BlackKnight wrote:

I'm not sure if I'd allow it to slide to the second attack. Remembering that the Backstab implies that the attack is coming in from the unknown (ie, the defender does not know it's coming). In that case, if the first attack misses, the defender may know that attacks are now incoming.

As noted in the OP, the question can be raised as to whether the "second" attack is actually sequential - at least as far as game mechanics time resolution is concerned.  In other words, we denote the attacks as first and second etc., for our ease of reference, but that might not imply actual succession in game terms as would be more clearly the case in attacks coming in successive rounds.

Another way to consider this might be to ask: in a multiple attack situation (whether TWF or due to level/mastery) can the target be shifted in a given round based on results of the "first" attack?  If so, one is treating the attack sequence as sequential and distinctively resolvable within a round; if not, then one is treating the multiple attacks in the round as a coherent attack 'action'  with the multiple attacks sequenced merely for pragmatic convenience.  

 

As per subject line, consider a class with the backstab class ability; meeting appropriate conditions to use the ability; and utilizing the (optional) TWF rules.  As a specific example, let us suppose a thief wielding a dagger (WC = 1).in each hand so a -2 for each strike.  

Question: does the backstab +4 to hit and xN damage dice apply (stack) only to one (the first) attack roll or to both?  RAW (p. 35 for example) uses the singular "attack roll," but one could imagine or take the position that this was written either with the more normative singular weapon attack in mind or that attack rolls in and of themselves are singular events - thus the grammar isn't intended to address this question.  

I could imagine arguing that the secondary weapon attack wouldn't be made on an unaware target - the first alerting the target - but also countering that the two attacks from TWF are considered effectively simultaneous, at least as far as game mechanics time resolution is concerned.  

In any case, thought to ask. 

 

I just submitted an application at the myth-weavers site.  I had to choose a different username there, so Vedast = Aelric here.  I've never used MW previously, so am somewhat unsure of the mechanics.  I have the 3E Hyperborea books, though, and am quite familiar with AD&D 1/2E.

^
Understood.  I was merely curious as to rationale there.  As per my OP, it occurred to me that Necromancers - who presumably spend a fair amount of time in dark places - would have need for some sort of readily available source of light, but sure, they have recourse to mundane means (torches and lanterns) and may have remained magically focused on other matters. I wondered whether this was matter of balancing vs. the undead control ability of the necromancer.  

^^ Jimm:  I'm not sure whom you were addressing.  If you were asking why I was "proposing" adding a light cantrip to the Necromancer, but not the Witch or Magician, I thought I addressed that in the OP.  Magicians & Witches have Light as a Level 1 spell (and Magicians potentially a familiar to grant them a bonus spell) so they have an early light generation ability in any case.  You might as well ask why do the Cryomancer, Illusionist, and Pyromancers have such an ability? 

Of course, the Cryomancer, the Illusionist, and the Pyromancer also gain Light as a 1st level spell.  Since Light has offensive implementations, in additional to being a utility spell, the Necromancer's lack of Light seems perfectly well suited to that classes' ambiance.  My suggestion for the class feature/cantrip form as per the OP was entirely utilitarian (although I thought that the 'green mist' manifestation was necromatically creepy) as explained: even a Necromancer has to see in the dark ... perhaps more so than any other class.  

^
Just to clarify, I'm not referring to a spell, per se.  Rather, a Necromancer (sub)class ability akin to that of the Cryomancer, Illusionist, and Pyromancer (Icicle, Coloured Globe, and Candle respectively).  I called it a "cantrip" for lack of a better term.  I should also note that I'm referring to 3E in case that makes a difference (not familar with earlier editions). For comparison:

Icicle: 15' radius, violet light; can be thrown as dagger.
Colored Globe: 10' radius, any pastel shade; multiple globes possible.
Candle: 15' radius, yellow light; can be used to singe or start a fire.

"And there was much rejoicing!"  ---  MP&tHG

I'm quite new to the Realm of Hyperborea, but share in the relief that this little hexagonal piece of the Multiverse has survived a potential Nightfall (Bat).  Good hunting to Jeff & Co. as Helios rises again.  

"Us citizens are behind you all the way officer." 

--- Nick Nolte in "48 Hours."  

I've just received my 3E HYPERBOREA  ruleset and viewed the attribute (or stat) generation methods.  I might stick with my homebrew used for OSE (i.e. B/X D&D):

one stat of choice rolls 2d6+6
one stat of choice rolls 2d6+5
two stats of choice roll 2d6+4
two stats of choice roll 2d6+3 

After rolling, one could pick a class freely given how the results turned out even if that did not align with one's hopes in assigning the options.  

After playing around with this in an OSE context, I found that what seemed to work best was to put the 2d6+5 into CON regardless of intended class aspiration: a sort of "protect hps" approach. That being said, AS&SH's has a slightly less punishing "low end" CON table compared to OSE or LotFP, so one might optimize differently depending on class aspirations.  

Btw, I realize, of course, that this system only permits a single attribute even the possibility of an 18.  

d = 20.6

The sun's angular diameter as viewed from Hyperborea would be about 20 degrees; if you make both fists, extend your arms out fully, and put your fists together, this would be the apparent width of Helios as viewed from Hyperborea!

This was quite useful: since Helios' maximum/minimum altitude is ~ 25-deg above/below the horizon, taken to mean to to the center of the body, then the implication is that the lower extent of Helios is about 15-deg above the horizon in Years 6 and 7; and that the upper edge of Helios is (only) about 15-deg below the horizon in the middle of Year 13.   

Exact correspondence with our astronomical and nautical twilight can't be drawn, but it wouldn't be a stretch to posit that there is a dim, reddish sense of astronomical twilight on Hyperborea even in the midst of the long winter year and when both moons are near new. 

^ and ^^

Thank you for quick replies.

I typically homebrew adventures when I GM/referee/judge, but I don't mind reading adventures "as literature" for inspiration and specific ideas.  When I purchase a new game ruleset, I like to include a (an official) module/adventure to get a sense of how the designer(s) went about implementing that system.