These are NOT all my creations! The lead authors are identified as follows: [TS] Tempest Stormwind, [AR] Andarious Rosethorn, [RT] Radical Taoist, [SN] Sionnis, [DH] DisposableHero_, [SH] Seishi.
[TS] The Pinball Brothers: Large And In Charge (Melee, Lockdown, Charge, Juggling) [TS] Ashardalon Reborn: I Will Swallow Your Soul (Melee, Fear, Negative Levels, AoE, Theme) [AR] "A"-Game Paladin: Play That Funky Music, Knight Boy! (Team Support, Melee, Theme, Single-Class) [RT] Uncanny Trapsmith: Get in, make it look like an accident, get out. (Skillmonkey, Stealth/Scout/Infiltration, Unorthodox Methods, Theme) [AR] Wizsassin: *Everything* is permitted. (Spellcaster, Support, Sneak Attack, Utility) [TS] Phantom Rush: General Gish Gouda. (Gish, Theme, Setting-Specific(Eberron), Early-Entry PrC) [TS] Storm Knight: Another kind of gish. (Melee/"Gish", Theme, Setting-Specific(Eberron), Unorthodox Methods) [TS] Inevitable Nightmare: The weapon you only have to fire once. (Melee, "Unorthodox" Methods (no charging), Reliability) [AR] Captain Constitution: The number one threat to America. (Melee, TOUGHTOUGHTOUGH, Defense, Theme) [AR] Nuker: I casts the spells that makes the peoples fall down! (Spellcaster, damage, blasting, damage) [TS] Dread Lord of the Dead: Let the Reaping Begin! (NPC-only, Variable (combat/casting/leadership), Iconic Villain, Theme) [AR] Heavy Crusader: No Rest. No Mercy. No Matter What. (Melee, Damage (No charging), Variable, Theme). [TS] Gun Fu: It's bullet time (Ranged, THEORETICAL, Twin weapons, Theme) [RT] Face First: We should talk. (Psionic, social, mind-control, info-management) [SN] Chaingun Porcupine: Never Enuff Dakka. (Ranged, Skirmishing, Spike Damage, Incarnum) [RT] Always On Edge: The Mortal Draw deals death. (Melee, Generalist, Dungeoneering, Stunt) [AR] Feral Druid: Real feral taste. Zero druid calories. (Melee, offense, damage, murder) [RT] Rusty!: Man's Best Friend (Sentry, Support, Backup, Rearguard) [RT] The T3 (Tashalatora Triple Threat): My Kung Fu is More Powerful (Hybrid, Flex-Function, Melee, Caster) [RT] The #1 Snoipah: Boom. 'Eadshot. (Caster, Theme, Spike, Trapscout) [AR] Dreamblade: Rest in Pieces. (Melee, Damage, Single-Class, Combo/Momentum) [AR] Evasion Tank: “When fighting angry blind men, is best to stay out of the way.” (Melee, Tank, Unorthodox Methods (attack negation), Theme) [DH] Psycarnum Warrior: ↑↑↓↓←→←→BA Start (Melee, Tank, Psionics, Incarnum, 1337 h4x) [AR] Heavy Weapons Elf: WHO TOUCHED MY BOW? (Ranged, Cohort, Damage, Unorthodox Methods (ranged ToB)) [RT] Gnowhere Gnome: A little man who wasn't there (Caster, Stealth, Single-Class, Elusive) [AR] Uberflank: I got your back. (Melee, support, stunt, teamwork) [TS] Flip the Bird: Everyday I'm shuffling (Ranged, harrier, unorthodox methods (ranged ToB / off-turn movement), support) [DH] Eat Sleep Gank: Real Ultimate Power (Stealth, Assassination, Spike, Magic Versatility) [AR] Slash and Burn: Mind, Body, Blade, Flame / Aspects of a greater whole / which delivers death. (Melee, Theme (flex-style), Damage, Stunt) [RT] Edge of the Light: Cut, Fade to Black (Melee, Defense/Offense, Momentum, Tactical) [RT] Quiet Murder: Cut throats, not corners. (Melee, Stealth, Harrier, Tactical) [TS] Wand Overdrive: Say Hello to my little friends. (Caster, support/artillery/variable, wand specialist) [RT] God Hand: What did the five fingers say to the face? (Melee/Gish, Unarmed, SAD, Theme) [AR] Zero Buff Time Gish: Try to keep up! (Gish, Speed, Movement, Opportunity) [TS] Robo Tackle: I Am Iron Man. (Melee, setting-specific (Eberron), positioning, theme, stunt)
I vaguely recall the PHB section on caltrops requiring a move action.
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Resident Pithed-Off Dragon Buttler of the House of Trolls
I vaguely recall the PHB section on caltrops requiring a move action.
If so, it's not listed on either the section about the item itself on page 126, or on the "Actions in Combat" table on page 141.
