D&D One – Playtest 1: Character Origins

So, I seemed to have missed the feedback window for the Character Origins playtest for D&D One (henceforth, D&D) but I thought that I would post some of my observations and thoughts here so at least they have a chance of contributing to the debate.  Now, I have not actually played much using these playtest rules, but my thoughts are based on 45-ish years playing D&D, and many other RPGs, in various incarnations.

The basic framework seems fine, though much in the race (and honestly surprised they have not changed this to kindred or something similar) section could be improved.  The X of many worlds section is weak, not giving much in the way of roleplaying hooks.  One of the useful things of kindred-based bonuses to statistics was that it gave you an idea of what that culture valued and was good at.  Now, not all X do Y, but it gave you something to hang your roleplaying hat on, either to embrace or to play against type.

Tuesday Magic Item – Helpful Honey

“Kind of the beekeeper to give us some of his honey,” said Voddick tucking away the jar of honey.

“We help protect the hives, the product of the hives helps to protect us, it seems a virtuous cycle,” said Gollaon with a smile.

“I like that, seems . . . complete.”

“Sometimes the things we do work out.”

Helpful Honey

This honey is a beautiful golden hue but sometimes, if you catch it just right in the light, it has a rainbow sheen.  It must be kept in clear glass, stored in any other sort of container, it just vanishes.  The honey’s magic comes from the types of bees that make it and the types of flowers they gather pollen from, usually, one or both are from the fae worlds.

Tuesday Magic Item – Fae Torc of Forms

“Was not that . . .” whispered Voddick.

“The Duchess, now the Duke,” answered Gollaon.  “They seem to have acquired a rather potent magic item for form shifting.”

“Hmm,” mused Voddick.  “I can see uses for it I suppose but I do not think such magics are for me.”

“Some people are not comfortable with the form they were born with, nothing wrong with them finding one that suits them better.”

“Truth.”

Fae Torc of Forms

These torcs can be made of various precious metals, from copper to gold, and subtly decorated with runes and symbols representing various genders and kindreds, these are so carefully worked that it requires careful examination to even notice them.  Rarely they are decorated with gems or enamel work.

Tuesday Magic Item – Leech Shell Spiral

Voddick dodged back around the corner as a whirling disc spun by.  “Keep back!” Voddick shouted to Gollaon.

“What is it?”

“Leech discs!  They killed the groom,” answered Voddick.

“Horrible weapons, let us see about bringing some justice to anyone who would use such,” said Gollaon wrapping his cloak around his arm.

Leech Shell Spiral

These items are usually made from the shells of pouncing leech snails, carefully cut to reveal their inner spiral and treated, occasionally weighted.  They are vicious and unpleasant weapons.

Tuesday Magic Item – Cloak of Many Colors

“I have never seen someone so disliked by cats,” said Voddick watching the scout go by, their fur cloak flapping and the inn cat hissed.

“It is the cloak, such pieces of clothing come with their own curse,” said Gollaon.

“Yes?  Why?”

“It is made of cat pelts.”

“Oh.  But how do the cats know that?” ask Voddick.

Gollaon shrugged.  “I do not know, but somehow, they do.”

Cloak of Many Colors

These cloaks are made of the treated pelts taken from Cats of Many Colors.  The cloak is a fur cloak and usually defaults to a neutral color such as grey when its magic is not active.

Tuesday Magic Item – Soldier Box

“I had hoped for more support when we were assigned to this outpost,” said Voddick.  “It is a good little fort but our numbers are few and the army said to be marching towards us is not.”

“I think we are being used as bait for a trap,” said Gollaon.  “Have you not noticed the boxes placed carefully around the fort?”

“I had, I was thinking they were ammunition.  But . . .” Voddick pondered.  “Soldier boxes?”

Gollaon nodded.  “I think so.  The small garrison can be suddendly expanded but anyone watching will just have seen supplies being brought in.”

“Clever, though I am not happying being the worm used to bait the hook.”

Soldier Box

These boxes are not large, usually, and are sometimes battered having survived being dragged from battlefield to battle field, others are decorated and well cared for, often the possessions of nobles.  It all cases, it is what they contain that make them useful.

Tuesday Magic Item – Military Boots

“It is good to be working with professional soldiers again,” said Voddick.  “Do not mistake me, helping militias befend their home is a good feeling.  But it causes me a great deal of sorrow when one of them is hurt or killed.  These people know the risks they are taking and it usually does not hit me so hard when the inevitable happens.”

Golloan nodded.  “While they have people who care for them as well.  Taking the Queen’s coin means that everyone knows what is likely to happen sooner or later.”

“And they do not complan as much about marching.”

“But they still complain, they are soldiers after all.”

Military Boots

These shoes, usually boots but along could be other military footwear such as Roman sandals and such, are practical in the extreme, the only decoration, if any might be an armory stamp or a stitched symbol indicating its place of origin.

Tuesday Magic Item – Hold Your Ground Shield

“It is nice to feel like the militia actually listened to us,” said Voddick adjusting his armor.  “We are not professional cavalry to fight in an open field.”

“Truth.  Let them come to us, on a ground of our choosing,” agreed Gollaon.  “Though I do wish we had more archers and slingers.”

“Luckily we were able to convince the shepards to join in or we would not have any slingers at all.”

“Again, truth,” nodded Gollaon.  “At least the militia has kept up their training.”

“And their equipment, those shields will be a great help in the coming fight.”

Hold Your Ground Shield

These shields are almost always large shields, designed to be used as part of a shield wall, often decorated with the symbols of the community they were made for.  They are usually far more utilitarian than decorated made for times of direst need.  They are often passed down within a family to serve for community

Tuesday Magic Item – Soldier’s Belt

“This court feels very much like a preparation for war,” whispered Voddick.  “With all of these courtiers dressed in their martial finery.”

“I also feel that ill wind blowing,” replied Gollaon.

“If they would actually being going out into the field of battle, I suspect their taste for war would vanish.”

“But what then would hard-working mercenaries like our fine selves be reduced too?” replied Gollaon.

“I could stand to guard a few more caravans rather than fight on the warfield again.”

Soldier’s Belt

These belts are often simple, just well made leather straps and metal fastenings from wich a hanger for a sword sheath for a dagger or two and perhaps a quiver or box of ammunition can be suspended from.  Some, of course, are much fancier to show off the owner’s wealth and status, but they are not any more effective.

Tuesday Magic Item – Wreath of Triumph

“Triumphs always seem a bit indulgent,” said Voddick watching from the back of the crowd.

Gollaon nodded, sipping at some wine.  “Truth.  But people like to celerbrate their victories.”

“That I understand but dragging the defeated through the streets?  It just seems . . . impolite.”

“Agreed,” Gollaon handed his friend some wine.  “But the wine is free flowing so might as well enjoy it.”

Wreath of Triumph

These wreaths are quite simple, often just laurel branches woven together, tthough some are made of precious metals to mimic proper wreaths bepending on how ostentatious the person celebrating the triumph is.  It is quite a simple item, drawing it magic from the powerful symbolism of the triumph itself.