Awakended Animal as PC Race [Archive] - Wizards Community

Awakended Animal as PC Race [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
bob_schroeder
02-22-07, 04:51 PM Hi,
one of my players wants to play a awakened (like oalian) hyena. after looking at the stats for a hyena, I thought why not? (very FFVII to me;) )
But I am not sure how this race would look like. Maybe a 2HD magical animal and no LA because of the drawbacks of being an animal?
Some Suggestions?
King Donkey
02-23-07, 12:45 PM Would they describe that under the awaken spell description? For just rp purposes, the heir of Siberys for the animal breeding house can cast Awaken once a day. (Gah, i'm posting on the Eberron boards and I totally brainfarted on their name....)
Edymnion
02-23-07, 12:54 PM Would they describe that under the awaken spell description? For just rp purposes, the heir of Siberys for the animal breeding house can cast Awaken once a day. (Gah, i'm posting on the Eberron boards and I totally brainfarted on their name....)House Vidalas. :)
And I would point out to the player that, since you don't have hands as an awakened hyena, you could not weild weapons, and you could not cast any spells with a somantic component. You (as in he, the player) would be advised to try something else...
tallric_kruush
02-23-07, 01:05 PM Hopefully, this is just a passing desire, and the player will change his/her mind. Edy pointed out several disadvantages above that may set the player back on the humanoid path.

I have to wonder, with all the possible humanoid, monstrous humanoid, giant, etc... races the player could reasonably come up with for his/her character--why an awakened animal?? :uh-huh: That seems like a headache in the making, not just for the player in question, but also for the DM and fellow players as well (depending how the DM handles the obvious hurdles to come).
goblin_pride
02-23-07, 01:12 PM House Vidalas. :)
And I would point out to the player that, since you don't have hands as an awakened hyena, you could not weild weapons, and you could not cast any spells with a somantic component. You (as in he, the player) would be advised to try something else...

Vadalis.

On the other hand though, Edy, he has weapon already attached. I would recommend a different base creature if you're going to go that route, though. Casters are out unless you do some sort of primate. Although, can you imagine a awakened wolf ranger? Track and scent? There's a winning combination.
Kid SixXx
02-23-07, 01:26 PM Hi,
one of my players wants to play a awakened (like oalian) hyena. after looking at the stats for a hyena, I thought why not? (very FFVII to me;) )

Yep, sounds like he's going for the Red XIII (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_XIII) build.

Anway, spells aren't really an issue (ie. Just research versions of the same spell with no somantic componant. I'm sure that not even dragons just stand there waggling their claws in the air like goofs.) and as goblin_pride said, weapons aren't an issue either because he's already has teeth and claws that can be enhanced via magic to bypass DR (ie. Greater Magic Fang + Permanency + Natural Weapon).

If he's going for the Red XIII look, I'd also suggest an awakened wolf. An awakened Ghost Tiger would be even more "eberrony."
tallric_kruush
02-23-07, 01:40 PM Vadalis.

On the other hand though, Edy, he has weapon already attached. I would recommend a different base creature if you're going to go that route, though. Casters are out unless you do some sort of primate. Although, can you imagine a awakened wolf ranger? Track and scent? There's a winning combination.

If you're looking to optimize (which I almost hate to take part in with this case;) ), why not the Awakened Fleshraker Dinosaur!! He'd be from Q'barra, Xen'drik, or the Talenta Plains, of course.

The fleshraker is the Blue Ribbon Winner of the Animal Companion Cheese of the Year Award two years running, and a favorite to win again (barring something more cheeserific in MM5). I first found this guy while looking for an animal companion for a Xen'drik druid. You'll find him pictured on p.39 and stats on p.40 of MMIII.

Judging from the picture, he would also be the frontrunner for having the worst breath of the party. I certainly wouldn't be a stickler about good roleplaying on that particular point. Though a bag of Doritos (a banned substance at my table) would probably do the trick.

