their own set of defined abilities like the Baatezu or the Tanar'ri. Inevitables do exist in Manjulias, though they have different names and abilities and appearances. The Formians do not exist in Manjulias, but there are a family of native outsider/constructs called the "Automa." They're in the game too. 

4. I actually had to look up his info on his character sheet. His 'natural' intelligence is actually 26 now. He has gained one level since page 197 apparently. Did you take age into consideration when you were thinking about this? Stratus is considered 'Old' in dungeons and dragons standards which means he gets +2 to all of his mind-based skills (INT, WIS, CHA.) He also has an inherant bonus which wasn't gained through spending money.


 

1. Oh. Fair.

2. #relatable

Seriously, usually you think you have most of the setting info down and then that one question you didn't think of. Lol.

3. I see. Makes sense - so the Automa are separate from the (refluffed) Inevitables?

4. So he had 25 base Int(after age and inherent bonus and whatnot), leveled up, and put his stat increase into Int? And a headband of intellect +4? That makes sense.

[danielxcutter]

Apologies for the double post, but I have a couple more questions.

1. So on close look, 
Mortaridar's breastplate(or whatever it is) has the symbol of Janusine on it - I suppose that means he's one of her Clerics?
1-1. Did he get all of those Cleric levels during the last time he was sealed away, or did he just get a lot more?

2. In 661, Brian's sprite alternates between having a sword on his back and not having one. Is this a mistake?
2-1. If not, does that mean he's a high-level Eldritch Knight as well? After a point, there's not much of a difference, I guess...
2-2. Is he wearing armor? What about arcane spell failure?

[rogonandi]

Jan 9, 2019 5:23:26 GMT danielxcutter said:

Apologies for the double post, but I have a couple more questions.

1. So on close look, 
Mortaridar's breastplate(or whatever it is) has the symbol of Janusine on it - I suppose that means he's one of her Clerics?
1-1. Did he get all of those Cleric levels during the last time he was sealed away, or did he just get a lot more?

2. In 661, Brian's sprite alternates between having a sword on his back and not having one. Is this a mistake?
2-1. If not, does that mean he's a high-level Eldritch Knight as well? After a point, there's not much of a difference, I guess...
2-2. Is he wearing armor? What about arcane spell failure?

1. As a matter of fact, he did gain all of those Cleric levels during the last time he was sealed away. He had about 150 years in Manjulias' time in order to do so, and that pocket dimension he was dumped in isn't exactly small. It's likely Janusine herself decided to feed increasingly powerful enemies to him to defeat...and possibly also literally eat.

2. That was an error I'm glad you caught so I could correct. He's always supposed to have that sword strapped to his back because he actually does know how to use it. He is an Eldritch Knight, with his arcane magic being from the Wizard class. He's not really wearing heavy armor though; it's glamored.

[danielxcutter]

Jan 10, 2019 7:21:25 GMT rogonandi said:

Jan 9, 2019 5:23:26 GMT danielxcutter said:

Apologies for the double post, but I have a couple more questions.

1. So on close look, 
Mortaridar's breastplate(or whatever it is) has the symbol of Janusine on it - I suppose that means he's one of her Clerics?
1-1. Did he get all of those Cleric levels during the last time he was sealed away, or did he just get a lot more?

2. In 661, Brian's sprite alternates between having a sword on his back and not having one. Is this a mistake?
2-1. If not, does that mean he's a high-level Eldritch Knight as well? After a point, there's not much of a difference, I guess...
2-2. Is he wearing armor? What about arcane spell failure?

1. As a matter of fact, he did gain all of those Cleric levels during the last time he was sealed away. He had about 150 years in Manjulias' time in order to do so, and that pocket dimension he was dumped in isn't exactly small. It's likely Janusine herself decided to feed increasingly powerful enemies to him to defeat...and possibly also literally eat.

2. That was an error I'm glad you caught so I could correct. He's always supposed to have that sword strapped to his back because he actually does know how to use it. He is an Eldritch Knight, with his arcane magic being from the Wizard class. He's not really wearing heavy armor though; it's glamored.

1. Wait... doesn't that mean Morty was just a stronger-than-average Wishmaster? Even with the "super elite array", that'd only be CR 15... not exactly a pushover, but still considerably less of a threat compared to what he is now.

2. So... I'm guessing that Brian is simply so high-level that it doesn't matter that he's a multiclass character? Even with the relatively sub-par options for arcane "gishes" in Core, he'd still be a considerable threat at both magical and physical combat.

[rogonandi]

Jan 11, 2019 2:41:10 GMT danielxcutter said:

Jan 10, 2019 7:21:25 GMT rogonandi said:

1. As a matter of fact, he did gain all of those Cleric levels during the last time he was sealed away. He had about 150 years in Manjulias' time in order to do so, and that pocket dimension he was dumped in isn't exactly small. It's likely Janusine herself decided to feed increasingly powerful enemies to him to defeat...and possibly also literally eat.

2. That was an error I'm glad you caught so I could correct. He's always supposed to have that sword strapped to his back because he actually does know how to use it. He is an Eldritch Knight, with his arcane magic being from the Wizard class. He's not really wearing heavy armor though; it's glamored.

1. Wait... doesn't that mean Morty was just a stronger-than-average Wishmaster? Even with the "super elite array", that'd only be CR 15... not exactly a pushover, but still considerably less of a threat compared to what he is now.

2. So... I'm guessing that Brian is simply so high-level that it doesn't matter that he's a multiclass character? Even with the relatively sub-par options for arcane "gishes" in Core, he'd still be a considerable threat at both magical and physical combat.

1. Mortaridar used Miracle, which is a level 9 Cleric spell. This means he has at least 17 levels of Cleric on top of his hit dice as a Wishmaster. Those levels of Cleric add at least 13 to his challenge rating. 

2. The beauty of being an Eldritch Knight is that they get a nice attack power AND they gain levels of whatever spellcasting class they were in when their desired field. They can have their magical cake and eat it too, though they do lose one level of spellcaster and they lose the bonus fighter feats. 

[danielxcutter]

Jan 11, 2019 4:36:39 GMT rogonandi said:

Jan 11, 2019 2:41:10 GMT danielxcutter said:

1. Wait... doesn't that mean Morty was just a stronger-than-average Wishmaster? Even with the "super elite array", that'd only be CR 15... not exactly a pushover, but still considerably less of a threat compared to what he is now.

2. So... I'm guessing that Brian is simply so high-level that it doesn't matter that he's a multiclass character? Even with the relatively sub-par options for arcane "gishes" in Core, he'd still be a considerable threat at both magical and physical combat.

1. Mortaridar used Miracle, which is a level 9 Cleric spell. This means he has at least 17 levels of Cleric on top of his hit dice as a Wishmaster. Those levels of Cleric add at least 13 to his challenge rating. 

2. The beauty of being an Eldritch Knight is that they get a nice attack power AND they gain levels of whatever spellcasting class they were in when their desired field. They can have their magical cake and eat it too, though they do lose one level of spellcaster and they lose the bonus fighter feats. 

1. So Morty wasn't nearly as powerful as he was back then. Oof.

2. The real beauty of Brian being an Eldritch Knight is that he's high-level enough to have comparable or superior spellcasting compared to enemy casters and good enough at physical combat for that to be relevant. Any reasons why you had both the Emperors be epic-level multiclass builds? You know, besides "two skillsets means twice the awesomeness"(that one's a given ).