HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: rkunenbo@cs.ruu.nl (Ronald Kunenborg)
Subject: Re: A word on Mages
Date: Mon, 7 Sep 1992 12:48:19 GMT
Organization: Utrecht University, Dept. of Computer Science

In <1992Sep4.162630.1@vx24.cc.monash.edu.au> edb892rsft@vx24.cc.monash.edu.au writes:


>And now a few words on mages........
>
[ problems: can cast only one or two spells, then sit useless for the
  rest o/t evening]

IMO, mages should focus on usefull NWP's, such as Ancient History,
Reading/Writing, Occult Lore, whatever. And unless the fighters are nobles
they shouldn't be able to even *take* the proficiency reading/writing.

The Non-Weapon proficiencies are the place where the mage can be at her best.
Casting spells is nice for non-combat spells, or spells like "sleep" or "color
spray". And even then it'd probably have only a minor impact. 

A mage is only as useless as you play her - I've seen mages do lot's of useful
things without ever casting a spell. (And had to save the mage when he tried 
to prove he could hunt as well as the ranger :-). He didn't :-) ).

{ some more complaints deleted }

>Hugh Jenkinson

Regards, and happy playing,
-- 
Ronald Kunenborg, Ina Boudier-Bakkerlaan 89-3, 3582 XD Utrecht, The Netherlands

        "I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom
	      and democracy, but that could change." - Dan Quayle
From: weeks@astroatc.uucp (Pat Weeks)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: New Magic Item List -- Volunteer
Summary: I want to put together a "New" magic item list...
Keywords: New magic items
Date: 4 Sep 92 22:07:58 GMT
Organization: Astronautics Technology Cntr, Madison, WI


	Yes, yes!  I'm VOLUNTEERING to compile a list of new magic items.  I
will compile these and post them to the archives.  I understand someone tried
to do this last Spring for GENCON and got very little response, so please,
please, send you items to me.  Collecting and creating new items has been kind 
of an obsessive habit for me as of late, so I'm really excited about getting
some creative geniuses out there to help fill the list up.  To all of you DM's
who have ideas for items, but don't want them posted, send them to me anyway
with that notation and we'll work something out, OK??  The address below is
where you can send it to.  Do not reply, as most mail routers have a problem
when trying to interpret the return path to my machine...  Thanks!!!



weeks%astroatc.uucp@spool.cs.wisc.edu

Problems: 414-447-8200  x422  ask for Patrick Weeks
From: dseal@armltd.co.uk (David Seal)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: Cube of Force usage question
Date: 10 Sep 92 13:07:39 GMT
Distribution: rec
Organization: A.R.M. Ltd, Swaffham Bulbeck, Cambs, UK

In article <BuAH95.CAK@news.cso.uiuc.edu> StarWatcher@uiuc.edu (StarWatcher)
writes:

>jackson@ess43.Berkeley.EDU (Jeff Jackson) writes:
>:     I disagree.  I think that:
>:         1) If air could pass through, then so could a cloudkill, which
>:            sort of defeats the purpose of that function of the cube:
>:         2) You'd have to be naked to get into the cube.
>:     What do y'all think?
>
>Well, I think that the DM's word is law.  :)  But, besides that, if I were
>DM'ing, and if I were feeling particularly cruel, I would have ruled that
>air could not pass into the cube, and that you would have to be naked
>to get into the cube.  :)

And if you were feeling *really* cruel, you could rule that they had to
leave their hair, fingernails and toenails behind...

And possibly some less mentionable items! :-)

David Seal
dseal@armltd.co.uk

All opinions are mine only...
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
From: u906583@bruny.cc.utas.edu.au (Paul Roberts)
Subject: net.*.books WANTED
Keywords: net.books
Organization: University of Tasmania, Australia.
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1992 10:57:42 GMT

If anyone has any copies of any of the net.*.books can they email them to me
thanks.

Paul.
--
| Paul Roberts     Student at University of Tasmania  -  Keeper Of Queen Lore  |
| 55 Tara Drive    e-mail : u906583@bruny.cc.utas.edu.au                       |
| Lauderdale                u906583@tasman.cc.utas.edu.au                      |
| Tasmania Australia 7021   phone 002 487370 (Aus) or +61 02 487370 (intl)     |
From: weeks@astroatc.uucp (Pat Weeks)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: GENCON '93 question?
Summary: How to sign up for running an adventure...
Keywords: GENCON, GM, Adventure
Date: 4 Sep 92 22:01:49 GMT
Organization: Astronautics Technology Cntr, Madison, WI


	Hello there!!

