Q&A with Gary Gygax, Part II

Joe Mac · Post by **Joe Mac** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 10:28 am

Mornin', Colonel!
A question about dual-classing hit dice from the CZ Options & Skills: the PDF says the character gains a hit die in whichever class he gains a level, until a total of 11 levels between the two classes is reached, at which point he gains the +(x) hit points per level.

However, I read a second-hand report on the forums that you actually prefer the dual-classed character only gain hit dice in the class with the higher level....is that true?

I hope so, because I think I prefer this method. It further distinguishes dual-classing from multi-classing, wherein you'd gain hit points (albeit divided) with each level gained in any class.

Thanks,

Joe

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 4:03 pm

[quote="Joe Mac"]Mornin', Colonel!
A question about dual-classing hit dice from the CZ Options & Skills: the PDF says the character gains a hit die in whichever class he gains a level, until a total of 11 levels between the two classes is reached, at which point he gains the +(x) hit points per level.

However, I read a second-hand report on the forums that you actually prefer the dual-classed character only gain hit dice in the class with the higher level....is that true?

I hope so, because I think I prefer this method. It further distinguishes dual-classing from multi-classing, wherein you'd gain hit points (albeit divided) with each level gained in any class.

Thanks,

Joe[/quote

A Good Morning to You, Sir!

I would give 1 HD for the highest level, basing the die on larger of the two applicable to the character with dual class. Thus a fighter/magic-user would gain 1d10 per level of fighter ability he possessed. If the PC went ahead in m-u levels, then I would add 1d4 per level above the highest fighter level possessed. If and when a fighter level was added I would ignore it until such level eurpassed the m-u total, at which point I would give HP addition for fighter class.

See you next June, Joe?

Cheerio,

Gary

Joe Mac · Post by **Joe Mac** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 11:16 pm

Thanks -- exactly the method I was envisioning..
I sure hope I'll be there in June. We're having a major re-alignment at work in January, and not knowing where I'm going to land, I can't mark the time off yet. I'll look into the dates as soon as I find out what unit I'll be working in.

Laura would enjoy 4+ days in WI, though, and as long as her wallet is full of plastic and she has the key to the rental car, she'll never get bored while boys are gaming...

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:45 pm

Joe Mac wrote:
Thanks -- exactly the method I was envisioning..
I sure hope I'll be there in June. We're having a major re-alignment at work in January, and not knowing where I'm going to land, I can't mark the time off yet. I'll look into the dates as soon as I find out what unit I'll be working in.

Laura would enjoy 4+ days in WI, though, and as long as her wallet is full of plastic and she has the key to the rental car, she'll never get bored while boys are gaming...

Hope you can make it...maybe with Fat Tony the Mouthpiece
As for Laura being content as you note, Gail is the same way as long as there are antique shops in range. While she is an excellent boardgamer, Gail far prefers hunting antique treasures to a win at some game
Cheers,

Gary

Valerian · Post by **Valerian** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 11:24 pm

Hey Joe

Your wife should find a lot of nice little shops in Lake Geneva to shop at. MY wife makes it so we get there wednesday so she can shop wed. and thur. have some nice dinners ect . As she is an avid gamer fri-sun she in the gaming trenches with the rest of us.
_________________
What is best in life-

To crush the PC's

See their character sheets piled before you

And to hear the lamentations of the players

-Conan the dungeonmaster

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 11:47 pm

The Tempura House on the corner of Center & Geneva Streets has excelent Japanese cuisine.

The Next Door Pub on the north edge of town has good pizza and typical Southern Italian fare.

There is a sort of artsy-fartsy restaurant called Medusa's at the corner of Broad & Dodge Streets that is noisy and pricy but the food is fair and of semi-gourmet sort.

Kitty-corner from it is the Cactus Club with rather ordinary southwestern food at reasonable prices.

The Chinese restaurant in town is not good at all. there are a couple of decent places to get mexican food.

The best value for a wide variety of cafe fare, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is the Olympic.

Real gourmet dining is not an option in town, but there are a couple of places within 5-10 miles that might garner three stars.

