# Fighting Ignorants (D&D setup thread) **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [April 16, 2010, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322 "2010-04-16T08:57:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ToeJam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dfb087/32.png) [@ToeJam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ToeJam)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/21 "2010-04-16T19:32:55Z")
Is a Dart… really just a dart that I throw? I’ll try that out. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/22 "2010-04-16T19:34:31Z")
I’m in. Give me a bit to figure out my stats and stuff. ---
**Author:** ![ToeJam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dfb087/32.png) [@ToeJam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ToeJam)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/23 "2010-04-16T19:38:05Z")
To bad I can’t be a scientist just to complete out the full personality thing. Maybe my lil’ guy can try to be an alchemist or toxicologist of the ancient days if we’re basing it off of real life thoughts and goals. 😃 A cleric with a desire to learn about poisons/antidotes would be interesting, but so would a Wizard with those desires. Hmmm… I’m torn. Would a wizard make a decent scientist that wanted to learn about poisons (and being neutral would be perfect motivation for it!), or would a neutral cleric be a better fit for that- any Gods that love the neutral pursuit of knowledge and esoteric knowledge? ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/24 "2010-04-16T19:54:51Z")
I just followed one of the links in the stat thread and took the quiz. this is what I got. It seems pretty reasonable to me. Although I’m working on that Con score and if we’d done this in another two months it would be higher. STR: 14 DEX: 12 CON: 15 INT: 14 WIS: 11 CHA: 12 I have no idea what the rules are for character development but I’m guessing I’m a fighter of some sort. Oh ya and I’m also a giant at 6’6" and 300#. ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/25 "2010-04-16T19:58:57Z")
If I made it in, I’ll be a thief. I’ll post my stats later if so. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/26 "2010-04-16T20:06:22Z")
Okay, that’s all of the first-team roster… will post again in a tick. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/27 "2010-04-16T20:49:12Z")
> [@appleciders](#): > > What about “Fighter who thinks he’s a ranger?” Or “Flunked out of Ranger Camp?” 😉 > > Long bow, long sword, daggers, and darts. Throwing knives fit under darts, right? How does dual-wield work? I predict that carrying a bunch of knives and throwing some of them during the fight will fight right in with that 6 in wisdom… > > Preference to spending money on armor. I think with all these mages about, someone needs to be able to take some punishment. Throwing knives fit in under daggers. Dual-wielding works about as well as you would expect with indifferent DEX (13 ain’t bad, but it’s not stellar either) and no special training - if you insist on trying it, you can use only a dagger in the off hand, and expect to miss often. 😉 You have: Scale mail, small shield and helmet - AC5 Bow ROF2, 1-6 damage, 24 arrows in quiver Dart ROF3, 1-3 damage (1-2 vs large creatures), 6 darts in bandolier Dagger ROF2 (if thrown), 1-4 damage (1-3 vs large creatures), 2 daggers in scabbards. Long sword, 1-8 damage (1-12 vs large creatures) Backpack containing: - Tinder box - 20 torches - 50’ rope - Full waterskin Clothes 5 g.p. pocket money ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/28 "2010-04-16T21:03:13Z")
> [@ToeJam](#): > > Is a Dart… really just a dart that I throw? > > I’ll try that out. Yes, it is. Think of it as a very small javelin, short range but with an excellent fire rate (you can loose three of them in one round). They’re bulkier than arrows and you’re doing well to find room for more than a dozen of them about your person. There’s no reason why a wizard can’t have a yen for alchemy. Actually being able to do any… well, consider that a long-term goal. It takes time, practice, facilities and raw materials, and in the pre-science days most other savants act like the aim was to keep knowledge to yourself. :smack: You have: Wizard’s robe AC10 12 darts ROF 3 damage 1-3 (1-2 vs large) in clips sewn inside robe Leather backpack containing - Bullseye lantern - 3 flasks of lamp oil - Club hammer and 20 pitons - Leather scrollcase - Leather-bound spellbook containing – Charm Person – Erase – Message – Read Magic 4 belt pouches 15 g.p. pocket money You can select and cast one of the above spells per day. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/29 "2010-04-16T21:06:18Z")
