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Author Topic: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft  (Read 60447 times)

Rex

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #25 on: February 03, 2007, 11:48:06 PM »
Well, Ghostwise Halfers are PnP, yet no serious server in their right minds will have them use ''Tells'' to slide thoughts into other PC's. Likewise I would put that Monk Ability on shelf and choose not to use it.

That is my opinion.

Ghostwise halflings are just a Forgotten Realms Subrace.  In the big scheme of settings out there, it's a definite minority.  Monks on the other hand, are fairly Universal setting wise.  No need to take one of their crowning achievements away from them.

Biggest problem whith the Ghostwise and PW set up is that the PW set up had no way to Limit the range of a tell to the range of Ghostwise telepathy.  Which much like the ghostwise themselves, was fairly short, and annoying.

The Monks just got to deal with what happens to be the crowning achievment of Monk-ness.  Be a good time to start making friends at that point.  Besides, your worried about glowing eyes.  You can allready punch the head off a werewolf bare handed, slap arrows out of the air, heal yourself through will power alone.  I would think that punching the head off a werewolf and super speed thing would be just as much a concern for being burned as a witch, as glowing eyes.


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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #26 on: February 04, 2007, 12:19:16 AM »
Anyone ever see Fist of the North Star? Hokuto No Ken... now THATS Quiverin palm!

Kenshiro was at least a level 20 monk...

Rex

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #27 on: February 04, 2007, 05:24:22 AM »
Anyone ever see Fist of the North Star? Hokuto No Ken... now THATS Quiverin palm!

Kenshiro was at least a level 20 monk...

DESPISE the original anime' movie, but the Manga was good, and the Live Action flick was different.

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #28 on: February 04, 2007, 11:25:31 AM »
Glowing eyes!?

Heh.. 20/+1 dmg red.. Is nothing really.. PCs that get that are not that few.. Vamps, Lycans, wights(?), lvl 4 DP.. And nearly every NPC has magical weapons or magic fists( :shock:)...

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Rex

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #29 on: February 04, 2007, 11:47:48 AM »
Glowing eyes!?

Heh.. 20/+1 dmg red.. Is nothing really.. PCs that get that are not that few.. Vamps, Lycans, wights(?), lvl 4 DP.. And nearly every NPC has magical weapons or magic fists( :shock:)...

Step it up a bit and tell me this is not a witch.  20th level Monk;  Better AC then a Knight in full plate.  Up to 6 attacks a round with Flurry of Blows, Immune to disease, impossible to damage with a spell that has a reflex save, Able to hit monsters that need a +3, Immune to Poison, spell resistance 30, poke you once with a finger and you die (fort save DC 10 +10 + Wis bonus), 150% faster then normal, swat arrows out of the air casually, and in multitudes, free improved knockdown, Heal themselves once a day thru force of will.  Oh and twice a day, 50% concealment.

I think they should have FAR more problems with the locals with all their other casual abilities (We all Have the Plauge!  Hmm....Not me I'm Fine. *rolls around in plauge rats*) then what they would have with glowing eyes, and seriously, when they reach that point.  What's going to stop them?

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #30 on: February 04, 2007, 03:27:51 PM »
Maybe PC's would beat their DR but alot of monsters wouldn't I think... And imagine the horror of a native mugger who tries to knife the monk and finds they break their dagger.

Rex

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #31 on: February 04, 2007, 03:34:15 PM »
Did we mention the 6 attacks a round at 1d20 plus whatever they are wearing glove wise?  *Runs up and Pokes the Monk with his +1 sword.....gets turned into a greasy smear*

Don't think they have all that much to fear PC wise.

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #32 on: February 04, 2007, 06:27:42 PM »
Did we mention the 6 attacks a round at 1d20 plus whatever they are wearing glove wise?  *Runs up and Pokes the Monk with his +1 sword.....gets turned into a greasy smear*

Don't think they have all that much to fear PC wise.

~Rex


heh ummmm right.. :shock:

Rex

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #33 on: February 04, 2007, 06:44:30 PM »
Did we mention the 6 attacks a round at 1d20 plus whatever they are wearing glove wise?  *Runs up and Pokes the Monk with his +1 sword.....gets turned into a greasy smear*

Don't think they have all that much to fear PC wise.

~Rex


heh ummmm right.. :shock:


Sounds like a challenge.  Ah well was planning on making a monk eventually.  :twisted:

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #34 on: February 04, 2007, 06:45:11 PM »
Only six..? Try dual-wielding kamas with all the feats for seven attacks ;)

Rex

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #35 on: February 04, 2007, 06:51:13 PM »
Only six..? Try dual-wielding kamas with all the feats for seven attacks ;)

Yeah but that kills your d20 plus gauntlets damage......still sometimes the human quiesenart over comes the Rocky Balboa power.
Don't forget your Flurry of Blows adds into the second weapon string of attacks as well so the attacks are actually like....8 or 9 a round.  And then, what if they have a potion of speed, or their Mage buddy hastes them.  The boots with expeditious retreat plus 150% monk speed are bad enough.