Cheerio,

Gary

Joe Mac · Post by **Joe Mac** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 11:52 pm

Col_Pladoh wrote:
Hope you can make it...maybe with Fat Tony the Mouthpiece
As for Laura being content as you note, Gail is the same way as long as there are antique shops in range. While she is an excellent boardgamer, Gail far prefers hunting antique treasures to a win at some game
Cheers,

Gary

We're working on the very thing -- organizing a short vacation with our wives. Fat Tony's in-laws are in Valparaiso, so it all works out...we hope..
Fat Tony has an interesting new job, by the way: general counsel to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. He says to look for his "chubby mug" on the EWTN cable channel, week after next, as he speaks to the annual bishop's meeting.
http://www.usccb.org/ogc/

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 11:57 pm

Col_Pladoh wrote:
The Tempura House on the corner of Center & Geneva Streets has excelent Japanese cuisine.

Oohh, this sounds good. Have to check it out in January, when hot sake and wasabi will be welcome!!
[Not together, of course]

_________________
Count Rhuveinus - Lejendary Keeper of Castle Franqueforte

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 11:57 pm

Joe Mac wrote:
We're working on the very thing -- organizing a short vacation with our wives. Fat Tony's in-laws are in Valparaiso, so it all works out...we hope..
Fat Tony has an interesting new job, by the way: general counsel to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. He says to look for his "chubby mug" on the EWTN cable channel, week after next, as he speaks to the annual bishop's meeting.
http://www.usccb.org/ogc/

Outstanding!

We have the EWTN channel on our cable, so Gail and i will watch for his appearance
Ciao,

Gary

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 12:03 am

Rhuvein wrote:
Oohh, this sounds good. Have to check it out in January, when hot sake and wasabi will be welcome!!
[Not together, of course]

Last year Gail and I decided to sit at the suchi bar for a change. I swear that a couple of Good Fellas came in and sat down there. They had a wasabi-eating contest that was rather astonishing
Lacking a place that has various lobster dishes on the menu and prime steaks, the Tempura House is about Gail's favorite eatery. I am more of wide variety of fine dishes sort of chap, and I am always up for something exotic to me although I'll pass on haggis and chitlings I do love boild beef tongue with hot mustard or in a raisin sauce
Cheerio.

Gary

Valerian · Post by **Valerian** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 3:24 am

You don't like haggis(agree on chitlings), I thought it would be the most disgusting thing ever. Me and my wife tried it on our honeymoon in Edinburough Scotland in a nice hotel rest. it was excellent. Like well seasoned lamby meatloaf. As far as Lake Geneva goes my wifes new favorite restaurant is there Gilberts. Outrageously expensive ,small portions (I eat alot) but the food is delicious you order desert when you order your meal as it is fresh prepped and well worth it. For a once a year treat i recommend it . But expect 150$ + for two people. Service was outstanding and it is perhaps a last bastion of fine eaterys with a dress code. I just love going to a nice place for an anniversery dinner and the guy at the next table is wearing a wife beater or tank top. Guess I'm just old fashioned at 36. LOL . I am getting hungry looking forward to gaming and eating in you neck of the woods again Gary.
_________________
What is best in life-

To crush the PC's

See their character sheets piled before you

And to hear the lamentations of the players

-Conan the dungeonmaster

Alcahaelas · Post by **Alcahaelas** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:48 am

I visited the UK last month and had some Haggis in Edinburgh. It was tasty.
_________________
I am not a hamster and Life is not a wheel.

gideon_thorne wrote:
There are lots of explanations that a clever CK can use to bullshit any roll.

Joe Mac · Post by **Joe Mac** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 10:40 am

Col_Pladoh wrote:
Outstanding!

We have the EWTN channel on our cable, so Gail and i will watch for his appearance
Ciao,

Gary

I discovered today that I have EWTN too.. I'll pester the Mouthpiece for specific times, but he might not know -- sounds like he'll be in front of every bishop in the US for 3 days straight!