A move action could make sense, since "manipulate an item" falls under move action, but they don't really clarify:
"In most cases, moving or manipulating an item is a move action. This includes retrieving or putting away a stored item, moving a heavy object, and opening a door."
None of those are really much like spreading caltrops, although I guess it's not a bad compromise for the next time I DM. It just bothers me that it's not actually spelled out somewhere, and I keep hoping that I've just missed it somehow.
Like, seriously people. Marbles are, like, 1sp. If you can't hit with such basic equipment, urdoinitwrong.
2 SP, actually. They also...
...only cover a five-foot square,
...are useless against anyone with ranks in Balance,
...are useless against Huge or larger enemies,
...are useless against enemies with multiple legs,
...are useless against enemies that fly, float, etc.
If your DM lets such basic equipment completely screw over every monster, he'sdoinitwrong.
(Also, can someone tell me what kind of an action it is to spread marbles/caltrops? I've had some DMs tell me it's a free action like dropping an item, while others have said it's a standard action because you're not just dropping them in place, you're spreading them in a 5x5 area. I've checked the PHB, A&EG and 3.5 FAQ, and I can't seem to find anything in that regard.)
Not to mention aside from all of this you could simply jump over the effected squares with ease at almost any level if your a strength based combatent (I.E. almost anyone who would even have a chance to be botherd by marbles).
Like, seriously people. Marbles are, like, 1sp. If you can't hit with such basic equipment, urdoinitwrong.
2 SP, actually. They also...
...only cover a five-foot square,
...are useless against anyone with ranks in Balance,
...are useless against Huge or larger enemies,
...are useless against enemies with multiple legs,
...are useless against enemies that fly, float, etc.
If your DM lets such basic equipment completely screw over every monster, he'sdoinitwrong.
If they can't shut down enough, urdoinitwrong. Also, if you can't figure out any other pieces of cheap gear that shut down more encounters, urreallydoinitwrong.
Plus, if you're ever seriously threatened by anything large or larger that isn't some outsider or dragon, urreallyreallyreallydoinitwrong
(Also, can someone tell me what kind of an action it is to spread marbles/caltrops? I've had some DMs tell me it's a free action like dropping an item, while others have said it's a standard action because you're not just dropping them in place, you're spreading them in a 5x5 area. I've checked the PHB, A&EG and 3.5 FAQ, and I can't seem to find anything in that regard.)
Dropping an item is a free action. But if you don't have a Collar of Perpetual Attendance, you seriously... I really don't know how to describe fail like that in words...
Customer Disservice of the House of Trolls Resident Secretly Ron Paul God of Spite and Sloth
If they can't shut down enough, urdoinitwrong. Also, if you can't figure out any other pieces of cheap gear that shut down more encounters, urreallydoinitwrong.
What pieces of gear do you have in mind that don't have similar shortcomings? Marbles are what you've suggested so far, and they don't fulfill the intended function in a variety of circumstances.
Dropping an item is a free action. But if you don't have a Collar of Perpetual Attendance, you seriously... I really don't know how to describe fail like that in words...
Dropping a bag containing some marbles isn't the same as spreading the marbles over an area, especially since you're unlikely to be carrying it in your hand in the first place.
The collar is useful, but since an unseen servant can only obey one instruction at a time, you're either banking on a significant need to specifically spread marbles during your adventuring day, or spending an action directing the servant to change its activity.
The kraken stirs. And ten billion sushi dinners cry out for vengeance. - Good Omens
= My most popular campaign item; for all your adventuring convenience.Show
Zauber's Mutable Rod: This rod has a number of useful functions that make it easier to live in the wilderness. It is made of polished wood, with five studlike buttons on one end. Each button produces a different effect when pressed. Unless otherwise noted, the rod’s functions have no limit on the number of times they can be employed. • When button 1 is pressed, one end of the rod produces a small flame, equivalent to a candle. • When button 2 is pressed, the rod unfolds into a two-person tent, complete with bedrolls and warm blankets. • When button 3 is pressed, the rod becomes a one-handed hammer, suitable for pounding pitons into a wall. • When button 4 is pressed, the rod becomes a sturdy iron spade. • When button 5 is pressed, the rod becomes a wooden bucket able to hold 2 gallons of liquid. Once per day, it can be commanded to fill with fresh water. If the rod is seriously damaged or broken in any of its alternate forms (button 2, 3, 4, or 5), it reverts to its basic rod form and cannot be activated for 24 hours. Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Rod, minor creation; Price 375 gp; Weight 2 lb.
If they can't shut down enough, urdoinitwrong. Also, if you can't figure out any other pieces of cheap gear that shut down more encounters, urreallydoinitwrong.
What pieces of gear do you have in mind that don't have similar shortcomings? Marbles are what you've suggested so far, and they don't fulfill the intended function in a variety of circumstances.
