System, Houserules & Guidelines

[Dom]

For this game through the classic D&D module The Keep on the Borderlands we will use Labyrinth Lord which is an almost perfect recreation of the Basic D&D rules which The Keep was bundled with in the early 80s.

You can get a free PDF of the rules here: www.goblinoidgames.com/docs/GBD1001_no_art.zip

At this point we are only using the core LL rules but we might borrow some interesting bits for its companion book the Advanced Edition Companion.

You can get a free, no-art PDF of the AEC here: goblinoidgames.com/docs/GBD1002_no_art.zip

Houserules

• Character stats are 3d6 six times. Roll and arrange.
  
• Maximum HP at 1st level.
  
• New characters join the party at one below the level of the lowest party member.
  
• Magic-Users and Elves start with the Read Magic spell in addition to the beginning spells they choose.
  
• A cleric may attempt to turn a given group of undead once per encounter.
  
• A cleric must continuously hold his holy symbol in front of him to turn undead (he cannot do anything else). The turned undead flee as long as he continues to do so.
  
• A thief may backstab any time he is unnoticed by his target (Referee's discretion). Not obligatorily by first using Hide in shadows and Move silently successfully.
  
• Maximum damage on a natural 20 and armour deterioration (worsen AC by 1 point).
  
• Fumble (effect decided by the Referee) on a natural 1.
  
• We use group initiative as per the rulebook but in case of ties, it goes to the previous winner (who kept momentum).
  
• Characters level up only when in the relative safety of a town or village.
  
• Using a shield improves AC by 1 in frontal combat (but is ignored if attacked from behind).
  
• Three trained fighters may fight abreast in a 10' wide passage with spears if they are remaining stationary. If advancing, or fighting with sword, axes, maces and so on, two men may fight abreast in a 10' wide passage. A two handed swords, pole-axes, and similarly large weapons allow only one to fight abreast in a 10' wide passage.
  
• Forget about the alignment language that is described in the Character Languages section on page 14 of the Labyrinth Lord core book. Languages are cultural, not something that come from moral viewpoints.
  
• When a character dies, his armor becomes unusable (it was perforated by steel/fangs/claws after all). It needs major repair and readjustments from a professional smith to fit another character.
  
• A character or monster with a loaded and ready crossbow and who is NOT surprised may fire in a pre-initiative round at the beginning of combat. If both side have ready crossbows, than an initiative roll will decide who shoots first.
  

IC Posting Guidelines

When you post something in character (IC) in order to help keep a certain structure we'll follow the following guidelines.

• To really differentiate actions from speaking, select a color for the text representing speech.
  Ideally, each player should have a different color.
  
• Start each of your post with your name in bold and in your colour on a separate line.
  
• If you want to show the character's inner thoughts and feelings use italic.
  
• Please stick with the default font and size. Otherwise it gets messy and painful to read fast.
  
• Quick OOC notes can be added between double parantheses "(())".
  Anything longer or that needs a long answer from another player should go in the OOC Discussion thread.
  

Example:
Antonio

Antonio slowly walks down the damp corridor his unsheathed long sword at the ready.
What did I get myself into?!?

Turning toward the others he whispers:
"If I'm not coming back from this alive, it's Barnok's fault."
((Like I stated before I still hold my shield, even though it's broken, in my left hand.))

[Dom]

Intoxify

“I didn’t think that this watered down swill could be so powerful!” Koram exclaimed, feeling tipsy.

“Maybe it is something in the water,” Chalk said with a smile.

“Certainly does the trick,” Valance proclaoimed.

“I don’t well that well,” Gnybaro said, a little wobbly.

The innkeeper wasn’t sure what was going on with his watered down swill either.


Intoxify (Arcane)
Level 1
Range: Touch or 20 foot radius around caster
Duration: One hour per level of magic-user

This spell causes those around to become drunk (provided that they are capable of being intoxicated; the undead, for example, are unaffected), as if they had their fill of alcohol. All saves are at -2 for the duration of the spell and judgment is impaired. Attack rolls are all at -1 due to poor coordination. The spell can be either touch or area effect, at the discretion of the casting wizard. The wizard can even cause themselves to feel the effects of the spell, but suffer the same effects and disabilities.

Credits to Ancient Vaults & Eldritch Secrets blog.

[Dom]

Tapstone Trap

Valance winced as a stone near him exploded suddenly, sending small shards of magical energy at him. The wince became a growl.

“How many wizards were in that troupe?” asked the priest of the Spider God. “That is the third time that has happened!”

“Six, I think,” replied Koram.

“Where is that halfling?” Valance asked.

“Here!” squeaked the halfling from the back of the group.

“Well stop stuffing your face and get up here and do your job before I find a special spider, just for you!” grumbled the cleric.


Tapstone Trap (Arcane)
Level 1
Range: Touch
Duration: Two turns

This spell creates a quick magical trap that is most often cast while being pursued. A wizard simply touches a stone, rock or other small object and causes that object to become a trap with a thin, fine magical 'tripwire' which will release magical shards that deal 1d4+2 damage. Chance to detect is 1 in 6 due to its magical nature. This magical trap lasts for two turns (20 minutes) then the magic dissipates.

Credits to Ancient Vaults & Eldritch Secrets blog.

[Dom]

House rules updated!
Check the list in the first post of this thread.

[Dom]

House rules updated!
Check the list in the first post of this thread.