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:04 pm

Valerian wrote:
You don't like haggis(agree on chitlings), I thought it would be the most disgusting thing ever. Me and my wife tried it on our honeymoon in Edinburough Scotland in a nice hotel rest. it was excellent. Like well seasoned lamby meatloaf. As far as Lake Geneva goes my wifes new favorite restaurant is there Gilberts. Outrageously expensive ,small portions (I eat alot) but the food is delicious you order desert when you order your meal as it is fresh prepped and well worth it. For a once a year treat i recommend it . But expect 150$ + for two people. Service was outstanding and it is perhaps a last bastion of fine eaterys with a dress code. I just love going to a nice place for an anniversery dinner and the guy at the next table is wearing a wife beater or tank top. Guess I'm just old fashioned at 36. LOL . I am getting hungry looking forward to gaming and eating in you neck of the woods again Gary.

I have dined at many of the worlds best restaurants, including Paul Boucouse in Lyon, Le Tour d'Argent in Paris, the Four Seasons in New York City, Le Chinoise in Los Angeles, La Paraquet in Chicago, etc.

We naver had a good esperience at what is now called Gilbert's, but it seems as of you did. The cost there is about the same as at Medusa.

These days I hate to have to wear jacket and tie so I am happy that so few restaurants have a dress code
Cheers,

Gary

Valerian · Post by **Valerian** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 11:17 pm

I'll have to try the Medusa when we come up . Anything you can suggest for entree or app. ?
_________________
What is best in life-

To crush the PC's

See their character sheets piled before you

And to hear the lamentations of the players

-Conan the dungeonmaster

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 11:36 pm

Valerian wrote:
I'll have to try the Medusa when we come up . Anything you can suggest for entree or app. ?

Their menu varies according to the chef, but most all the items are reasonably good, at least three stars.

Try the Chef's Corner Bistro near Williams Bay for some excellent cuisine--their wiener schnitzel is marvelous.

Cheerio,

Gary

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 11:42 pm

Any place there have a "Mongolian BBQ?" Or, maybe they call it "habachi." I miss them. California had the stuff all over... but, here in Buffalo, its like "huh, what is that thar crazy talk?"

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 3:25 pm

serleran wrote:
Any place there have a "Mongolian BBQ?" Or, maybe they call it "habachi." I miss them. California had the stuff all over... but, here in Buffalo, its like "huh, what is that thar crazy talk?"

Yes, the Tempura House has Mongolian beef and one or two other habachi dishes I believe.

It is a long two blocks north of The Cove on Center Street, so easy to find.

Cheerio,

Gary

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 3:37 pm

serleran wrote:
Any place there have a "Mongolian BBQ?" Or, maybe they call it "habachi." I miss them. California had the stuff all over... but, here in Buffalo, its like "huh, what is that thar crazy talk?"

Yes, the Tempura House has Mongolian beef and one or two other habachi dishes I believe.

It is a long two blocks north of The Cove on Center Street, so easy to find.

Cheerio,

Gary

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 7:23 pm

Col_Pladoh wrote:
Try the Chef's Corner Bistro near Williams Bay for some excellent cuisine--their wiener schnitzel is marvelous.

Wow... I had planned on coming to LG to play games, but with all of this talk of food I may have to try out some of these places.

Especially this one above!!!

-O
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 7:39 pm

Omote wrote:
Wow... I had planned on coming to LG to play games, but with all of this talk of food I may have to try out some of these places.

Especially this one above!!!

-O

Of you go to the Chef's Corner Bistro be sure and thell the owner and chef, Dieter that you are a D&D player and a friend of Gary Gygax's come to Lake Geneva for a gaming convention, and that I recommended the restaurant
Cherio,

Gary

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 7:49 pm

Col_Pladoh wrote:
Of you go to the Chef's Corner Bistro be sure and thell the owner and chef, Dieter that you are a D&D player and a friend of Gary Gygax's come to Lake Geneva for a gaming convention, and that I recommended the restaurant
Cherio,

Gary

Heh, and I planned to go cheap (pbj sandwiches the whole weekend), but I guess when it comes to gaming or food, you can't get or spend enough!
Actually, I planned to go into William's Bay after checking in on Friday, perhaps I'll have a look see at this restaurant. Great way to start the weekend, methinks!!