		Does anyone know where I submit an adventure to be run by
	myself at GENCON.  I understand I should send it to TSR and have then
	approve it and put it in the book, but how do I do that!???


						Ghostwheel
						
Internet:  weeks%astroatc.uucp@spool.cs.wisc.edu
From: fields@aludra.usc.edu (Canis)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: A word on Mages
Date: 6 Sep 1992 14:19:45 -0700
Organization: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
NNTP-Posting-Host: aludra.usc.edu

In article <715756307.505@zooid.guild.org> brian@zooid.guild.org (Brian Misiaszek) writes:

>  Perhaps an alternative to bestowing extra goodies to the so-called "wimpy
>first level mage" is to take your advice above--give the magic user a greater
>role than just a bestower of death at a distance.  Allow only mages the
>ability to read runes, secret writing and maps.  Increase the opportunity for
>role-playing for the mage--have them repositories of mysterious trivia and
>hermetic knowledge (the DM can do this by passing the mage a note on something
>that confounds the party that the mage *might* know).  The magic abilities
>that a mage can weild should be mysterious and arcane to those ignorant of the
>magical arts--bestow a token cantrip, a mysterious reputation, strangely hued
>eyes that are unsettling to look upon, and so forth to set apart the mage from
>the other classes.
> 

Another idea along these same lines might be to give the mage (or any other
magic-using class, for that matter) one-shot magic items. Since it only has
a few charges, it won't be detrimental to the balance of power in a game
and gives the mage the opportunity to participate in combat for more than a
few rounds, if need be.

And if the players are creative enough, they might find non-combat uses for 
said one-shots. 


RL: Lanny Fields
email: fields@aludra.usc.edu
mu*: Canis
adnd: Greystorm


"Sanity before crockery!!"
			-Pete.
From: rworkman@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Ryan Workman)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: Clerics:  Deities Granting Spells
Date: 7 Sep 92 06:05:32 GMT
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center

In article <1992Sep6.231117.15425@husc3.harvard.edu> alvalent@husc9.harvard.edu (Alvin Valentine) writes:

  [ stuff deleted about 2nd ed. PHB rules for priests ]

>CPH's "this should never be allowed" rules in tons of places.  I like the
>Complete Priest's Handbook method for a few reasons:
>
>	1)  Given a quick glance, 9 people out of 10 will choose a PHB
>		Cleric in 2nd ed. to any specialty priest with limited 
>		spheres unless the special powers of the latter were excedingly
>		attractive.  This is bogus.  Again water people should
>		breathe water, not cast Fire Storm.

I have to agree with you here.  I have always limited the type of spells a PC
Cleric could pick from.

>	2)  Certain of the books are clearly laid out such that more powerful
>		gods grant SCADS more power than lesser gods.  Zeus may
>		give his priests Lightning Bolt 1/day plus major access
>		to everything.  Mediocre Demigod may give 1 major and 2 minors.
>		Makes good sense, but doesn't balance well with the XP side.
>		Imagine telling someone he had to earn 500K XPs for next
>		level to get one more 3rd level spell, while the Zeus 
>		worshipper over there gets +1 7th level spell, +1 6th, +3 5th..
>		Not quite fair, is it?
>	3)  Given 2), people may not pick the "deity for them," but the one
>		with the better "gas mileage" as it were.  Who'd wanna be told
>		that you are always gonna have 20 spells to pick from, when
>		the Mystra worshipper 'cross the street has 200.  Yeah, it
>		happens some with the CPH too, but nothing like it happens in
>		the "free form" religion handbooks.
>
>So, what should we do?  Different XPs for different levels of power granting
>seems reasonable (in fact, Greyhawk adventures does this nicely--these guys
>are more powerful than most specialty priests so charge 'em 10% more XPs).
>The CPH suggests giving some folks Druidical XP advancement if the are less
>powerful, but if you built a Druid from the ground up using the CPH, you'd
>probably give him the Clerical XP chart, 'cause they aren't that different
>from the nature priests therein, who pay Cleric XPs.
>
    [stuff deleted about different XPs for each priesthood]
>
>What do you suggest?  I don't have a problem with Zeus granting more power
>than Loser-Demi-God, but I don't think Loser-Demi-God's priests should be
>paying XPs out the nose for a token spell or two either.
>

Well, Lee, I would assume (I know! I know! DON'T ASSUME! :-) ) also that a  
cleric of the ALL POWERFUL Zeus would be more potent than a Would-be-Loser 
Demigod, but ONLY at higher levels (14th level+).   

