#so I went with the super strong race(s) paired with a support class known for talking their way out of combat

[doctor-disc0]

I want to make an Elder Scrolls character based on my last D&D character but it's. Very hard. Because she was such a unique and weird character that it is hard to translate that into an in-game character (info on her and my thoughts about how I could adapt her into an es character below the cut).

Her name was Eva "Halfblood" Akannathi, and she was a half-orc, half-goliath 18 year old bard (college of valor). But she was kind of an unconventional bard. She hated lying and dishonesty. Like, really loathed it. This girl has not lied once in the 18 years she's been alive and does not plan on ever doing it. She also considers illusions to be a form of lying.

This made playing through the campaign very interesting. At certain points of the campaign, she had to roll wisdom saving throws whenever her party had to lie to someone. If she succeeded, she managed to keep quiet. If she failed, she would blurt out the truth. She also disliked whenever her party members lied about anything. It didn't matter if it was for the greater good. She would rather die than tell a lie, and she wishes others felt the same.

Now, adapting her into a playable Elder Scrolls character is a bit tricky. You would think going with the Bard class would be the obvious choice. However, one of their major skills is Illusion, and given Eva's stubborn dislike of illusion, that's not exactly going to work. I could, of course, make a custom class, but I have so much anxiety about getting custom classes exactly right that it ends up just stressing me out whenever I try to create a custom class. But, maybe I'll try a custom class. That would probably be the best.

The race is a little less tricky, but there's still that "damn, I wish I could choose two races." Her in-game race would probably be orc, since that's the race she looks the most like. In my head, though, I'm thinking she would be half-orc, half-nord. I mean, D&D goliaths are resistant to cold damage and are tall, and Nords are basically the same, even if their coloration is different (goliaths have greyish skin and markings on their face, whereas Nords have white skin and no natural markings). What I really wish I could do is just take the cold resistance from Nords and just replace the Orc berserk thing with it because going berserk isn't really Eva's style lol (she's no barbarian!). But whatever, I suppose she can survive without her cold resistance.

It just really sucks because I loved playing her so much in D&D, and now that that campaign is over, I kinda miss her. But she's such a weird character that she's hard to play in any other setting.

[itsworn]

Highlights from the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals!

On the final approach of Chicago’s massive O’Hare Airport sits the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The massive building is host to what many consider the gathering place for the biggest and coolest indoor shows dedicated to the American muscle car. And while the sounds of GE, Rolls Royce, and Pratt & Whitney jet engines blast overhead as they lift Boeings and Airbuses effortlessly into the heavens, the walls inside the convention hall probably contain enough horsepower to blast it off the foundation and into the flight path of some airliner.

The annual Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, common known as MCACN among its participants and diehard attendees, is the brainchild of Bob and Vicki Ashton. These two, with high-octane leaded fuel pumping through their veins, got the idea years ago to create the ultimate indoor show just for muscle cars, but also the lifestyle promotional marketing items from back in the day. There was a time when corporate America got caught up on the muscle craze and numerous corporations from cereal brands to soft drink companies offered their consumers sweepstakes promotions to win a GTO, Charger, or some other hot car.

Another great aspect of the MCACN show is the paying attendees are there to see the cars and not manufactured celebrities that probably don’t even have a driver’s license. Don’t expect to see WWE/WWF wresters or Disney child stars signing autographs at MCACN. If it’s not part of the muscle car hobby or relevant to the automotive lifestyle and culture, it’ll not be at the show.

Speaking of lifestyles, Bob and Vicki knew that there was more to these cars than multiple carbs, lumpy cams, and wild colors. That’s why there were numerous items at MCACN that conjured up fond memories of our childhood past. From Schwinn Stingray muscle bikes with their Banana Seats and Sissy Bars, to vintage branded racing striped windbreakers blazoned with Scat Pack Bees, Cobras, Bowties, and the iconic Hurst logo, you’ll see these at MCACN.

Rest assured the event organizers are also very cautious not to turn the event into an indoor swap meet and relegating how much space is allocated to vendors. We did see variety of cool items that included everything from rare parts like an early Corvette Fuel Injection set up, to hats and t-shirts with your favorite car brand. After all, it’s the cars that are the stars at MCACN, and that’s what brings the people in from all over North America. Based on the packed isles, MCACN has grown with both participants and attendees.

