Gamer Forge Listener Email:

Name: Pamela Wilson

Comments: In a game that I'm in, the DM has decided to go with a lycan vs. vampire concept, and this has created a few conundrums. Can you give your input as to these conundrums?

One of the characters in our group is a dragon disciple, and another character is a barbarian. Both of them decided to take the vampire route, but no one is sure what happens with their constitution-increasing abilities. For example, when the barbarian rages, would that increase his charisma, instead of his constitution?

So far as I can find, whenever a creature doesn't have an ability score (such as a construct or an undead or an incorporeal) generally they use another ability score for all purposes the other would cover. For example, undead use their charisma modifier to determine health and fortitude bonuses, as they don't have a constitution score.

QUESTION: When a creature doesn't have an ability score, and that ability score receives an increase from an ability/spell, how does that effect the creature?

Gamer Forge Response:

Bad mojo! When playing as an undead template, DCR says:

Short answer: Nope.

Undead and (most) constructs don't get a Constitution score at all. And as you have no score to increase, you gain no bonus from a barbarian's rage or a dragon disciple's increased Constitution score. Official ruling says you're hosed. Sorry. Maybe as a house rule, you can find a way to grant a bonus of some kind, like substituting the Charisma score for the Constitution score.

Gamer Forge Listener Email:

Name: Jason

Comments: Can you help explain something for me?

On page 74 of the DMG (Step 5: Consequences), it says that if you fail a skill challenge, it can become more difficult, such as detouring you in a different direction. Could you attempt the same challenge again at a higher difficulty? So, could you try 'talking to the ogre again,' but since it already knows what you want, it makes it more complex and you need to work harder for the answer?

Gamer Forge Response:

You've got skills, but do they pay the bills? When getting a second chance is your first priority, DCR says:

Yes and no. Depends on the skill.

You can get a second chance to talk a dwarf out of his lunch, but you can't fall to your death twice. It's called consequence of failure. If failing your attempt leads to something permanent or in any way irreversible, then you shouldn't get a second try. Otherwise, give 'em another try, provided the player decides to try again. Some examples of skill checks that do not get a second chance:

Decipher Script
Survival
Appraise
Forgery
Knowledge (any)
Listen
Spot

Note that these examples have something in common. Either you succeed at them, or you don't. You either forage enough food for the day, or you resort to eating your rations. You are able to hear what's coming, or you don't. Most other skills allow for a second try on the following round. Just remember the risk of the check involved and the consequences of not succeeding.

*Bonus XP: Even though you don't have a Constitution score for being a vampire, you do still gain all the other benefits of your class/race. Yes, it stinks that you don't gain bonus hit points and increased CON, but you gain a totally sweet damage reduction, immunities, and then there's the whole immortality thing. So before we hear you moaning about not getting something, count your blessings. Even awesomeness has a price.

Gamer Forge Response:

Don't fear! Paladins are some of the best people around, and you can be, too! When it comes to walking the straight and narrow, DCR says:

1. What were you before you became a paladin? You had to have had a personality before you entered service to your god. Get a grasp of the person before you apply the "class" to it. Were you gregarious? Were you rebellious? Were you calm? Were you cowardly? Just like what we talked about last week, your alignment is only a partial factor in decision making, not the final justification for the decision.

2. The hard part: What you want, and what you get are rarely the same thing. If you, when creating your character, are dead set on being a paladin all the way up to the end of the game, must deal with the consequences and pressures of that choice. You will be confronted with tough moral choices and situations where you will have to go against your nature. But that's the price of being a paladin. You are held to a higher accountability than other characters. You are the compass that will guide others to righteousness. The GM's responsibility will be telling the story, not making sure you stay a paladin. Now, the really hard part: maybe you just aren't paladin material. Telling the story of how your character comes to this conclusion could be very compelling for yourself and others. Now that's what we at DCR would call a "win-win".

3. To paraphrase an old Jedi lesson, the world would get along just fine if certain indiscretions remain overlooked. It's not a paladin's responsibility to smash every little bit of evil they encounter. A paladin is usually motivated by a specific quest, not a need to control the environment around them. That's the difference between desire and OCD. Part of what turns people off about the paladin is often a misinterpretation. You don't have to drop everything to stop a pickpocket, especially when that pickpocket would stop you from having completing your quest. Keep this in mind to truly be and remain a paladin.

Bonus XP: For a more material look at the misconceptions of a paladin, watch the film Robocop. Remember that this movie is a satire. The only way Robocop can uphold the law at all times is he is a robot! He has no room for discretion or judgement calls. Your paladin may have to align with unsavory folks from time to time to complete your quest. For a more realistic look at a paladin, Niteowl II from the Watchmen graphic novels and film. He has to resort to some less-than-reputable tactics to solve his case, he maintains a high moral code, and still manages to keep his vision clear as far as goals. Did he complete his quest? Only maybe. Does he exemplify a good guy? You bet. As does a paladin.