| From: | James Lindsay <jlindsay@******.CA> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: Dealing with Magpies |
| Date: | Mon, 22 Dec 1997 03:42:47 GMT |
> Glenn Robb said on 15:09/19 Dec 97...
>
> > > I also had to deal with another munchkin . . . <snipped and Edited!>
> >
> > Hmm. WHY IN THE BLOODY HECK DO YOU CALL SUCH GAMERS MUNCHKINS! A
> > munchkin is a dwarf. A magpie is a player who:
>
> I suggest you take a look at commonly-used internet terms for RPG players.
> You'll find that the word "munchkin" is used to describe a certain type of
> player who wants to play ever-more powerful characters and doesn't feel
> like they have to stick within the rules of the game to achieve that.
If you are interested in the origins of the term "munchkin", read on:
==========
Subject: Re: Question: Origin of term 'Munchkin'
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 1997 00:03:42 GMT
From: ncc1701i@*******.com (Mark Campbell)
Organization:None
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.misc, rec.games.design
References: 1
Bruce Johnson <bjohnson@*.arizona.edu> wrote:
>Where did the RPG definition of Munchkin come from?
Munchkins, in their roles as protectors of the Yellow Brick Road, by
necessity develop a large number of useful skills. In fact, the
relentless training ritual of singing, dancing and skipping force the
small folk to develop perfect coordination and the best possible
cardi-vascular system. Consequently, all Munchkins have Dexterity and
Constitution ratings of 18.
The constant work the Munchkins do in picking flowers and replacing
yellow bricks that have faded to faint pastels also does its work to
chisel the muscles of these hardy folk. Lifting sometimes as many as two
or three bricks at a time, all Munchkins have a Strength score of 18.
Those who occasionally work out even further by practicing sword
fighting with dandylion stems actually exceed this score, and these
Munchkins have a Strength score of 18/00.
Munchkin life is not entirely a physical endeavor, however. There is, of
course, the Wizard to deal with. Being in such proximity to Oz--not to
mention all those Wicked Witches--requires sound judgement and a sharp
mind. Merely in order to survive such a lethal magical environment
requires all Munchkins above the age of four to have an Intelligence and
Wisdom of 18 each.
With their firm, chiseled bodies, the grace that comes from a lifetime
of dancing, a keen wit and impeccable judgment, Munchkins cannot help
but to be the envy of all other races. Still, their courage and senses
of humor make the Munchkins the most lovable race in the multiverse.
Therefore, all Munchkins have a Charisma (and Comliness, if this
optional rule is used) score of 18.
Munchkins as a race are, of course, the most highly developed beings
ever produced by the gods--in fact, each and every member of the race
borders on the divine itself. Their incredible aptitude in all areas
mean that they automatically gain every non-weapon proficiency the first
time they attempt a task. In fact, they never suffer a non-proficiency
penalty whether using a weapon or attempting a new skill for which they
previously had no proficiency slot.
Naturally, such a capable race cannot be held back to only one character
class. All Munchkins are Warrior/Priest/Wizard/Rogues, but use the Rogue
table to advance in levels for all classes. Lawful Good Munchkins are
usually Paladin/Specialty Priest/Evoker/Bards, while other Good Munkins
may be Ranger/Druid/Necromancer/Thiefs -- or anything else they want!
Because of the powerful aura which Munchkins posess, any being opposing
one automatically functions as if they are subject to a Protection from
[Good/Evil/Whatever] 10' Radius spell. All attacks against Munchkins are
made at -2 to hit and damage, spells do -1 hit point per die, and
Munchkins are immune to any spells from the Illusion school.
In any adventuring party, the Munchkin will naturally be the party
leader, despite his small stature. In order to make up for this handicap
(being short), the Munchkin always gets first choice of any treasure
(particularly magic items) found by the party.
Munchkins are distantly related to dwarves, humans and oompa-loompas,
but of course they are far superior to any of these races.
Mark Campbell
"I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix."
Former US Vice-President Dan Quayle
==========
James W. Lindsay Vancouver, British Columbia
"http://www.prosperoimaging.com/ground_zero";
Money talks... it usually says "bend over"...
