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Post by captaincrumbcake on Jul 30, 2017 18:44:24 GMT -5
For those unfamiliar with Tolkien and LotR, elf-bread (or lembas! *sp?) was a wafer like product that, when eaten, provided more than the usual protein-nourishment a person needed to get through a stretch of time; not sure if it met all the daily requirements or what...you'll have to look it up.
But for some reason I began rethinking this item, in terms of how useful it could be (though very rare) in an OD&D campaign. You can come up with all kinds of applications on your own--which I encourage you do--but here are a couple that I think might be useful.
Kelkan: a portion(for you to decide) of this item when eaten ahead of time (lasts up to 12 hours) will inhibit ghoul paralysis, allowing anyone subjected to such an attack a Save Throw to avoid as if a wand attack.
Trekan: stronger and rarer than kelkan, this edible item (effect lasts only 3 hours) provides the consumer with protection against life-energy drain attacks by wights by allowing a Save Throw (vs Turn to Stone) to completely avoid.
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 1, 2017 8:22:03 GMT -5
I like this!
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Post by bravewolf on Aug 1, 2017 23:49:34 GMT -5
For those unfamiliar with Tolkien and LotR, elf-bread (or lembas! *sp?) was a wafer like product that, when eaten, provided more than the usual protein-nourishment a person needed to get through a stretch of time; not sure if it met all the daily requirements or what...you'll have to look it up. But for some reason I began rethinking this item, in terms of how useful it could be (though very rare) in an OD&D campaign. You can come up with all kinds of applications on your own--which I encourage you do--but here are a couple that I think might be useful. Kelkan: a portion(for you to decide) of this item when eaten ahead of time (lasts up to 12 hours) will inhibit ghoul paralysis, allowing anyone subjected to such an attack a Save Throw to avoid as if a wand attack. Trekan: stronger and rarer than kelkan, this edible item (effect lasts only 3 hours) provides the consumer with protection against life-energy drain attacks by wights by allowing a Save Throw (vs Turn to Stone) to completely avoid. Taking a cue from later editions of D&D for a dark campaign, elf bread could be made from elves to capitalize on their natural immunities.  |
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Post by Admin Pete on Aug 2, 2017 7:22:08 GMT -5
For those unfamiliar with Tolkien and LotR, elf-bread (or lembas! *sp?) was a wafer like product that, when eaten, provided more than the usual protein-nourishment a person needed to get through a stretch of time; not sure if it met all the daily requirements or what...you'll have to look it up. But for some reason I began rethinking this item, in terms of how useful it could be (though very rare) in an OD&D campaign. You can come up with all kinds of applications on your own--which I encourage you do--but here are a couple that I think might be useful. Kelkan: a portion(for you to decide) of this item when eaten ahead of time (lasts up to 12 hours) will inhibit ghoul paralysis, allowing anyone subjected to such an attack a Save Throw to avoid as if a wand attack. Trekan: stronger and rarer than kelkan, this edible item (effect lasts only 3 hours) provides the consumer with protection against life-energy drain attacks by wights by allowing a Save Throw (vs Turn to Stone) to completely avoid. Taking a cue from later editions of D&D for a dark campaign, elf bread could be made from elves to capitalize on their natural immunities.   |
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Aug 2, 2017 8:15:52 GMT -5
If I could give out exhalts on Tapatalk (my Android forum reader) Mr Admin's post and the good Captain's would now be exhaulted. Or exhumed; I can never keep those straight in my head.
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Post by The Red Baron on Aug 2, 2017 8:44:04 GMT -5
Taking a cue from later editions of D&D for a dark campaign, elf bread could be made from elves to capitalize on their natural immunities. Ew!  |
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Aug 2, 2017 19:07:42 GMT -5
Taking a cue from later editions of D&D for a dark campaign, elf bread could be made from elves to capitalize on their natural immunities. Ew! But good for yuh! |
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Post by scottanderson on Aug 3, 2017 19:33:51 GMT -5
1) It's interesting when people borrow from lord of the rings for D&D.
2) I don't think that's how ghoul paralysis works.
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Post by captaincrumbcake on Aug 4, 2017 0:26:50 GMT -5
1) It's interesting when people borrow from lord of the rings for D&D. 2) I don't think that's how ghoul paralysis works. I find this an intriguing comment. Considering, back in the early 1970s, miniature war gamers were doing just that to re enact the battles of Middle Earth. And from such--supposedly--Gygax's Fantasy Supplement in Chainmail soon followed; and from such, other folks like Wesley and Arneson developed ideas of their own. But aside from all that, examination of ghouls and paralysis in Chainmail will reveal that Elves and wizards need merely approach (be in the same square as?) someone affected by ghoul paralysis, and the condition is removed. I don't know how wizards get the ability, but clearly elves--being immune themselves to it--are able to help those that are not. From such, in a world of magical ridiculousness, the idea of elf bread inhibiting ghoul paralysis, is as sane as a +1 ring of protection. And, really, even in the RW we take medicines to prevent colds, flues, etc. So why should not the mysterious ingredients within elf bread be as effective as what we do with mold? I respect your response (#2); but I reserve the right to disagree.  |
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Post by scottanderson on Aug 4, 2017 6:55:49 GMT -5
Lord of the Rings was not a main inspiration for D&D. If you read Gary's own intro to the game, LOTR is conspicuous in its absence. He also derides the idea of Hobbits as PCs. I think he was wrong to deride them because they make great unlikely heroes, but he did.
When I said "I don't think," I mean that I imagine that it is not so - not that I think you're wrong. I don't know why figures approaching others would cure paralysis in CHAINMAIL but it seems like they cast a little spell.
In D&D I imagine (I do not know, it's just my imagination) that elves do not age and die. And therefore they do not have a natural fear of death. And therefore ghoul touch does not inspire such fear, which is the basis for paralysis in the other races.
That's just my own lore on the matter. I don't mean to say you are wrong in your reasoning.
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Post by bravewolf on Aug 19, 2017 15:47:16 GMT -5
That is a cool take on elven immunity to ghoul paralysis, Scott. Frankly, I was just being cheeky with my comment about elf bread, but I just might roll with a physiological basis for the immunity in my campaign. It sounds like fun.
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Post by magremore on Aug 20, 2017 14:16:56 GMT -5
Taking a cue from later editions of D&D for a dark campaign, elf bread could be made from elves to capitalize on their natural immunities. Side effects from elf bread overdose or prolonged use, aka elventoxication, can include 1. Mistakenly sensing a secret door when approaching a trap or at random other times. 2. Only being able to see in the dark (60 feet). 3. Believing each new sword encountered is more powerfully enchanted than the last. 4. Unable to be resurrected and only able to be reincarnated as a ghoul (50%), pixie, sprite, or giant silverfish. 5. Growing pointed ears and a permanent grin (deduct 2 to 5 charisma). 6. Making saving throws as worse of fighter (max level 4) or magic-user (max level 8). 7. Uncontrollable mocking of dwarves. 8. Ignoring all else to wander the seven lands in search of the perfect tree or well or elven lady. . . . |
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Post by bravewolf on Aug 20, 2017 14:32:53 GMT -5
And here I was only imagining the havoc of my players taking down elves to boost their immunities!  |
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