(Razor) Net and lasso. Tanglefoor bags. Shapesand. Oh, and do I need to mention the Dust of Sneezing and Choking?
Look, I really could go on, but it's tiresome.
Dropping a bag containing some marbles isn't the same as spreading the marbles over an area, especially since you're unlikely to be carrying it in your hand in the first place.
Why not?
The collar is useful, but since an unseen servant can only obey one instruction at a time, you're either banking on a significant need to specifically spread marbles during your adventuring day, or spending an action directing the servant to change its activity.
So? Standing orders work fine.
Customer Disservice of the House of Trolls Resident Secretly Ron Paul God of Spite and Sloth
The minmaxboards has (as far as I know) the most extensive compilation of ALL 3.5 handbooks here: www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=399.... This includes handbooks from outside the site as well.
(Razor) Net and lasso. Tanglefoor bags. Shapesand. Oh, and do I need to mention the Dust of Sneezing and Choking?
The dust is the most useful of those, mainly due to the specific kind of protection required, though even there it's not without holes in its effect. For example, a creature immune to stunning, or with no need to breathe will find it no obstacle at all.
For every tactic there is a countertactic, so you simply look at how and when each option is appropriate and effective, and when it is inappropriate or ineffective.
Dropping a bag containing some marbles isn't the same as spreading the marbles over an area, especially since you're unlikely to be carrying it in your hand in the first place.
Why not?
Partly because of the bag; even if you don't have the neck tied closed to prevent some getting lost during a rough day of adventuring, simply dropping an open bag containing marbles won't spread them appropriately over a given area (some will stay in the bag, depending on how you drop it, and others will roll away in the direction the opening was pointing). Even simply dropping a handful of marbles without the bag doesn't generally do that; you might get all the marbles stopping in approximately the right space, or you might end up with marbles disappearing in all directions.
If you instead pour them out more slowly closer to ground level instead of just dropping them, you can produce a relatively even spread without too many of them getting away.
The collar is useful, but since an unseen servant can only obey one instruction at a time, you're either banking on a significant need to specifically spread marbles during your adventuring day, or spending an action directing the servant to change its activity.
So? Standing orders work fine.
Each tactic has its conditions for effective use. For example, what happens if you've ordered the unseen servant to spread marbles on your word or gesture, but run into an opponent who ignores them, but would be vulnerable to your dust of sneezing and choking?
The kraken stirs. And ten billion sushi dinners cry out for vengeance. - Good Omens
= My most popular campaign item; for all your adventuring convenience.Show
Zauber's Mutable Rod: This rod has a number of useful functions that make it easier to live in the wilderness. It is made of polished wood, with five studlike buttons on one end. Each button produces a different effect when pressed. Unless otherwise noted, the rod’s functions have no limit on the number of times they can be employed. • When button 1 is pressed, one end of the rod produces a small flame, equivalent to a candle. • When button 2 is pressed, the rod unfolds into a two-person tent, complete with bedrolls and warm blankets. • When button 3 is pressed, the rod becomes a one-handed hammer, suitable for pounding pitons into a wall. • When button 4 is pressed, the rod becomes a sturdy iron spade. • When button 5 is pressed, the rod becomes a wooden bucket able to hold 2 gallons of liquid. Once per day, it can be commanded to fill with fresh water. If the rod is seriously damaged or broken in any of its alternate forms (button 2, 3, 4, or 5), it reverts to its basic rod form and cannot be activated for 24 hours. Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Rod, minor creation; Price 375 gp; Weight 2 lb.
(Razor) Net and lasso. Tanglefoor bags. Shapesand. Oh, and do I need to mention the Dust of Sneezing and Choking?
The dust is the most useful of those, mainly due to the specific kind of protection required, though even there it's not without holes in its effect. For example, a creature immune to stunning, or with no need to breathe will find it no obstacle at all.
Then use a different one. It's not complicated.
Partly because of the bag; even if you don't have the neck tied closed to prevent some getting lost during a rough day of adventuring, simply dropping an open bag containing marbles won't spread them appropriately over a given area (some will stay in the bag, depending on how you drop it, and others will roll away in the direction the opening was pointing). Even simply dropping a handful of marbles without the bag doesn't generally do that; you might get all the marbles stopping in approximately the right space, or you might end up with marbles disappearing in all directions.
Again, so? I fail to see how this is relevant.
If you instead pour them out more slowly closer to ground level instead of just dropping them, you can produce a relatively even spread without too many of them getting away.
Again, so? You keep posting this incorrect, or unverified at absolute best, claims like they actually matter.
Each tactic has its conditions for effective use. For example, what happens if you've ordered the unseen servant to spread marbles on your word or gesture, but run into an opponent who ignores them, but would be vulnerable to your dust of sneezing and choking?
Use your glove of the master strategist then. It's not that complex.
Customer Disservice of the House of Trolls Resident Secretly Ron Paul God of Spite and Sloth
