icebrand

This is HIGHLY dependant on individual skills. Also, MAGIC in BRP (at least on RuneQuest) trumps skills. If characters have access to healing, protection and buff spells, they can be 5x as powerful as when relying on skills only. Not at all, but remember that magic resistance is usually based on POW. High WIS characters should have high POW once converted, and magic users (sorcerers and wizards) should have high POW too. (15 as a "specialist" and 18 as a "good one at that" is a good rule of thumb). Depends on the prison guards and the characters themselves. I don't know what level they had on DnD, but heroic characters should be 90-120% at least for a fighting class. A character like that, with a minimum of magic support has no trouble fending 2 average (30-60%?) prison guards. If they have magic (i don't know what magic you using) as per runequest, at that level (which is probably the level you want for about lv 7-9 on DnD) they are full fledged runelords and with some tactical planning they can take on hordes of mooks like that (though a failed parry followed by a lucky critical can end almost any character's career). Also, DO NOT use RAW as most dungeons games; they are converted characters, you do not want a tpk on the first 10 minutes; go easy on them (for at least 2-3 sessions) while you all learn the rules. IMHO is better to have incompetent enemies using cool tactics, than competent enemies being downplayed. Also, careful with the drakes! In high-level BRP games, survivability is (again) determined by magic; most "high end" creatures come from runequest and are designed for magic-wielding adventurers in mind. If you use a magic-light setting, this requires careful gauging (in DnD they may have more HP, but in RQ characters have magical healing, allied spirits that also cast spells, a lot of -damage sources, etc).

That's cause you need to buy the new supplement (or we'll sacrifice your dog!) Ok, this is for the US (so it may not hold true on other countries), and also, it doesn't discriminate between faiths, so all that money could be coming from jews, catholics or neo-pagans. I don't really. Christians (as an institution) openly discriminate against people that "offend" their god (i.e: gays) and shamelessly rally to limit individual freedoms (read: whatever they're campaigning against at any given time). They also historically go against knowledge (see "intelligent design" bs) No, you may use any argument you like, the same as i am. But i find... weird at the very least, than an allmighty god willingly creates something he despises, knowing the result beforehand. Also, he is EXTRA cruel (adam, eve, the apple, original sin... He knew all of this would happen, it is unfair to punish they creations when he made them that way). Also, i can -will- burn in hell for ALL ETERNITY for... 2? 3? 20? years of sinful behaviour... If anyone finds that fair, he or she deserves someone beating some sense into them. Not adequately. They rely on the bible as basis for their doctrine, and the bible contradicts itself on several points. Also, it was not written by god, it was written by man, so i see no point to it. If the bible was written by god (possible, though i don't deem it probable) then god really is twisted. Lets agree to disagree then. I find the christian faith (on several guises over the years) quite troublesome. After all, they killed and tortured A LOT of people (crusades, colonization of the americas, inquisition, witch-hunting, etc, etc). Jews and muslims are no better though. To honor godwin's law... "I do not like hitler's ideals, but i chose not to have contempt for those who do". Of course, NO, I DO NOT CONSIDER MODERN CHRISTIANS ON EQUAL FOOTING THAN NAZIS (maybe catholics a few centuries ago were as bad or even worse), but my argument has the same logic as yours. I find the doctrine *NOT* the people, objectionable (for some stuff i said and way more theres no point debating even on an off-topic topic), and thus, quite worthy of my contempt. Yours is also a personal value judgement; i do not (and will not, ever, at least while i'm able to without too much repercussions) respect a belief system that does not respect others. You may if you like, though! PS: I think the level of this discussion is going way above and beyond my english fluency

Im sceptic of this, would you be so kind to provide a source please? I made a comment about christians, someone thought it wasnt good, i clarified and apologized on my 2nd post, then people wouldnt let them go, so i started trolling. Not that im bitter cause its 1 am on a friday and ive nothing to do but watch tv or anything. Still, im not a christian so im going to hell, so i guess i can get some entertainment out of the topic! A god that created the whole universe AND is allmighty and knows it ALL has room for reproval, finds stuff irredeemable? If he doesnt like evil, why did he create it? Free will is not an argument, since we are incapable of great many things, so theoretically we could be incapable of evil. Also, he hates SHRIMP... C'mon!!! No, im saying that our families are more important than a makebelief about an intollerant god.

So basically, you must put religion over real people, and god HATES. Got it!