> [@Oredigger77](#): > > I just followed one of the links in the stat thread and took the quiz. this is what I got. It seems pretty reasonable to me. Although I’m working on that Con score and if we’d done this in another two months it would be higher. > > STR: 14 > DEX: 12 > CON: 15 > INT: 14 > WIS: 11 > CHA: 12 > > I have no idea what the rules are for character development but I’m guessing I’m a fighter of some sort. Oh ya and I’m also a giant at 6’6" and 300#. Hey, a character with a hit point bonus! Amazing. What kind of weapons would you like, and do you prefer armour or weapons if we have to choose one over the other? You start proficient in four weapons. You’ll be a straight fighter - with a little more WIS you could have been a ranger. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/30 "2010-04-16T21:16:08Z")
I think I’d prefer armor over weapons. Since the character is me and I was an O-lineman I think putting up a nice wall while the people behind me do the damage is right up my alley. As far as weapons go I think large weapons would be up my alley, large clubs or swords mainly. I’d probably try and pick up a two handed weapon to play with too but I’m not sure how that would work with wanting to soak up damage and hide behind a shield. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/31 "2010-04-16T21:23:51Z")
> [@Frodo](#): > > umm, staff I guess, seems the easier to use. (if not to use well). You have: Wizard’s robes AC10 Staff 1-6 damage (free replacements from the nearest tree) Pack mule with luggage 1 week fodder and a nosebag 2 skins of watered wine Hatchet (mostly for firewood - wizards don’t use weapons like that) Backpack containing - 5 new small hessian sacks - 20 wax candles - Iron rations for two weeks - Tinder box - Leather-bound spellbook containing: – Read Magic – Feather Fall – Light – Tenser’s Floating Disc 4 belt pouches 15 g.p. pocket money You can select and cast one of the above spells per day. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/32 "2010-04-16T21:35:10Z")
> [@Malacandra](#): > > You have: > Wizard’s robes AC10 > Staff 1-6 damage (free replacements from the nearest tree) > Pack mule with luggage > 1 week fodder and a nosebag > 2 skins of watered wine > Hatchet (mostly for firewood - wizards don’t use weapons like that) > Backpack containing > > - 5 new small hessian sacks > - 20 wax candles > - Iron rations for two weeks > - Tinder box > - Leather-bound spellbook containing: > – Read Magic > – Feather Fall > – Light > – Tenser’s Floating Disc > 4 belt pouches > 15 g.p. pocket money > > You can select and cast one of the above spells per day. No offensive spells at all?, light can be used to dazzle people right?. It’s ok anyway, but first order of business would be to get Magic Missile :). I study “Light”. PS: tenser floating disc is a disc you can ride on isnt it?. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/33 "2010-04-16T21:37:42Z")
> [@Oredigger77](#): > > I think I’d prefer armor over weapons. Since the character is me and I was an O-lineman I think putting up a nice wall while the people behind me do the damage is right up my alley. > > As far as weapons go I think large weapons would be up my alley, large clubs or swords mainly. I’d probably try and pick up a two handed weapon to play with too but I’m not sure how that would work with wanting to soak up damage and hide behind a shield. A club’s a dreadful weapon. A two-handed sword is great for doing damage but it’s expensive. Halberd’s quite a good compromise, and lets you start out with some quite heavy armour. I’ll give you a couple of smaller weapons that you can use along with a shield, and I’m happy to stipulate that you know how to use (but don’t presently own) another weapon of your choice. You have: Splint armour and small helmet (AC4, 3 if shielded) Small wooden shield (slung on back when using halberd) Halberd, 1-10 damage (2-12 vs large) Mace, 2-7 damage (1-6 vs large) Hammer, ROF 1, 2-5 damage (1-4 vs large) Ragged clothes 1 g.p. pocket money Obviously you are relying on being the party muscle, and letting other people worry about logistics. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/34 "2010-04-16T21:44:17Z")