IMO, a Loser-Demigod would be obligated to pay more attention to the clerics
he DOES have, and thus at lower levels one of His clerics would receive more
"benefits" than the 3,267th cleric of Zeus.

Afterall, a Loser-Demigod is still a DEMIGOD!  Who's powers are far beyond 
those he grants to his clerics.


 




>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>  Runfirst  <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
From: Devon_Sheppard@mindlink.bc.ca (Devon Sheppard)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: Magic Items, Spells and Creatures
Date: 15 Sep 92 16:55:57 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada

Hi Max.. I'm a realtively new DM (close to two years, same campaign and
players, from scratch), so I've not got much to offer you in the way of 'new'
things, but I'd love to see some of your stuff, the magic items in particular.
I've toyed with some nifty things to make/research, but my players are only at
the fifth/sixth level area.

   Devon

--
devon_sheppard@mindlink.bc.ca
From: bz556@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Joshua E. Randall)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: GENCON Summary Wanted
Date: 13 Sep 1992 18:29:04 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: bz556@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Joshua E. Randall)
NNTP-Posting-Host: hela.ins.cwru.edu


Yo...I just returned to reading this group from a rather protracted
absence.  Anyway, I was hoping to read some impressions, neat stories, etc.
from GENCON but apparently I missed all the fun.  Anyone care to give me a
short summary of any major developments (e.g. GDW and Gygax--what is
happening?  TSR and SSi--who is using whom?).

-- 
Joshua E. Randall
bz556@cleveland.freenet.edu
My motto:  "So little time, so little to do."  --Oscar Levant
From: brian@zooid.guild.org (Brian Misiaszek)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: A word on Mages
Date:  6 Sep 92 05:11:47 GMT

>Well, when say "greater role" you said it all.  The wimpy first level mage
>(though he can probably kick the rest of the party's ass with ONE simple
>sleep spell) should have plenty to do in the way of role-playing.  If not,
>then look further into that problem.
>As far as beefing him up, give him one 1st level spell to start plus 4
>cantrips (1 cantrip/level).  He cannot change cantrips for regular spells.
>Lance R. Marrou
>   Work   - Marrou@IST.UCF.edu
>   School - Marrou@Eola.cs.UCF.edu

  Perhaps an alternative to bestowing extra goodies to the so-called "wimpy
first level mage" is to take your advice above--give the magic user a greater
role than just a bestower of death at a distance.  Allow only mages the
ability to read runes, secret writing and maps.  Increase the opportunity for
role-playing for the mage--have them repositories of mysterious trivia and
hermetic knowledge (the DM can do this by passing the mage a note on something
that confounds the party that the mage *might* know).  The magic abilities
that a mage can weild should be mysterious and arcane to those ignorant of the
magical arts--bestow a token cantrip, a mysterious reputation, strangely hued
eyes that are unsettling to look upon, and so forth to set apart the mage from
the other classes.
 
  This may be one way to bestow a little wonder and fantasy back into fantasy
campaigns--have the DM dirvert from the written rules (which everyone has
read and memorized) and only let the mage know a little bit about how you have
changed things.  Say using mysterious gem-stones as a component for rare
spells, not the ones listed in the book.  A "wizard's bag" that has odd noises
and movements when obseved closely by others could add a little colour and
flavour.  Animal companions that aid in magic (not the same as the familiar in
the "Find Familiar" spell).  Change spell levels and powers up and down a
little.  Alter magic so that offensive spells are halved in power, but
defensive spells are doubled.  And so forth.
 
::Brian::
From: barton@latcs1.lat.OZ.AU (Douglas P Barton)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: Scrolls and spells
Date: 9 Sep 92 06:55:25 GMT
 <RANNOU.92Aug29030456@zuse.info.polymtl.ca> <1992Aug30.223309.734@ccsvax.sfasu.edu> <1992Sep8.214743.15260@aa.cad.slb.com>
Organization: What ORGANISATION???  This mess is total chaos!!!