Non-Christians also do all that stuff. Just from the new testament, the old one is much much worse: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." (Matthew 10:34-37) "I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?" (Luke 12:49) "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law." (Luke 12:51-53) "And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes." (Luke 12:47) "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26) "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." (Luke 19:27) "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate." (Revelation 2:6) "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." (Revelation 2:9) "So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which the thing I hate." (Revelation 2:15) "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 3:9)

That's only because most christians are not very familiar with their own scriptures, that have "good christians" engaging in murder, rape and slavery all the time.

Please DO offer a counter argument! I promise i wont laugh nor poke at it's dignity.

I'm missing one spell for cold, ideas anyone? COLD MASTERY Ice Shard [Ranged, Instant, 1MP/3 lvls] One of the first spells a novice of the frigid elements learns is the power to summon crystals of pure freezing energy. When hurled at her enemies, these shards subject their targets to freezing pain. Ice Shard works like firebolt (to hit roll, +1D4 on special, +2D4 on crit). The piercing cold ignores half armor (round up) Lv3: 1D4 Lv6: 2D4 Lv9: 3D4 Frozen Armor [self-Only, Temporal, 1MP/lvl] This defensive spell is a useful tool for protecting the novice from the dangers of combat. This icy shield both protects the Sorceress and impairs the progress of all who would attack her with blade or club. This spell gives 1 AP per level; it does not stack with armor (use whatever is higher); lasts for one turn Frostbite [Ranged, Instant, 1MP/lvl] The freezing damage of this spell can shatter an opponent into icy shards. If the sorceress beats the target in a POW vs POW roll, each level does 1 pt of damage per round (up to 9 damage after 9 rounds), starting the round the spell is cast. Frostbite does not stack (a new frostbite will reset the duration). Shiver Armor [self-Only, Temporal, 1MP/3 lvls] A significant upgrade from frozen armor, this defensive shield deals an icy blast to any attackers, numbing them with cold, searing pain. Effect: any target that successfuly hits the sorceress with a melee attack (causing at least 1 pt. of damage after any armor) suffers 1 pt of damage (no defense possible) for every 3 spell levels; lasts for one turn. Stacks with frozen armor! Undine As per salamander. Ray of Frost [Ranged, Instant, 1MP/lvl] This is the most effective offensive spell that this discipline has to offer. With the invocation of this spell, entire hordes of enemies are left chilled or dead, drowned in a hail of ice. Wretched survivors of this wintry storm can do little but crawl and lament their fallen kin before they, too, succumb to the cold. As per Firebolt, but damage is 1 per level (up to 9 damage at lv9). Special adds +3 damage and crit adds +6 damage. Armor protects at half value. Range is 30 mts Blizzard [self Only, Temporal, 1MP/lvl] This spell causes a mass of chilling air to suddenly appear in a small room or small open area (10 mt radius) for the duration of the spell. Those caught in the howling blizzard must succeed in an STR vs twice the spell level test or are knocked down. If successful, they are hindered (-1 MOV per spell level) while the spell is active. Blizzard lasts for as long as the sorceress maintains concentration. Frozen Orb [Ranged, Instant, 1MP/lvl] An intimidating sight that strikes fear into the hearts of her opponents, the Frozen Orb is an awesome spectacle to behold. The Orb coalesces from the air, unleashing freezing bolts at all nearby, and wreaking havoc, seemingly at random, before bursting into a brilliant explosion of frigid destruction. Range = 30 mts. The orb shatters at the impact point; each target in a a radius equal to the spell level (including the sorceress or allies if they are close enough). The target is hit by several (1D6) ice shards, and everyone else is hit by 1D4 shards. Each shard does 1 pt. of damage (without defense other than dodge). A successful dive halves damage (round up) and a critical dodge ignores all damage. Dodging a frozen orb means the character dives for cover, and thus he ends the round in the ground; a character may try to dodge (or parry with a shield) each shard, by dodging at half chance.

AWESOME!!! MY PHONE IS DEVIL-FREE!!! But... But... I cannot plug it to my pc without the devil's cord... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Does a phone count as USB? Because theyll have to pry my htc from my cold, dead, satanic clutches (well, unless i get an iphone, in that case a couple of bucks will do)

+1!!! Also, we don't have christians in my country! Well, we do, but they are so funny it doesn't count!

A tiger clawing a human will either outright maim or kill, unless you are VERY lucky! So, hit locations, and 2-3D6+1D8. It *MAY* get a 4!

