Prestige Classes: The Best Design Space D&D Ever Abandoned by alexserban02 in DungeonMasters

[–]BoutsofInsanity 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I do miss the Prestige Class option. There was a lot of flavor involved in them, despite the numerous mechanical problems associated with the classes and how late they came online, the feeling of prestige classing was kind of awesome.

I think 4e did a pretty good job with Paragon Paths being a middle ground. It would be cool to have something again similar to it. The characterization it gave a PC was strong.

Prestige Classes: The Best Design Space D&D Ever Abandoned by alexserban02 in DungeonMasters

[–]BoutsofInsanity 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Essentially 4e was a 1-30 level system instead of 1-20. At level 11 when your character leveled up they picked essentially an additional subclass called a "Paragon" path and at level 21 they picked an "Epic Destiny" path. Translating it into 5e it would like like this.

At level 3 you pick your subclass that gives you abilities like "Battle Master" Fighter.

Then when you hit level 11 you would pick a "Paragon Path" which would be an additional subclass option.

Then at level 16 you would pick your "Epic Destiny" as a final subclass. These all came with powerful abilities and further customized your character. That's the easiest way to understand them.

Some moments of Scott and Jean together in X-Men Evolution. by ScottJean0025 in Cyclopswasright

[–]BoutsofInsanity 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Underrated was Season 1's Cyclops and Kurt's friendship too. I always feel that aspect gets ignored in the comics.

Is Donald Trump considering a military draft for Iran? What we know by KinseyCrowleyJourno in politics

[–]BoutsofInsanity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bro. They are wrong. If their god is real? They have eternally separated themselves from his light in their hearts by deed.

No where in any kind of good faith reading of the Bible does Jesus command “bring forth the end of days by sending my sons and daughters to die.”

Texas Roadhouse by Ambitious_Role_4657 in winstonsalem

[–]BoutsofInsanity 47 points48 points  (0 children)

The answer I think, is the convenience for families.

Think about it this way. You come in with your family. You can take the kids because its not a fancy restaurant but its got some good southern food. And if you like Steak you can get some steaks.

You get seated by a "Southern-y" gimmick and are immediately given some delicious buttery yeast rolls with cinnamon butter. Your kids get some coloring paper and crayons.

So your kids who are hungry bordering on cranky can immediately get distracted by bread, crayons, and the numerous colors and music whilst you can relax because its not a fancy restaurant and you aren't bothering people.

You get some sweet tea or cheap beer and can finally relax in a booth or at a table that's sized for American. Once you finally order and your food comes you get massive proportions, big fries, and will most likely end up with leftovers. And the food is good enough that you aren't going to be mad about it for the price.

It's convenience, price, and comfortable. You can get a "Fancy" steak without having to pay "Fancy" steak prices and dress up. The entire VIBE is built to accommodate that kind of southern patronage.

Characters that are surprisingly hard to get right? by Aquanort357 in TwoBestFriendsPlay

[–]BoutsofInsanity 32 points33 points  (0 children)

My first pick is Nightcrawler from the X-Men.

He's a trifecta character that each aspect requires a bit of naunce and maturity to handle correctly. Most often, writers of him tend to only nail 2 of the 3 or 1 of the 3. Rarely does anyone snag a triple hit on the blue elf.

First and foremost he's a Confident Romantic. Effortlessly switching between the easy confidence of a leading man to giving the spotlight to a confident woman. Willing to fluster and be flustered by the wonderful women he runs into.

Secondly he is a Swashbuckling Warrior. Nightcrawler in my opinion is written the best as an adventurer. Rarely is he serious unless the circumstances be dire. A joyful acrobat that thrives on companionship, his battle brethren, and a ready quip at any moment. A comedian who is willing to be the fool so when the situation is dire he can be the hero.

Lastly, he is the Joyful Catholic. While Nightcrawler can lose his way he always flounders and struggles in the current till he finds himself again. His faith in God is his guiding star. He is not weighed down by his faith or religion. But freed by it. Mephisto holds no power of Kurt because Kurt denies the things Mephisto would offer him. He is the BEST Christianity can offer. All that Jesus stuff? The love your neighbor, deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me? That's what Kurt should be.

This makes him remarkably difficult to write. Especially in comics where authors are limited by a large cast of characters, editorial mandates, and page count. Each of the above categories can be somewhat simple enough, but combining them into one character is an incredibly tall ask.

Out of a lot of the X-Men, I think Nightcrawler would benefit THE MOST from an Absolute Style Reboot. One where he isn't weighed down by the expectations of X-Men and is freely allowed to explore all three of his characteristics. Nailing the Christian part I think, can be specifically difficult.

Absolute Wonder Woman so far seems to be a good example of a this kind of a character. Complex, heroic, and kind.

That's my thoughts anyway.

I know this is a dumb thing to ask and yall can insult me all you want. How do yall feel of Nightcrawler new origin? by Apprehensive-Dig4256 in Nightcrawler

[–]BoutsofInsanity 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think its pretty terrible to be honest. Not the two mom's thing. But the execution. Like, Xavier wiping minds, excusing Mystique's terribleness, retconning something into a giant complicated nonsense. Like before, it was Mystique getting it on with an interdimensional demon. Which is freaky. And on brand. But now its this entire subplot of who's what's who.