Work in some stunning blow, or called shot, and a zillion attacks......well.  It's not like they have to worry about Strahd showing up.
Except he knows where that reality bubble is all the time.  Like a zit on his ass.

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #36 on: February 04, 2007, 06:55:53 PM »
Only six..? Try dual-wielding kamas with all the feats for seven attacks ;)

Yeah but that kills your d20 plus gauntlets damage......still sometimes the human quiesenart over comes the Rocky Balboa power.
Don't forget your Flurry of Blows adds into the second weapon string of attacks as well so the attacks are actually like....8 or 9 a round.  And then, what if they have a potion of speed, or their Mage buddy hastes them.  The boots with expeditious retreat plus 150% monk speed are bad enough.

Work in some stunning blow, or called shot, and a zillion attacks......well.  It's not like they have to worry about Strahd showing up.
Except he knows where that reality bubble is all the time.  Like a zit on his ass.

~Rex   :twisted:

yeah but zits are fun to play with and torture too heh :evil grin:

Rex

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #37 on: February 04, 2007, 09:08:50 PM »
 :offtopic:

Back on track.  BTW, your a halfling Monk.  That's only Half a Monk, allmost a monk, not quiet.  Diet Monk.

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #38 on: February 04, 2007, 10:18:33 PM »
Shouldnt monks be treated to the same levels as paladin on a term of holyness? Shouldnt Dark powers try and corrupt them in a way or another?

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Crule

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #39 on: February 04, 2007, 10:23:04 PM »
Shouldnt monks be treated to the same levels as paladin on a term of holyness? Shouldnt Dark powers try and corrupt them in a way or another?

Well, this gets back to the opinions on "monkness" which Blue and I stalemated over 7 pages of debate back in the fall.     Are monks training for their own personal benefit (as Tarasa plays her monk) or are do the practice the ascetic life and atheletic training for the glory of their patron diety?    To each their own - and I know that I'd rather not have to defend my position on the "theology of the NWN monk" again.


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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #40 on: February 04, 2007, 10:40:57 PM »
According to the Handbook of Ravenloft, Monks are more Selfish then Selfless, and they have special rules for selfishness and power checks. Lemme look it up...

Quote
Monk
In some ways, monks have much in common
with clerics. They primarily concern themselves
with matters of the spirit. Unlike clerics, however,
monks place little faith in higher powers. A monk
turns her eyes inward, seeking to use strict discipline,
intense meditation, and focusing exercises to
perfectly purify her spirit (or ki) and, through it,
her flesh. Monasteries dedicated to this pursuit are
nestled in the exotic realms of Rokushima Taiyoo
and Sri Raji. In the latter domain, the monks
(called fakirs in the Rajian tongue) test their inner
strength by inflicting sometimes-grotesque physical
punishments on themselves, such as piercing
their flesh with iron skewers and hooks. The monk
tradition also exists in the lonesome city of
Paridon, where the local adherents have melded it
with occult lodge traditions to create the
"theological philosophy" they call the Divinity of
Mankind.
Tales also exist of lone monks who wander
other domains. Rather than joining monasteries,
these monks often learn under a single master and
pass on their teachings to a single apprentice.
Monks are keenly aware that they live in a
world brimming with carnal and spiritual temptation.
Those who choose to adventure do so to set
themselves against these honeyed barbs, knowing
that inner strength means nothing if it is never
tested. Some monks are selfish, purifying their
spirits in the pursuit of power, but other monks
wander to help steer those souls who lack the
enlightenment to protect themselves from corruption.
Altered Class Features
• Diamond Body: This ability does not protect
against the effects of closed domain borders.
• Abundant Step: This ability does not allow
the monk to cross closed domain borders.
• Empty Body: This ability allows access
only to the Near Ethereal. See "Altered Magic" in
chapter 3 for more on ethereal effects.
• Perfect Self: If the monk has a good or evil
moral alignment, she develops a reality wrinkle
with an initial radius of 1,000 feet per level. If the
monk fails any power checks, consider them failed
power rituals; each failed check adds 1d4 corruption
points to the monk's total and halves the
wrinkle's radius. See "Fiends" in chapter 5 for
more details.

Quote
Weaknesses: Whatever their initial motivation, Monks' self absorption may lead them to disregaurd others in their singleminded persuit of perfection. Some may even think they are still acting for the good of others when they have, in fact, fallen into arrogance and conceit. As they become evermore concerned with advancement of their physical and mental prowess, Monks also become more detached form the world aorund them. Thus, they may commit deeds they once considered unthinkable, inviting the attention of the dark powers. Similar to fighters, with each level beyond the first, Monks have a 5% chance per level to fall to corruption. Selfless acts reduce the chance by 1%, but never below a base chance of 1%, while cruel, unthinking of evil acts increa them by a 1% in a like manner )if specific actions do not already call for a powers check at a higher percentage chance)

So in the end, Monks can be both. But such is the nature of Ravenloft that, as with anyone else, it is difficult not to fall astray...
« Last Edit: February 04, 2007, 10:42:49 PM by Blues »

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #41 on: February 04, 2007, 10:50:04 PM »
Ignore that weaknesses crap. That was introduced in a poorly-written 3.5 update that has been universally panned by the Ravenloft fanbase. But the first quote about monks in Ravenloft in general is good...and yes, a 20th level monk who fails a powers check is indeed like a fiend who attemps a power ritual.