In article <1992Sep8.214743.15260@aa.cad.slb.com>, jackson@ess43.Berkeley.EDU (Jeff Jackson) writes:
|> |> 
|> |> 	I have to agree with this. Scroll spells are specifically made for 
|> |> casting, not learning. The scroll spell is basically a 'compiled' version of 
|> |> the spell, ready to run and with a fixed effect. 
|> |> 
|> |> Brandon Cope
|> 

Then surely *ANYBODY* should be able to use/ignite/operate/run/execute them...
And how then is it possible to compile a priest spell?

|> 
|>    That's a very interesting concept.  I think I'll use it.  If someone
|>    wants to copy spells, he'll have to find them in a spellbook, not on
|>    a scroll.
|> 
|>    Now then, assuming that scrolls are "load-and-go" spells, here's a
|>    question:  Can a MU use it if it's a spell from an opposition school?
|>    For example, can an Illusionist cast a Fireball from a scroll?
|> 

Why not, after all the mage who scribed the scroll has done all the hard work
already and compiled the "source" down to object so that anybody can press the
start button (given they have the intelligence to be able to read :)

|>    The "pro" I see in the docs is that scrolls can be used even with
|>    spells the MU cannot learn.  The "con" is that a MU is prevented from
|>    using magical items that duplicate spells from an oppostion school
|>    (meaning, for example, that an Illusionist cannot use a Wand of Fire).
|> 
|> 
|>                        ----------------------------------------
|>                        |  PC:  "He opens the door quickly."   |
|>   - JWJ                |  DM:  "You see a brass dragon."      |
|>                        |  PC:  "He shuts the door quickly!!"  |
|>                        ----------------------------------------

-- 

Douglas Barton - barton@latcs1.oz.au
		"My ,son.  Take for thyself another world,
 		 for that which I leave thee is too small..."

And your fortune for today --

Arthur's Laws of Love:
	(1) People to whom you are attracted invariably think you
	    remind them of someone else.
	(2) The love letter you finally got the courage to send will
	    be delayed in the mail long enough for you to make a fool
	    of yourself in person.
Xref: sparky rec.games.frp:25113 rec.games.frp.misc:5217 alt.feminism:905
From: starbuck@ucrmath.ucr.edu (starbuck)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp,rec.games.frp.misc,alt.feminism
Subject: Re: Looking for "women's" rpg.
Date: 9 Sep 92 07:05:08 GMT
Followup-To: rec.games.frp
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of California, Riverside

In article <8SEP199207532253@rosie.uh.edu> lib1p@rosie.uh.edu (Tammy Stark Blandino) writes:
>>Since there is not any evidence that there ever was a truly matriarcal 
>>society of any impact, the type of campaign you speak of could be completely 
>>original.  

>That is because both history and archeology has been interpreted by
>a VERY patriarchal society.  Do you expect those in power, who ever
>that is, to *ADMIT* the other side had power over them at one time?
>I think men have a real problem with the concept of women and power.
>>I guess they will call me a femiphobe.
>Tammy

There was a show on PBS sometime in the last five to eight yeas about a
matriarcal society on an island off the coast of Africa.  It was filmed
sometime in the last 10 to 20 years so it is current.  I know somebody
out in netland must have seen it.

Some of what I remember is quite interesting and could in someways shed
light on what is nature and what is nuture.  

Highlights:

men had no proberty rights.
adult men without a women were without the means to survive.
men cared for the children
men "got pretty for the women"

starbuck
From: v054nn84@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Foto...Taking pictures again, and Happy for it!)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.marketplace
Subject: Best RPGs
Date: 12 Sep 92 08:02:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

Not gonna try to state one game is better than an otherm nope, not gonna do it.
I may be addled, but I am not nuts!  ;)

Seriously...first of all this really should be in one of the other areas on
gaming as it will get the attention it deserves and people with experience
can try ot answer.  Second, the best RPG would be determined by you on the
grounds of the theme of the game (do you like horror, sci-fi, espionage,
fantasy, etc.), the quality of the system (one that uses 6 sided dice only,
one that uses every dice know to mankind and then some, onethat is simple,
etc., etc.). See what I mean?  As for the number of players you need, there are
someexcellent games created that will run best with a ref and one or two play-
ers (James Bond 007 leaps to mind) and some that run find solotaire (Tunnels
and Trolls is a good example), and then games that will accomodate more than
6 people (lots of those if you have patience...).  In my opinion maybe the 
best game I can think of for new players/referees is the new Dream Park system
because it is not as involvedas some I have seen but also because it allows
you to take the same characterrs and use them in different settings and is
more forgiving when it comes to having characters killed off.  Just my .02
though, take it with a grain of salt.  Some people might tell you AD&D is the
best to start off with because there are a lot of people playing it and you 
can get lots of advice, it will come down to a personal choice.