"u.s. fanatical christians as depicted by their own media". There! Now be good or ill summon nyarlathotep!!

A tiger sure does!

I just sent an email to them!!! Well, Ned Diggler did! "I just found your website, and i'm sincerely worried im an occultist. I read all harry potter books, and even liked them; i had several dreams about me flying with harry on his magic broom, and even more lustful endeavors, but i never thought it would be sinful to do so. In addition, all my friends always do that rollplaying stuff, but i never went, and i felt relieved when i saw your article today. It enraged me, i even thought i should hit them for trying to take me to a satan worship. But then i realized they probably have knifes and stuff, so i refrained. Also, wasnt king solomon a practicer of witchcraft too? i mean, he saw the future and stuff? I hope you can guide me back to the light of the lord. Yours truly, Ned" Lets see what they come up with ^^

1- isn't this from the 80's or something? 2- u.s. christians are hilarious! 3- i made retroquest... THIS MEANS IM A WARLOCK!!! 4- just let me cast those spells to curse, kill and maim whoever slightly wronged me and ill be back to fill #4!!! (may take a while!) 5- REALLY!!! I've dark powers!!!! ANCIENT OLD ONES, RAISE, RAISE AND OBEY MY COMMANDS!!! Update: Just tweeted them: @ESPMinistries i your D&D article! HILARIOUS! Can i get an email or something when you update so i laugh more? BTW, still cant cast hexes You can follow me at twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/ale_hart . I have *DINOSAURS* as background!!!

Animals would pull blows only as warning attacks. Several species do not even try that (i.e: a crocodile!). Some other animals are so easily pissed off (badgers!) that don't pull blows either. If i had to go with a fixed scheme it would be: Flee or Intimidate if it fails, warning attack if the warning attack works, the opponent flees. If the animal is still distressed, may try again, but if the opponent keeps pressing, all out attack. Again, this fails on many animals (like elephants) that go from "im just chillin'" to "LOLNUBWTFTRAMPLED".

You friggin carebear!!! Animals do full str damage, and HALF AGAIN when hurt, unless they have the "berserk" skill, then its 2x and +50% to hit!!!

As soon as im done with work (ive to finish a tournament and then go have dinner with my boss...) ill see what i can do. BTW, RetroQuest uses the OGL licence because my engrish sux (so i picked up gore which i like a lot), but if i could, it would be Free Art. The website needs some love, but im trying to lobby the diablo 2 magic into RQ Magic (problem is, its not gritty at all), and also work on the creatures https://sites.google.com/site/rqadventures/equipment There you have the old equipment page; some images are missing since they were not open source!

Polar bears PUNCH seals and the seal FLIES THOUGH THE AIR 20+ ft; the bear kills it while its stunned from the hit/fall. Its the closest thing to a marvel vs. capcom air combo in nature!