One of the many features this year was the 50th Anniversary F-Body Invitational that brought in 13 of the rarest and most significant First Generation Pontiac Firebirds and 13 of the rarest and most significant First Generation Chevrolet Camaros in one location and many had never been shown to the public until now. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 aficionado Jon Mello assembled numerous great examples of factory stock and “back-in-day” owner modified cars and iconic racers. The pedigree and history of many of these cars is astounding.

MCACN also brings together the finest restored and original Corvettes throughout North America. Many of these are top shelf cars that have already achieved the legendary NCRS Top Flight and Bloomington Gold status. As observers of this awesome event, never have we seen more L88 427 Vettes in one place and after a while, we become numb to their uniqueness. That’s okay, we got a grip and begin drooling again.

Ford fans were not left out as MCACN had some great examples of rare Shelby Mustangs and creations from Ford’s pseudo skunk works, Kar Kraft. There were plenty of prime samples of it Kar Kraft’s handiwork on display by the numerous BOSS 429 Mustangs and other vehicles that rolled out of it’s Brighton, Michigan facility. Race fans also got to see a pair a 427 SOHC Mustangs from the original Ford Drag Team that tour dealerships from 1969-1970.

The Mopar Nation was also well represented as MCACN assembled more than 20 of the extremely desirable Shaker equipped 1970-1971 Dodge Challengers and Plymouth ‘Cudas. With their high-impact paint, cools options that included rubber bumpers, spoilers, and rear louvers, the row of Mopar E-Bodies was packed all weekend with attendees try to get a closer look while thinking, “If I won the Powerball, I’d buy the Plum Crazy one!”

While most purists look at the 1972 model year as the beginning of the end for muscle cars, MCACN showed the fans that it really wasn’t true. For GM enthusiasts, the Olds 455 W-30, Buick 455 Stage1, Pontiac 455 HO, and Chevelle SS, all lived to continue the fight. The compression drop may have hurt, but these big block bullies were still capable a killing a pair Polyglas tires in a single evening. Great examples of 1972 models from Chevy, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac showed us it wasn’t quite over.

Also during this year’s event, there were several unveilings (part of MCACN’s tradition and massive crowd appeal) of newly completed cars that had never been seen before in the public. These included a gorgeous 1970 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 convertible own by former NHRA Pro Stock World Champ Jason Line, a 1968 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air II own by Mark Weymouth, an ultra 1971 Plymouth Sport Fury GT, a pair of original 1969 Ford Mustang Drag Team cars, and much, more. The iron and sheetmetal that we thought were forever lost to the ravages of prior owners came back to MCACN and restored jewels for the audience to see.

The most popular place to hang at MCACN was the Barn Finds and Hidden Gems as Hot Rod magazine’s own Ryan Brutt did a stellar job organizing this crucial part of the show and finding some of these hidden treasures that still had mice and other critters living in them before coming to MCACN.

So, if you’re looking to check out a diverse and over the top car show, head to the Windy City Chicago in November for the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals and be ready to get blown over.

The horsepower wars of the 1960s and early 70s come together in the Windy City every year at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN). If it’s rare, it’s at this show as seen by this original 1964 Chevy Impala wagon powered by a dual quad, 425 horse, 409 and hooked to the four-speed. Now, when was the last time you saw one of these at an event?

Vintage Camaro race cars and unique dealer builds that included Yenko, Nickey, Bill Thomas, lined the rows that stretch across the hall. This example was the first 1968 427 Yenko Super Camaro Yenko built for drag racing. The white exterior and red interior looked great and we so wanted to take this out and tear up the streets of Chicago.

The Mopar diehard got a real treat to see a massive collection of 1970-71 ‘Cuda and Challenger Shaker cars. Not since these machines came rolling off the Dodge Main Assembly line in Hamtramck, Michigan, have we seen such a pristine gathering of exquisite E-Bodies. Under those Shaker bubbles resided 440 Six Packs and the mighty 426 HEMI. The rarest one was this original Shaker equipped 1970 Challenger R/T with a 440 four-barrel.

Ford fans got to step back into time and see the original Ford Performance Drag Team Cars from the 1969 and 1970 season. Factory racer Ed Terry ran this 427 SOHC Cammer engine in his ’70 Pro Stock Mustang and a 428 Cobra Jet in his tamer Super Stocker. Later in the 1970 season, Ford would pull the plug on it’s factory backed NHRA racers leaving them to fend for themselves against the onslaught of Sox, Landy, and Jenkins.