_________________
Count Rhuveinus - Lejendary Keeper of Castle Franqueforte

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 7:57 pm

Take Hy 50 west out of Lake Geneva to the Bay and turn off on Geneva Street, so as to find the place on your left.

Do stop at Mr. Baggins Bookshop in downtown Williams Bay

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 2:09 am

Col_Pladoh wrote:
Do stop at Mr. Baggins Bookshop in downtown Williams Bay

Duh!! Yeah, I forgot to mention that is the reason for my trip to WB!
And thanks for the directions!
_________________
Count Rhuveinus - Lejendary Keeper of Castle Franqueforte

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 7:55 pm

Col_Pladoh wrote:
Of you go to the Chef's Corner Bistro be sure and thell the owner and chef, Dieter that you are a D&D player and a friend of Gary Gygax's come to Lake Geneva for a gaming convention, and that I recommended the restaurant

I most certainly will. A great resaurant recommendation is worth at least as much. Thanks again.

-O
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 9:51 pm

Omote wrote:
I most certainly will. A great resaurant recommendation is worth at least as much. Thanks again.

-O

Dieter remembers the heyday of TSR, for we shot a commercial out at his place. My birthday dinner this summer was held at his place, and he came out to see how we liked the food (we loved it!) and chattted with us, bought the whole table of around 12 persons a round of excellent apple schnapps as a digestif, sent me a special desert as well.

Cheers,

Gary

Valerian · Post by **Valerian** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:54 pm

I will deffinatley make a day trip to WB and Baggins books as well as the Chefs corner Bistro. I assume they do lunch. Sound like a plan for thur. afternoon the day before the con.

Thanks gary for all the gastronomic insight
_________________
What is best in life-

To crush the PC's

See their character sheets piled before you

And to hear the lamentations of the players

-Conan the dungeonmaster

Col_Pladoh · Post by **Col_Pladoh** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:37 pm

Valerian wrote:
I will deffinatley make a day trip to WB and Baggins books as well as the Chefs corner Bistro. I assume they do lunch. Sound like a plan for thur. afternoon the day before the con.

Thanks gary for all the gastronomic insight

I do believe that they only serve dinner there.

BTW, the place used to be an 18-year-old beer bar back when Wisconsin allowed beer drinking at 18. I was out there one night with Don Kaye, Dave Dimery, John Kohn, John Patrick, and John Rasch when I got into a very short fight that the deputy sherrif on duty there broke up. Seems some lads from Illinois resented us sitting down at their table and talking to the girls they left alone there...
As we were leaving the place theymade rude remarks about Jihn Kohn's beard and mustache, so he flipped his cigarette into the lar of a tall lanky fellow that was mouthy. He didn't feel it for a couple of seconds, then flupped it back in time to shower me, last in line, with sparks. i took three fast steps to where he was in the process of getting up. grabbed him by the shirt, chopped him across the adam's apple, and kocked the chair so he was suspended in my grasp.

The cop was rushing over, grabbed the guy before I could drop him, and said: "That's enough fighting boys. Young man," to the chap he set on his feet, "your heart is racing. Better sit down and try to recover." He waved us on out the door, and the F:atlanders did not attempt to follow us out.

I now realize that I was an irrasible youth...

Garu

Cheerio,

Gary

Joe · Post by **Joe** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:29 pm

Wow, I never realized the King of Gaming was such a badass!

But I have a question. I read that you were the creator of the mind flayers. I cannot think of any monster, undead, or beast that has crawled into my subconcoius more than the enigmatic illithids.

I creep myself out just planning what horror they have in line for player characters, and when I encounter them playing myself I always wish I was somewhere else.

How did you come up with them?

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 11:54 pm

Bah! The man of games wouldn't let some mouthy illini get in his way, now would he?! I THINK NOT!
-O
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society