> [@Frodo](#): > > No offensive spells at all?, light can be used to dazzle people right?. > > It’s ok anyway, but first order of business would be to get Magic Missile :). > > I study “Light”. > PS: tenser floating disc is a disc you can ride on isnt it?. No, the Disc follows you around - someone else could ride on it, but they would have to be very light as its carrying capacity is only 100lb x your level (so presently 100lb). Light can be used to dazzle. As it’s not as bright as the higher-level spell continual light which is specifically noted as being able to blind, I’d rule that the target creature is partly blinded, and even at 1st level this will last for 10 rounds. I agree that the spell selection is meagre… ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/35 "2010-04-16T22:25:13Z")
All right, I’m in then. Strength: 9 - Used to be an 8, but I’m working on it! Dexterity: 9 - I’m clumsy. Constitution: 12 - I hardly ever get sick, but I’m not otherwise endurant. Intelligence: 11 - I scored really high on an IQ test when I was very young, but I think I’ve evened out now. Wisdom: 11 - I like to think I’m insightful but the truth is probably closer to average. Charisma: 11 - I’ve been told that I’m cute and I’m a pretty confident person. I wanna be a cleric! Of the Flying Spaghetti Monster! I shall spread love and compassion throughout the realms with the blessings of his noodly goodness. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/36 "2010-04-16T22:35:23Z")
> [@Malacandra](#): > > Throwing knives fit in under daggers. Dual-wielding works about as well as you would expect with indifferent DEX (13 ain’t bad, but it’s not stellar either) and no special training - if you insist on trying it, you can use only a dagger in the off hand, and expect to miss often. 😉 > > You have: > > Scale mail, small shield and helmet - AC5 > Bow ROF2, 1-6 damage, 24 arrows in quiver > Dart ROF3, 1-3 damage (1-2 vs large creatures), 6 darts in bandolier > Dagger ROF2 (if thrown), 1-4 damage (1-3 vs large creatures), 2 daggers in scabbards. > Long sword, 1-8 damage (1-12 vs large creatures) > Backpack containing: > > - Tinder box > - 20 torches > - 50’ rope > - Full waterskin > Clothes > 5 g.p. pocket money Oh, I didn’t realize that I could throw daggers without taking darts. If it’s not too late, I’ll swap “darts” for whatever it takes to carry a shield. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/37 "2010-04-16T22:47:54Z")
> [@appleciders](#): > > Oh, I didn’t realize that I could throw daggers without taking darts. If it’s not too late, I’ll swap “darts” for whatever it takes to carry a shield. A shield costs no proficiency to use, and you have one right there. By all means think of another melee weapon then. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/38 "2010-04-16T23:13:18Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > All right, I’m in then. > > Strength: 9 - Used to be an 8, but I’m working on it! > Dexterity: 9 - I’m clumsy. > Constitution: 12 - I hardly ever get sick, but I’m not otherwise endurant. > Intelligence: 11 - I scored really high on an IQ test when I was very young, but I think I’ve evened out now. > Wisdom: 11 - I like to think I’m insightful but the truth is probably closer to average. > Charisma: 11 - I’ve been told that I’m cute and I’m a pretty confident person. > > I wanna be a cleric! Of the Flying Spaghetti Monster! > > I shall spread love and compassion throughout the realms with the blessings of his noodly goodness. I got your Pastafarian right here. You have: Mace 2-7 damage (1-6 vs large) Hammer ROF 1, 2-5 damage (1-4 vs large) x2 Banded armour, small shield, small helm AC3 Iron holy symbol Backpack containing: - 2 skins of watered wine - 1 week’s iron rations Clothes 5gp pocket money Spells: –Bless –Command –Create Water –Cure Light Wounds –Detect Evil –Detect Magic –Light –Protection from Evil –Purify Food/Drink –Remove Fear –Resist Cold –Sanctuary Prepare and cast 1/day, 10% chance it fails when cast. Note: You neither have nor need any spellbook; the FSM miraculously implants the words and movements into your mind. Turn Undead, may attempt as often as desired. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/39 "2010-04-16T23:50:10Z")
So I choose one to prepare? Well, I’ll choose Purify Food/Drink, of course! I shall clean any tainted noodles I find! ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2010, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322/40 "2010-04-17T00:35:07Z")
> [@Malacandra](#): > > A shield costs no proficiency to use, and you have one right there. By all means think of another melee weapon then. OK; I’ll take up the two-handed sword. Something awesome and impractical, like a claymore. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorants-d-d-setup-thread/536322.md?page=3)