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Crule

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #42 on: February 04, 2007, 10:52:49 PM »
Ignore that weaknesses crap. That was introduced in a poorly-written 3.5 update that has been universally panned by the Ravenloft fanbase. But the first quote about monks in Ravenloft in general is good...and yes, a 20th level monk who fails a powers check is indeed like a fiend who attemps a power ritual.

But for the purposes of POTM,  the whole "fiends" and "power rituals" is related to the monk's "wrinkle" - which is not being implemted in this game, correct?

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #43 on: February 04, 2007, 11:00:38 PM »
It's not being implemented mechanically because it doesn't really need to be. But a 20th level would still have a reality wrinkle.

Basically the corruption points makes a reality wrinkle smaller and binds an outsider to the demiplane, making it impossible to leave if they have too many corruption points. A 20th level monk would be the same.

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Crule

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #44 on: February 04, 2007, 11:18:19 PM »
It's not being implemented mechanically because it doesn't really need to be. But a 20th level would still have a reality wrinkle.

Basically the corruption points makes a reality wrinkle smaller and binds an outsider to the demiplane, making it impossible to leave if they have too many corruption points. A 20th level monk would be the same.

If it's not being implemented in the game mechanics, how can we say it exists?  Would that not be a cheese?  It's much akin to the argument earlier about the "Tongue of Moon and Sun" - we don't have a language widget in place - so an attempt to exercise this PnP skill in the module would also be met with accusations of cheesing - as stated earlier in this thread.

More over, if the "reality wrinkle" exists but is not implemented in game mechanics - how can we really say its' there at all.  What about the vistani mist ?  Would a 20th level monk be able to pass through it?   If he is bound by the current game mechanics, then subsequent claims of the "reality wrinkle" is bound just by RP of the player and the DM team?     Then if that's the case,  then the "Tongue of Sun and Moon" ability - which is also a question of RP (since we have no language widgets) should be allowed as well, don't you think?


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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #45 on: February 04, 2007, 11:23:56 PM »
No Crule, the line is drawn when a DM permits it. If DM,s say you have a reality wrinkle, you do, if they say you don't understand all languages, then so be it.

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #46 on: February 04, 2007, 11:33:28 PM »
No Crule, the line is drawn when a DM permits it. If DM,s say you have a reality wrinkle, you do, if they say you don't understand all languages, then so be it.

Very well - then let's have consistancy on the issue - and let the DMs make a concrete ruling on it.

1.  Will the reality wrinkle be supported in some fashion or another.  If so, how?   What guidance does the player have in RPing said wrinkle?  What guidance exists for DMs who wish to interact with said player?

2.  Along the same lines, if reality wrinkles will be implemented on a role-played basis, then will "tongue of sun and moon" likewise be allowed to be implemented?   Since it is all based on role play as no game mechanics are in place to enforce language knowledge, then what harm is there in allowing it in as well.

We've seen your opinion on the matter, EO.  I would like to hear from the DM team or the folks in Soren's management tier. 


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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #47 on: February 04, 2007, 11:51:39 PM »
All you need to know about reality wrinkles is:

1. While within one, a darklord cannot access his/her domain given powers (such as Strahd's ability to control wolves and undead)

2. An outsider with a reality wrinkle can cross a closed border domain

3. An outsider with a reality wrinkle is a "blind spot" for a darklord

All of this can be done in game without need of game mechanics without being considered "cheesing."

The corruption points thing basically works in this method: if an outsider gains too many, it can never leave the demiplane.

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #48 on: February 04, 2007, 11:55:14 PM »
All you need to know about reality wrinkles is:

1. While within one, a darklord cannot access his/her domain given powers (such as Strahd's ability to control wolves and undead)

2. An outsider with a reality wrinkle can cross a closed border domain

3. An outsider with a reality wrinkle is a "blind spot" for a darklord

All of this can be done in game without need of game mechanics without being considered "cheesing."

The corruption points thing basically works in this method: if an outsider gains too many, it can never leave the demiplane.

ooooo nice well guess that mostly sums it up i suppose for me thanks blue...

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Re: 20th Level Monks and Ravenloft
« Reply #49 on: February 05, 2007, 07:28:25 AM »
To clarify another point.. All creatures that need magic weapons to hurt have in themselves magic weapons ;) Meaning most of the NPCs across the module... Unless they actually use weapons, then they might not have magic weapons, but probably do...

So Maynard would run around with a 20.000 feet radius reality wrinkle :shock:, that would (nearly?) go all the way to Castle Ravenloft, would at least encompass Vallaki and surroundings.. I´m guessing that is way more than a zit in the ass of Strahd, more like getting a**f****d with a broadsword..
I´m guessing it is not something that Strahd would not deal with FAST..

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