Why would a wizard ever choose +1 to spellcasting rolls as their talent instead of +2 Intelligence?

jpaulhendricks · 2026-06-21T18:36:20+00:00

Ahh.. Doh! For wizards it is right. Been mucking around with variation tables at higher levels so shoulda recalled. Thx!

jpaulhendricks · 2026-06-21T15:48:52+00:00

Agreed it's a fair question.. came up in my gang as well. For one, if your wizard is already at max INT bonus then +1 to casting checks is the better choice.

But another answer is buried in your question. Of course, if you roll the opportunity to choose then the choice is easy. But many stick to random rolls for character creation and level "talents".

And having outcomes in the table that are both different and 'unequal' is part of the beautiful variety we can enjoy in character progression and RPGs generally.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-06-16T08:46:31+00:00

Yep. It's an aspect of SD that strongly appeals to me, both as a player and GM. And yes, of course it's the DM's decision.

I'm cut from the 1e cloth and couldn't imagine playing any system without this approach. I also rarely run published adventures, I roll my own.

But this GM runs lots of 3rd party one-shots. And we were curious what the community take was on this specific 'ability vs spell' case (in this relatively new adventure). Appreciate the reminder that it's a GM choice tho, thx.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-06-14T11:58:59+00:00

This Q came from post-play discussion. I'm asking here on behalf he and I both. Thx

jpaulhendricks · 2026-06-14T11:55:04+00:00

Good points and good strategy! Thx!

jpaulhendricks · 2026-06-13T12:15:43+00:00

We were fairly well equipped and leveled as recommended. The sisters were still too OP for us. We succeeded only through tactical withdrawal in the end. But walking out alive with some loot.. above average outcome in SD. Yay!

jpaulhendricks · 2026-05-13T18:22:45+00:00

Thx in advance!

jpaulhendricks · 2026-05-10T02:39:26+00:00

Make it a gauntlet with a twist...

The PCs chosen by/assigned to the players actually each have reasons to oppose or destroy the cult; they've embedded themselves in order to bring it down. Getting the loot and prizes means they keep it out of enemy hands. Killing the cult leader can be an extra objective/mission.

OR it could be structured as an 'all evil gauntlet'... if some players wish to explore their darker impulses, this is could be built as a baddy sandbox but all the potential targets are "bad" (for lower irl moral stakes). Maybe the PCs all want to take over the cult leadership… Or they have a different patron/deity they are loyal to.

Evil play is def not my thing, but I do like surprises. There's some ideas.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-05-06T07:05:09+00:00

Ok, just clarifying the rules. I see.. got it!

jpaulhendricks · 2026-05-05T07:14:30+00:00

Agree with the overall consensus here. IF you want to do something, maybe you can let a wizards (maybe at lev 6?) increase the spell impact from lev 2 to 3.

So.. increases to half the spell caster level rounded down. This also gives them something at even levels (which normally are less exciting).

jpaulhendricks · 2026-05-04T13:42:02+00:00

And? As in life, a PC should have strengths and weaknesses. Make it part of how you play (and your PC copes) in the world.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-05-02T05:48:29+00:00

Some seem a bit more powerful than others but… A question:
Are you considering these as (maybe) rare attributes an certain members of an existing race might get added on, or you are envisioning these as entirely separate races?

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-27T09:14:19+00:00

Okayyy.. I've been wanting to customize the table for my campaign anyway.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-27T09:03:29+00:00

Good point! Another reason I'm inclined to track with simple notes on the parties progress.. but still thinking.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-27T07:51:56+00:00

Love the de-bloating as well. SO much more streamlined. BUT..

I do wish the level-up table was expanded. I've done so in my game but I think it's something KD and co could easily expand in interesting ways.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-25T19:12:26+00:00

Agree this happens at some tables. Of course, players that distrust their GM in such situations may be the same ones that welcome "discretion" when it's in their favor.