This is my favorite spell tree, so it may be a tad better than the rest! It is probably the most offensive tree of them all (don't panic the cool RQ spells like shapeshift are coming soon!) All spells are rolled with Lightning Mastery advanced skill Charged Bolt [Ranged, Instant, 1MP/lvl] By charging the ions in the air surrounding her, the Sorceress discharges bursts of electrical energy. These missiles flit about randomly, chasing down her opponents and shocking them to the core. Effect: Fires multiple, jumping bolts of electricity that seek their targets, up to 10 meters. Each level casts one bolt, that does 1 damage (ignoring armor, there is no defense). The sorceress may attack whomever she wishes (but only one bolt per target) Telekinesis [Ranged, Temporal, 1MP/lvl] With this skill a Sorceress can reach out with her mind and manipulate distant objects. By manipulating the Ether that permeates the world, she is even able to retrieve items out of her reach, or send her attacks to distant enemies. Useful to a cunning Sorceress, this spell rewards quick thinking to make the most of opportunities when they present themselves. Effect: moves 3 SIZ (or about 15kg) at MOV 1. Each extra level adds +1 MOV or +3 SIZ. This spell lasts for as long the sorceress concentrates, but cannot be used on living beings (or stuff in direct contact with them; you cannot pull someone's sword from their hand or levitate their boots / cape). The sorceress may lift herself (hovering over the ground, and being able to cross obstacles like a river), but it doesn't grant "true" flight. As an offensive spell, it may be used to knockback other characters (POW vs POW, if successful, lvl*3 vs. SIZ). Telekinesis does not grant fine control over levitated items; the sorceress may move it in a straight line, and that's it. Objects hurled with TK usually move too slow to do significant damage; level 3 does 1 point, level 6 does 1D4 and level 9 does 1D6; attack with lightning mastery at half chance (pointy and bladed objects add +1 damage). Static Field [self Only, Temporal, 1MP/level] A devastating spell of limited range, Static Field instantly removes a portion of the health of nearby enemies. Thusly injured, enemies are easy prey to the follow-up attacks of the Sorceress or her party members. Effect: the sorceress charges the air around her. This spell lasts for one round per spell level. Each round, the sorceress can blast a foe inside the field for 1 pt. of damage in her DEX rank (there's no defense, and this is a free action). This spell affects a range of 10 meters in all directions, centered on the sorceress Lightning [Ranged, Instant, 1MP/3 lvls] This spell allows a Sorceress to summon the very power of the heavens and emit a tremendous surge of electrical energy. Creating a channel of lightning directed at her target, she cuts a swath through her opponents with pinpoint accuracy. Effect: Casts a bolt of lightning. (POW vs. POW, ignores armor) Lv3 = 1D6 Lv6 = 1D8 Lv9 = 1D10 Nova [Ranged, Instant, 1MP/3 lvls] With this spell the Sorceress creates a wave of electrical energy radiating from her fingertips, bathing herself with its destructive force. This spell is ideal for extended spellcasting. Effect: The sorceress' lightning spells cost 1/2 MP (round up). The MP reduction lasts one round per level, starting the next round after casting. Chain Lightning [Ranged, Instant, 1MP/3 lvls] An improved and more complicated version of the Lightning spell, Chain Lightning arcs from foe to foe, branching out until all of its energy is dissipated. The stench of burnt flesh and ozone is often all that remains after this spell is cast. Effect: Casts a lightning bolt that jumps through multiple targets. The first target gets full damage; after that, the lightning jumps between targets (as per charged bolt), up to a number of times equal to rolled damage minus one. Chain lightning will not jump if the original target resists the spell. Lv3 = Lightning Bolt, 1D4 Lv6 = Lightning Bolt, 1D6 Lv9 = Lightning Bolt, 1D8 Teleport [self-Only, Instant, 18 MP] A Sorceress trained in this arcane skill has the ability to traverse the Ether, instantly rematerializing in another location. Without the aid of waypoints or portals, she may teleport anywhere within her immediate vicinity. Though not suitable for larger distances, a Sorceress can make good use of this spell for evading capture, or to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Effect: Instantly transports you between two points (Line of Sight). Each level reduces the MP cost by 1 Sylph See Salamander. Energy Shield [self-Only, 1MP/lvl] Sheathing herself in pure energy, the Sorceress walks fearlessly into the fray. So long as she can maintain her concentration over this magical buffer, she diverts harmful magical energies and absorbs physical harm into her store of Mana. Effect: Absorbs magical and some physical damage to Mana instead of Life. Each level adds 1 "hit point". Physical attacks are split (half are taken from the mana shield, half from hit points, if uneven the extra damage goes to MP). Magical attacks go directly to the shield. If the shield is destroyed, remaining damage goes to HP as normal. This energy shield applies AFTER armor (if any). Of course, energy shield is not cummulative; if cast again it will override the first shield.

Strike Ranks are equal to DEX; higher dex acts first, as per BRP. If it's too much of a mess to correct leave that out and ill try to fix it. They only work on major wounds; its actually easier and more RQ-ish to use hit locations than the major wound table!

F**K fantasy creatures!!! Want a dragon? Go to the nile to fight gustav... With a sword...

On a RuneQuest-like set of rules, when POW is probably the most important stat on a character besides combat skills, giving a PC +25% gain roll is something i wouldn't enjoy at all as a gm, and would probably make me assassinate the elf on their-- oh, wait, they probably don't need to sleep either, so maybe fight? or do they come with 100 yrs of previous experience? IMHO 2D6+6 makes them already more powerful, a 26 species max is completely unfair.

Hopefully you will like RetroQuest Creatures then. Animals come pre-generated (but with stats you may roll on the fly!) and although some have very big stats, they are more mundane. Stats directly influence skills) how good an animal does something depends directly on stats and it has a bonus to certain skills. Of course, certain stuff (6 meter crocs, elephants, etc) is still immune to melee combat!