Skeksis
From: sulkom@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Philandros)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.marketplace
Subject: OD&D _Greyhawk_ book for sale!  Collectors item!
Date: 6 Sep 92 00:03:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

*****************************************************************
*	Original Dungeons & Dragons book for sale!		*
*								*
*			GREYHAWK (#1)				*
*								*
*	My other two OD&D books have already been sold!      	*
*	The first and most interesting one is still up for	*
*	grabs.  Asking price: $24.95 + postage			*
*								*
*****************************************************************
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.marketplace
From: michael@pacifier.rain.com (Michael Smith)
Subject: Looking for AD&D Modules H1-4 (Bloodstone Pass Series?)
Organization: Pacifier BBS
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1992 05:31:11 GMT

I believe the subject says it all.  I am looking to buy the Bloodstone
Pass series from anyone willing to part with it for a reasonable price.
Please Email me with offers. I will be out of touch with the net for
the next two weeks, but I will reply to all when I return around the
20th of September.

		Thanks,

		  Mike Smith (michael@pacifier.rain.com)

-- 
Michael R. Smith (michael@pacifier.rain.com)
================================================================
<This space intentionally left blank> - sign seen on wooden door
					next to trophy case
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1992 13:42:59 EDT
From: Sime <TJS107@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.marketplace,psu.market.wanted
Subject: ADQ's (Car Wars Mags from Steve Jackson Games)

I need some of the older ADQ's that were still in the "large book" format, as
opposed to the really older ones which are smaller.  I think the issue is aroun
d 7 or 8.  I know the cover has a really ugly biker on it and has stuff about
hoverball and ob-racing in it.  This issue and issues around it (still in the
"big" book format) are the ones I'm looking for.
Thanx.
                               "The right of way
                                goes to the biggest guns..."
       Sime
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.marketplace
From: SYSTEM@ikews7.energietechnik.uni-stuttgart.de (Walter Scheuermann)
Subject: Wanted WHITE DWARF
Organization: University of Stuttgart, IKE (Institut fuer Kernenergetik)
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1992 07:57:51 GMT
X-News-Reader: VMS NEWS 1.20

Hi out there

I'm looking for old white dwarf mags,especially for numbers under 50 
90-105,115-135.Any serious offer will be considered.Mail the numbers,
intended price,etc...
I've also heard about a THRUD the Barbarian special issue,if this is
existing I'm also interessted.

				So long

					Erik Scheuermann

				The incredible Kraut tm

========================================== IKE ============================
Walter Scheuermann
Universitaet Stuttgart
Institut fuer Kernenergetik und Energiesysteme
Pfaffenwaldring 31
7000 Stuttgart-80
	
Phone       : 0711/685-2133
Mail-Address:  X400/EAN  >>> S=scheuermann;OU=ike;OU=energietechnik;
			     P=uni-stuttgart;A=dbp;C=de
	       SMTP      >>> system@ikews7.energietechnik.uni-stuttgart.de
               JNET/EARN >>> system@DS0IKE51
========================================== IKE ============================
From: doherty@ctron.com (Jim Doherty)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.marketplace
Subject: WANTED: Boot Hill/Top Secret modules
Date: 15 Sep 92 13:56:08 GMT
Reply-To: doherty@olympus.ctron.com (Jim Doherty)
Organization: Cabletron Systems INc.


Subject says it all... if you've got some in playable condition you'd
like to part with, please drop me a line.

Thanks,

Jim
doherty@ctron.com
From: tsuk@kelvin.enet.dec.com (Michael Tsuk)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.marketplace
Subject: Stuff for sale!
Date: 6 Sep 92 21:20:43 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation

I'm moving, so I have to get rid of a lot of stuff.  If you don't like my
price, make me an offer!  All prices include shipping, and everything is in
good to excellent condition.

AD&D:
   Unearthed Arcana, 2017 (1985), $10
   Adventure Pack I, I13, 9202 (1987), $5
   The Book of Lairs, REF3, 9177 (1986), $5
   Journey to The Rock, B8, 9106 (1984), $5

Runequest:
   Second Edition book, Chaosium, (1978-1980), $10
   Third Edition Deluxe box, Avalon Hill, 875, (1984), $15

				 -Michael
From: v054nn84@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Foto...Taking pictures again, and Happy for it!)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.marketplace
Subject: Star Wars Tech Manual
Date: 8 Sep 92 10:21:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

Stephan,

   I hope you are reading this as I am having difficulty with EMail not going
anywhere.  I am most definately interested in the Cracken's Field Guide...

How much are you asking?

No sig...
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.marketplace