Xenoarchaelogist: stinks? Me?

[Polaris]

Dark-Elf,

Using the Bardic Knowledge varient of Superior knowledge as an influence check is honestly a wrinkle that handn't occured to me. It sounds interesting and promising. I'll certainly bring it up with my GM when I see him. I don't think the +2s should add if using that varient since in B5 other skill-syngergistic +2s don't add and it would be good to encourage outside assistance which does stack. JIMHO.

-Polaris

 

[thedarkelf007]

I know that, but you can still have two to three skills adding synergy even if you only use one of them...

It's all about options, and making an ability useful to different types of characters and just not a specific idea.

 

[Polaris]

I know that, but you can still have two to three skills adding synergy even if you only use one of them...

It's all about options, and making an ability useful to different types of characters and just not a specific idea.

I don't disagree. I just don't think off hand the +2 bonuses you proposed should stack. Rather the Xenoarchaologist would have three different ways to get that +2 bonus, that's all.

-Polaris

 

[Polaris]

Everyone,

Talked with my GM today, and while he pointed out a crusade reference that justified the Xenoarchaelogist combat abilities more than I was aware of, he had no issue with altering the PrC and thought my overall suggestions and concerns were reasonable ones.

I will get final confirmation from him in a couple of days, but after discussion the issue with him and the other players in my group, we agreed that:

1. Trading down the medium Bab and defense to low for an extra two skill points per level (up to 6) was reasonable.

2. We agreed that Superior Knowledge as written seemed to be much weaker than the flavor text indicated (and we wondered if it were perhaps an editing oversight....i.e. whoever wrote the ability failed to realize that Mental Agility already meant the Xenoarchaelogist already had all knowledge skills as trained skills even at zero ranks). We went with the minimal solution: 2 extra skill points at level 1,3,7, and 9 that must be spend in knowledge skills.

3. We agreed for now to keep "Use Alien Technology" as written for now with the possibility of revisiting it later in play.

Thoughts. Anyway, I thought you'd all like to know how it's turned out at least for now.

-Polaris

 

[R Arceneaux]

Still that does not completely solve the problem. I guess what I am attempting to diplomaticly say is that human nature being what it is, when the shooting starts unless you can shoot back your abilities will probably be ignored.

Techs, MDs and knoledge people share a common trait. When the shooting starts all we are good for is to fix things during and after the battle. Its the gun slingers that initiate, control and ultimatedly decide the high points of contention most of the time.

LOL I guess thats why I LOVE to play a techie tupe who can half decently sling a weapon. You may not have undieing respect but you can always be of useful service both during and after the shooting.

R Arceneaux

 

[Polaris]

Still that does not completely solve the problem. I guess what I am attempting to diplomaticly say is that human nature being what it is, when the shooting starts unless you can shoot back your abilities will probably be ignored.

Techs, MDs and knoledge people share a common trait. When the shooting starts all we are good for is to fix things during and after the battle. Its the gun slingers that initiate, control and ultimatedly decide the high points of contention most of the time.

Last night my engineer had to set the electronic timer on a bomb during a fire-fight....a fire-fight that would continue until he suceeded. My point is that IMX in B5, that's not universally true. [Unlike some other d20/OGL games.]

LOL I guess thats why I LOVE to play a techie tupe who can half decently sling a weapon. You may not have undieing respect but you can always be of useful service both during and after the shooting.

R Arceneaux

I point out that:

1. Shooting at the enemy also tends to make you a target (and that's a bad thing in B5 for any class).

2. The Xenoarchaelogist isn't really that great in combat if you assume it's married to 10 levels of scientist. Your final level twenty bab is +12 rather than +10. Not that great. Furthermore, the first two levels of the medium bab progression look the same as the first two of the poor.

3. DVs (again IMX) tend to be low, and it's not like the Xenoarch gets great weapons. Thus I fail to see the need for the higher Bab.

Finally consider what the Xenoarchaelogist is supposed to do acting as both an Agent and Scientist. Do you really want to tell me that 4+Int skill points cuts the mustard?

-Polaris

 

[Doctor Simon]

Everyone,

Talked with my GM today, and while he pointed out a crusade reference that justified the Xenoarchaelogist combat abilities more than I was aware of,
-Polaris

I'm intrigued. My memory is of Max (I assume this being the Xenoarch in question) being something of a wimp in combat (cowering in the corner in Memory of War, being rescued by Dureena in Ruling from the Tomb). What was the reference?

 

[Giavonn]

Everyone,

Talked with my GM today, and while he pointed out a crusade reference that justified the Xenoarchaelogist combat abilities more than I was aware of,
-Polaris

I'm intrigued. My memory is of Max (I assume this being the Xenoarch in question) being something of a wimp in combat (cowering in the corner in Memory of War, being rescued by Dureena in Ruling from the Tomb). What was the reference?

I think that one was to Max's taking down the gangsters in order to rescue Mr. Kitty.

 

[Doctor Simon]

I think that one was to Max's taking down the gangsters in order to rescue Mr. Kitty.

Oh yes, I'd forgotton that one. In game terms, though, I'd say that was more a use of the Intimidate skill than Base Attack Bonus :wink:

 

[Polaris]

I think that one was to Max's taking down the gangsters in order to rescue Mr. Kitty.

Oh yes, I'd forgotton that one. In game terms, though, I'd say that was more a use of the Intimidate skill than Base Attack Bonus :wink:

I tend to think this as well which is why I still think the Xenoarch's bab and defense should be adjusted down to poor (for more skill points). As I said, my GM had zero problems with this and everything is fine for the campaign I am in.

-Polaris