Gamer Forge Listener Emails: Rulings and Commonly Encountered Problems

This week, DCR smashes down several questions regarding rulings on commonly encountered problems. Guaranteed fresh!

Listener Email:

Name: Sarah
Comments: What are the most beginner friendly table top role playing games out there?


Gamer Forger Response:

When you're looking for "beginner-friendly", DCR says:

Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition is easy to transition to if your only familiarity with RPG's is MMOs. Everything is organized into macros and character creation is pre-sorted, so all you've got to do is decide what type of role in the party you wish to play.

Just about anything involving Unisystem is a winner. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is definitely geared towards a simple mechanic and character creation is a breeze. It also favors action and plot advancement above the statistical advantages players have over enemies.

Marvel Superheroes from Margaret Weiss productions is great due to its simplicity of advancement. It features a slightly higher learning curve than the other two, but the advantage is that once your character is generated, any further statistical growth is already built in to the character.

Listener Email:

Name: TJ
Comments: Does the main target of the ghoul touch spell get a saving throw?

Gamer Forger Response:

When stinking up the place with "Ghoul Touch", DCR says:

You can't target a person, as a single object doesn't constitute and area. You will be targeting the area the person is standing on. You can target a floor or wall or ceiling, but you can't cast it on a table or a horse. Whomever is at the center of the area is granted a saving throw, as normal. If your player argues with you, give a sucker punch and tell 'em, "Guy Named Joe sent ya!"



Listener Email:
Name: Midvale Gaming Group
Comments: Is the animating force of a golem always from the Elemental Plane of Earth?

Gamer Forger Response:

When making your Golems, DCR says:

The primary animating force of a Golem is usually from the Elemental Plane of Earth. But not always. The animating force can be defined as just about anything ethereal, such as the souls of dead orphans or the woe of a million angels. Give your golem that extra special something by defining this power source with an offbeat description.

Listener Email:

Name: Calvin Smith
Comments: Can you help me out here. Is it possible to creating weapons and armor from giant crab remains?

Gamer Forger Response:

You too, can have a set of crab armor! DCR says:

Totally! We say that it most likely will be a description of hide or scale armor, depending on the game system you are using. Dark Sun is all about using hides and shells as armor.



Listener Email:

Name: Fort Worth Gaming Group
Comments: We ran into your show by accident and have loved what we have heard so far. We have a question that has been buzzing around the table. Would you be able to weigh in on this one?

Does making an opportunity attack with a ranged weapon provoke an opportunity attack?



Gamer Forger Response:

Opportunities abound! When making an opportunity attack, DCR says:

Yes and no. Just because you are entitled to make an opportunity attack, doesn't mean you should get it. Take into account line of sight, cover, and relevant abilities or feats. If you have a ranged attack prepared (such as a crossbow or spell) then you can make the attack, provided you are within range. However, countering that opportunity attack is also possible, provided that another opponent has an attack prepared. As always, think of how the character would behave, not what you would do.

*Bonus XP: Keep in mind what would make your character awesome in the context of an action sequence in a movie, not what your stats read and what your bonuses are. Taking a gamble on a friend can reap huge rewards for all parties involved. Think beyond the squares and tiles and the keyboard; get active in telling your own character's tale!

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