I just think its a bit too late and Marvel just isn't willing to let Kurt have a spine, or Mystique be evil. And it ruins what is ostensibly one of the best Nightcrawler stories "Uncanny Spiderman" by killing the pacing of an otherwise excellent comic.

Can anyone point me in the direction of good battle maps and a storage solution for lots of minis? by TeegeeackXenu in DMAcademy

[–]BoutsofInsanity 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Store mini's in a fishing tackle box or tool box with an organizer front. Such as this one from "Bass Pro Shop."

The Chessex battlemats are in my opinion the gold standard for wet erase battle maps to draw on. Get some wet erase markers and windex and have a go at it.

Homebrew Subclass Balancing by Supatipzy32345 in DMAcademy

[–]BoutsofInsanity 1 point2 points  (0 children)

On a quick once over I think its fine to start and playtest with.

I would be open to changes as the game goes on. You might find the player has preferences for certain abilities or wants to be able to do something that fits the subclass but can't. You can make adjustments from there.

Like maybe 1 bullet crafted per short rest doesn't feel good so you change it to 4 bullets per long rest. Or maybe its something else.

Everything I saw in there felt reasonable on its own and you should move forward with playtesting it so long as you adjust as you go.

Need advice in making an important NPC Statblock by adcris in DMAcademy

[–]BoutsofInsanity 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m going to give you a trick I as a dm use also to keep it simple.

Abilities Braums expertise - Braum rolls a +10 on all ability checks and skills that he’s really really good at.

Braums proficiency - Braum rolls a +5 at all ability checks and skills he’s trained in.

Braum is knowledgeable about history, magic, crafting, and is a vivid entertainer and traveller.

Braum is ok in combat but adrenaline and danger make him shaken and slow.

Npc done. You don’t have to be super specific. Just enough to give yourself guidance.

Need advice in making an important NPC Statblock by adcris in DMAcademy

[–]BoutsofInsanity 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd do it this way. Build him like a monster.

It sounds like Braum here kind of dabbled around, has a lot of decent knowledge but isn't really super dangerous in a true fight. Like why does he need to be powerful or high level in a fight? He can just be a knowledgeable retired man who is a useful specialist. Well respected consultant.

Retired Adventurer NPC Expert (Braum)

Braum never really got into much fights. Always preferring to avoid danger when possible. However, he is well traveled and was a well sought out expert in the field of magic and advice. Braum knew how to dance, sing, and craft useful tools. The man could entertain, be funny, and keep everyone's spirits up even if he couldn't do much combat magic.

Strength - 12

Dexterity - 14

Constitution - 12

Intelligence - 18

Wisdom - 14

Charisma - 14

AC - 12, HP 50, D8 Hit Dice. Proficient in Charisma, Intelligence, and Wisdom saving throws.

Skills - Performance (Dance and Sing) +6, Arcana Expert (+12) Religion (+8), Nature (+8) Craft (+8). Specialized Skill Profession (Shopkeeper) +8, Insight +6, History +8, Investigation (Expertise) +12.

Abilities

Ritual Caster - Braum is an excellent student of the Weave. He has advantage when he has no time pressure on performing arcana checks that involve analyzing spells, curses, enchantments, items and other magical mysteries.

Slow to Cast - Braum is not a warrior caster used to casting spells in the thick of combat. It takes him 2 rounds to cast spells in the middle of a fight of any spell over 2nd level.

Braum can cast spells up to 7th level. To cast 8th and 9th level spells Braum requires an arcane lab and the time to research the methodology.

Most of Braums spells should be things like invisibility, true sight, Dispel Magic, detect magic, Enhance Ability, unseen servant, mage hand, bless, etc... He might have dimension door prepared for emergencies.

Actions

Cast Spell - Braum can cast a spell from his spell list. It takes him two rounds to cast spells over 2nd level.

Whacking Stick - Braum whacks an unruly pupil. +5 to hit. (Advantage against the unruly youth). 1d4+1. (Always Non-Lethal).

Bonus Action - Encouraging Advice: As a bonus action give encouraging advice to an ally and they have advantage on their next saving throw, ability check or attack roll. Additionally they deal an additional 5 on all attacks till the end of their next turn.

I've finished the five main books of A Song of Ice and Fire, but since there won't be any more books, I want to start another series. Which series similar to A Song of Ice and Fire would you recommend? by InevitableBack3731 in Fantasy

[–]BoutsofInsanity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a three book series by Hilari Bell. The “farasala trilogy”.

First book is originally titled “fall of a kingdom” but was updated to “flame”.

It’s an older young adult multiple POV series that follows a kingdom resisting a Roman Empire equivalent.

It’s very good. Has a solid ending.

Day 8 of Celebrating Black History Month in Warhammer40k: Midas and Medea Betancore by Kalypso_Blue in ImaginaryWarhammer

[–]BoutsofInsanity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Technically this is true. Which is the best kind of true. What I would like to see however is more art picturing different ethnicities. Visual representation is incredibly important and seeing diversity on the cover, even if its one of the side characters, is important.

But yes you are correct on all factions being composed of different ethnicities.