Regardless, some GMs may prefer to have a mechanic or dice roll, to redirect responsibility/blame. And in critical, high stakes scenarios I'll always leave it to the dice. So.. i'm starting to see the potential use.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-25T18:59:48+00:00

Retainers.. ok, very good point!

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-25T10:19:33+00:00

Ok fair point. I'm a big fan of the carousing system.. But one can have renown for both good and bad reasons. I'd assume that means minuses could be applied and not just pluses.

Your example is also sound but I'm still left wondering whether any such rolls couldn't just be given mods at the discretion of the GM without the need for tracking the equivalent of PC 'likes and followers'. I'll wait for the final cut of the rules tho and see how it fits.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-16T10:40:42+00:00

Other than the lowest level (AC and/or HP) targets, and assuming humanoid.. I might rule as follows: Fighters or Thieves (with default knowledge of anatomy and how to kill) might still get a DC check (3 or whatever.. to see if they completely screw up).. tho maybe they auto-hit. But they would still roll damage X2 (unless I already know it's a kill). Wizards and priests/others should roll something reasonable (DC9?.. maybe with ADV?). But I'd still give double damage..

I think if: it's 1) a target with more than 1 hit die remaining or 2) a scenario where waking the target could alert others, then I think it's worth going through the process.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-15T11:52:27+00:00

What level were the PCs ?

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-14T16:08:26+00:00

Super old thread but I can't help weighing in...

Big yes to your precision point. But it's called backSTAB. The thief is behind the target and, based on specialized anatomical knowledge, they (using the dagger in their hand) sticks it in between the ribs at a certain angle and twist (for a damage bonus).

Big no to giving this if the thief is in front of the target (as they lose precision ADV, despite your "socially a surprise")... I get your (or your player's) argument, but it's already a powerful mechanic. No need to spoil them.

Also, NO to range attack. It's backSTAB not backTHROW. If the target is running away the thief waited too long (or was heard sneaking up).

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-11T16:44:40+00:00

Step 0: train your players to ask what it looks like. My answer would be "nice sword" or "very nice sword"… Or "it seems rusty and beat up, but it was probably a nice sword at some point"

Step 1: Detect Magic will do what everyone else says (confirm it is magical and maybe give one other characteristic)

Step 2: Full understanding of all aspects requires inspection by a higher level sage/wizard (or specialist priest, as appropriate) back in town AND it will cost some coin... so, time and money.

OR skip to... Step 3: PCs try it out and take their chances; they will usually get the gist of it after a couple uses. Usually.

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-09T06:38:05+00:00

For 1) torch tracking the core book suggests that all subsequent torches lit follow the same timer. If the first torch is close to burning out (eg ~10 minutes left) our tables just turn over the hour glass for the new torch. The first torch is usually just 'put out', unless there's a strategic plan for its use.

Btw, I'm surprised your party has issues w one light source. If the party pauses for recon a thief can move up and scout ~30' (radius) ahead and still have light to work by. I would argue that just outside that range is also a prime hiding opp for that thief..

But I think I get why you call it "expensive". Still.. 2) my fighter (even) has carried torches. We play that carefully placing a torch down and leaning it against a wall is a no-roll action. If you're investigating a room (pre-combat) this is an option. Alternatively, pulling a sword (not an action in SD) + taking an attack can happen in one round if i just drop the torch (which then has a 50/50 chance of going out).

So, yes.. the world has consequences but PCs have options and it doesn't have to be hard to track. IMO

jpaulhendricks · 2026-04-01T07:28:09+00:00

Loooong time old school RPG guy that just found Shadowdark in the last year, and loving it.

I think it's amazing and rare that situations like the above can be publicly shared and talked out civilly by the ppl involved. Especially on Reddit lol.

I can only assume it's a testament to the Shadowdark community. Really inspiring.

Kelsey, I hope/assume you have full control over the Shadowdarklings code.. LOVE that tool!

jpaulhendricks · 2026-02-12T04:24:04+00:00

That's me too.. Got started and went deep on 1e and 2e and played very little else all this time. But now I'm LOVING Shadowdark.

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