This Kar-Kraft built 1969 “BOSS BRONCO” Prototype was the brainchild of Bill Stroppe to create a high performance Bronco for Ford. It’s powered by a specially prepared 351 Windsor and mated to C4 automatic transmission. A Cougar Eliminator-sourced hood scoop and other unique features made this one cool SUV. If only Ford pulled the trigger and put this into production.

Old magazine project cars never die, they just get passed around like former girlfriends. Our sister pub, Car Craft, ran a sweepstakes promotion back in 1969 with the support of Dodge, Cragar, and a host of other performance companies. In its day, the Car Craft Swinger won class in Stock Eliminator at some NHRA events while doubling as a daily driver. Looking a little rough, we’d have no problem tuning up the 340 with some Viagra and go swinging on Hot Rod Power Tour.

There was a strong contingent of 1967 Z/28 Camaros that included documented and real examples of the earliest Z/28’s from its freshman year. Hosted by Z/28 aficionado Jon Mello, he assembled great examples of factory stock and “back-in-day” owner modified cars and racers that included one of the original Penske Sunoco team cars.

Hard to believe it’s been 30 years since the last Buick Grand National rolled off the assembly line in Pontiac, Michigan. It was and end of era and this was THE last one to be built. Born on December 11, 1987, this Grand National went to a dealer in Springhill, Louisiana were it was kept it in the same condition as it arrived. Affectionately known as “Black Air”, not only was this the last Grand National built, but it was also the GM G-body ever assembled. A moment of silence please…

Where else would you see an original 1953 Corvette cutaway that did the auto show circuit back in the day? Only at MCACN are attendees guaranteed to see cars (and partial ones!) that have been locked away for decades. It’s amazing these cut away show car survived as most were cut up and thrown in the dumpster when the new body styles were launched.

Speaking of Corvettes, here’s the one and only 1965 Corvette development mule for the L88 427. Known as Zora’s #58053, it was used for testing and development for a variety of engine, transmission, brake and suspension packages that would find their way on production and race cars. It was also the first Corvette fitted with the #3878299 aluminum intake manifold and Holley #3418 850 CFM Carburetor.

Former NHRA Pro Stock World Champ and muscle car enthusiast Jason Line unveiled his stunning 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 convertible. It’s one of 126 four-speed convertibles and the only one known to be built wearing that gorgeous Stratomist Blue paint. Knowing Jason, we’re sure it’s 455 has been dialed-in.

It may have been a tribute but we loved this re-creation of Doug Thorley’s Corvair Nitro Funny Car. Powered by an iron blown/injected 427 Chevy, the real one won was the first winner of the new Funny Car class at the 1967 NHRA US Nationals on a 7.60 ET @ 202.2 MPH pass.

Here’s the last Camaro to roll off GM’s Norwood, Ohio assembly plant and appropriately it was a red IROC Z/28. Some key employees of the Norwood plant were at MCACN gave an insightful discussion on when the last Camaro left the line.

What’s a muscle car show without muscle bicycles? These Schwinn “Krate” bikes in their trademarked high handle bars, hot colors, and banana seat, provided a ten year-old the perfect platform to pull their first wheelie while pretending to be Evel Knievel.

The Barn Finds and Hidden Gems at MCACN had the usual collection of oddities. We dug this 1960 Corvette Gasser time capsule with its metallic paint, straight axle, and teardrop shaped scoop. Under the hood a big-block Chevy was bolted-in.

Most Shelby Mustang’s are rare and this one was really rare. Starting life as a 1968 GT GT500KR, it got unfitted with a Paxton supercharger for an engineering feasibility study. As we know, it unfortunately never came to fruition. Ford fans would have to wait until THE 21ST century to get a factory blown Shelby Mustang.

Confused yet? That’s a 1958 Packard Hawk with a Paxton Supercharged 289 under that beautiful scooped hood. Sharp eyes will know it’s just rebadged and re-trimmed Studebaker Golden Hawk with body modifications.

And speaking of Studebakers, MCACN had some great examples of the orphaned brand’s hot cars from the late 1950s and early 60s. We’ve seen these things run at the Pure Stock Drags and they’ll surprise you and the guy in the next lane how quick they are.

The judges at MCACN are going about their business checking out a Fuel Injection Corvette. These guys don’t mess around and check everything from dates codes, stampings, chalk marks, and just about any other item to verify the authenticity of a restoration or survivor.

The post Highlights from the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals! appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

from Hot Rod Network http://www.hotrod.com/articles/highlights-muscle-car-corvette-nationals/ via IFTTT