ANSHUS v1.1
Anshus are feline like demi-humans
that typically reach heights of just under six feet tall. They weight around 160 pounds with a slim,
athletic build. Their body is covered in
a light coat of fur ranging from dark brown to golden yellow. They hold traditions in high regard and have
a deep respect for their lands believing that most of their needs can be met
naturally. Anshus are commonly employed
as scouts in human armies. The prime
requisite for an anshu character is Dexterity.
A Dexterity score of 13 or greater will give an anshu character a bonus
on earned experience points.
RESTRICTIONS: Anshus use six-sided dice (d6) to
determine their hit points. They may
advance to a maximum of 12th level of experience. Anshus may use any type of armor and may use
shields. They may use any weapon of
normal or small size.
SPECIAL
ABILITIES: Anshus
have infravision (heat-sensing
sight) and can see 60 feet in the dark. Anshus
are in-tune with the wilder areas of Toldara that they call home. Anshus have clawed fingers that can be used
to inflict d4 damage; this damage is adjusted by their Strength modifier and
always inflicts a minimum of one point of damage. Anshus are skilled at the Thieves’ Abilities
to Move Silently, Climb Sheer Surfaces, Hide in Shadows, and Hear Noise. Survival, Concealment, and Climbing; these skills are handled similar to the Thieves' Abilities.
Survival: This skill represents the knowledge to survive away from civilized areas - what is edible and what is poisonous, how to make do for shelter, etc.
Concealment: This is the ability to not just move silently but also move unseen.
Climbing: While everyone can climb or attempt to climb, an anshu is particularly proficient at climbing due to their feline-like tail that aids them.
Survival: This skill represents the knowledge to survive away from civilized areas - what is edible and what is poisonous, how to make do for shelter, etc.
Concealment: This is the ability to not just move silently but also move unseen.
Climbing: While everyone can climb or attempt to climb, an anshu is particularly proficient at climbing due to their feline-like tail that aids them.
Levels: Anshu characters require the same
experience points per level as Dwarves.
Saving
Throws: Anshu characters use the same entries
as the Fighter for their saving throws.
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Thoughts: This information for the Anshu race is just my
first impression. My goal was something
like a fighter type with some of the thieving abilities thrown in to the mix. I
am unsure of the weapon/armor notes above – I am actually thinking these guys
would probably use bows mainly and resort to swords in close quarters. I also would like to give them some sort of
“in tune with nature” type of ability. The 3 skills are taking shape but I may give them some more or change them further; I still need to come up with initial percentages and leveling bonuses. If any of you B/X experts out there have any suggestions feel free to make them because they will be highly appreciated!
An ANSHUS character sounds awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteJust throwing this out there, but if they are feline-based, you might want to include some kind of acrobatics, scent, and squeeze special abilities. And I could see these as assassins or monk-like characters.
ReplyDeleteIntriguing. Looking forward to more!
I agree with all of your suggestions! I forgot to include the Track by Scent ability that I meant to add - d'oh. The acrobatics is definitely going to get added. Would you mind elaborating on the squeeze ability? I'm intrigued.
DeleteMonk or Assassin would work great, I think. I believe we had their favored class as Ranger under the 3E/Pathfinder rules.
DeleteWell, my thought was (and I forget what show I saw this on) that cats have the ability to wiggle though very tiny places - something about their whiskers sensing how a big a space is and all. And of course how very liquid-like a cat is anyway. So, in 3.5 and pathfinder, they have "squeeze" rules in which you get penalties if you have to squeeze through an opening or wedge yourself into a corner. I was thinking that an Anshu would not have those penalties applied because of their flexibility.
DeleteI've copied the rule below:
Squeezing
In some cases, you may have to squeeze into or through an area that isn't as wide as the space you take up. You can squeeze through or into a space that is at least half as wide as your normal space. Each move into or through a narrow space counts as if it were 2 squares, and while squeezed in a narrow space, you take a –4 penalty on attack rolls and a –4 penalty to AC.
When a Large creature (which normally takes up 4 squares) squeezes into a space that's 1 square wide, the creature's miniature figure occupies 2 squares, centered on the line between the 2 squares. For a bigger creature, center the creature likewise in the area it squeezes into.
A creature can squeeze past a creature while moving but it can't end its movement in an occupied square.
To squeeze through or into a space less than half your space's width, you must use the Escape Artist skill. You can't attack while using Escape Artist to squeeze through or into a narrow space, you take a –4 penalty to AC, and you lose any Dexterity bonus to AC.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Combat-Modifiers
That is an awesome idea! It's definitely going to be put to use. All of your ideas have been a great help in generating ideas for an updated version of these guys. Thanks!
DeleteI picture the felines using bows as well.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure if I was the only one. It just doesn't seem right for them to go rushing out with swords as their first choice of weapon.
DeleteHi Charlie, I wished I was a gamer - you make this sound so interesting. :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the A-Z, I'll be dropping in to see how this progresses.
Jenny @ PEARSON REPORT
Hey! I think you would enjoy it. So far, so good. I look forward to any future comments.
DeleteI have always had a thing for feline characters. I blame C.J. Cheryh's "Hani" novels. And don't forget the Rakasta in "X1 Isle of Dread" and thr Red Steel supplement for Mystara. :)
ReplyDeleteI hear you loud and clear! Those are all good sources to check out.
DeleteSounds good to me - I like the infravision skill especially.
ReplyDeleteJamie @ Mithril Wisdom
www.mithrilwisdom.com
Cool. BTW, Mithril Wisdom is pretty awesome! I don't interact there as much as I would like but I hope to remedy that soon.
DeleteVery nice race. Good description of abilities.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I appreciate the feedback.
Delete