Not only does the character have minimum requirements (a common feature of AD&D), but it also gives great bonuses to make sure they are met, and then after the rolled scores are modified to greater values. We also see that the character fights as Fighting-men do, cast magics as a Magic-user and Cleric both, and no less does it possess the skills of a Martial Monk and can foil devices as does a Thief (without needing tools)! And by merit, it seems the fellow needs half experience gains as does a Fighting-man to advance in level.
Better still, we find out on the second page the filling for the cake. Each level the character gains nets him 100 "Spell Points", of which at first level he's got 100, and can cast 100 First Level Spells per day, I josh you not! Maybe in EGG's games First Level Spells are diddly-squat, but that's still a whole lot of diddly! The character also comes with a schwanky Bag of Holding from the get-go, among other things and from 1,000 - 4,000 gold pieces fresh off the press.
So, my few readers; satire, or honestly-considered-good-idea? If nothing else, the picture's a good chuckle.
Satire, the deity named Palir Lofo is an anagram for April Fool. An amusing read nonetheless!
ReplyDeleteDidn't even think of the anagram, and it's a simple one too, d'oh!
DeleteYes. This was indeed a joke to poke fun at power gamers. My Dad was tired of fielding questions about 70th level characters or hearing how they defeated Odin or a herd of tarasques.
ReplyDeleteI figured as so. There used to be a lot of good humor in the game and magazines.
DeleteThe overkill in the picture really did it for me. Didn't notice the orc's sword or the ninja star until recently, I must admit.