Check him out here: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/mmiii_gallery/82983.jpg

He's the guy in the middle, if you couldn't tell.
Melvin the Mediocre
02-23-07, 03:06 PM An awakened animal druid could eventually shape change into a halfling and cast :)

Does your player know that hyenas are amoung the top 10 worst smelling animals on our planet? Granted Eberron has some new things like ooze mephits that might knock the hyena off the top 10 list, but that doesn't mean it will smell any better.
tallric_kruush
02-23-07, 03:23 PM An awakened animal druid could eventually shape change into a halfling and cast :)

Does your player know that hyenas are amoung the top 10 worst smelling animals on our planet? Granted Eberron has some new things like ooze mephits that might knock the hyena off the top 10 list, but that doesn't mean it will smell any better.

Interesting idea, that shapechanging hyena-to-halfling...

Do you think the awakened hyena will out-stink the awakened fleshraker?:thinks: ;)

It's nice to know someone else thought about the implications of playing a stinking animal (literally) as a PC. You definitely aren't likely to ever be welcome at the dinner table with the high-society types. Dragonmarked scions, diplomats, etc... tend to be a self-important lot, not prone to dining with awakened boars and such.

Upon further review, I would recommend the Awakened Seeing Eye Riding Dog. Who's gonna keep you out of the restaurant/house enclave/etc..., then?

OK, all facetiousness aside, there was an Giant Owl character named Hu'ur'hnn in "The City of Towers" novel. He was a guest at one of Dantian d'Lyrandar's parties aboard Pride of the Wind. He's a magical beast, rather than an awakened animal, but the point's made. His presence, I would think, should prove anything's possible.
Cifer
02-23-07, 03:49 PM and you could not cast any spells with a somantic component.
I'd say natural spell might be useable here, despite a lack of wildshaping.

Anway, spells aren't really an issue (ie. Just research versions of the same spell with no somantic componant. I'm sure that not even dragons just stand there waggling their claws in the air like goofs.)
Sorry? Stilling a spell usually costs +1 spell level. I very much doubt a hyena's research will be that effective...
tallric_kruush
02-23-07, 04:00 PM ...I very much doubt a hyena's research will be that effective...

That's an Awakened Hyena, good sir. Awakened Hyena...

He may not even stick with the Druid class. He could find his calling as a BARD!!:eek: Imagine the sweet sound of hyena calls leading the party to victory...
Macrovore
02-23-07, 04:05 PM according to the FAQ, casters without hands just move their bodies. they CAN cast spells if they don't. so hyena casters are in.

but you can't beat the awakened monkey ninja :D
or an elephant scout with Hide in plain sight.
tallric_kruush
02-23-07, 04:12 PM according to the FAQ, casters without hands just move their bodies. they CAN cast spells if they don't. so hyena casters are in.

but you can't beat the awakened monkey ninja :D
or an elephant scout with Hide in plain sight.

Between the hyena bard, the monkey ninja, and the elephant scout, we'd have quite a "rogue"-based campaign going, should they ever team up...
Tanvalis
02-23-07, 04:21 PM I'd see no problem with allowing an animal spellcaster as the setting already has a tree spellcaster and last I check trees don't have fingers either, nor are branches flexible enough to make the intricate somatic gestures that humans can do with thier hands. Yet don't Naga's also cast spells? I'm sure that each race has it's own versions of the same gestures that allow them to cast spells I don't see why an awakened animal wouldn't be able to come up with the same.
Macrovore
02-23-07, 04:25 PM exactly. Nagas were the example The Sage used in the FAQ.
johnkretzer
02-23-07, 04:26 PM Hopefully, this is just a passing desire, and the player will change his/her mind. Edy pointed out several disadvantages above that may set the player back on the humanoid path.

I have to wonder, with all the possible humanoid, monstrous humanoid, giant, etc... races the player could reasonably come up with for his/her character--why an awakened animal?? :uh-huh: That seems like a headache in the making, not just for the player in question, but also for the DM and fellow players as well (depending how the DM handles the obvious hurdles to come).

IFor character concept for a jungle based game I had a concept of a awaken Ape Wizard named Nazrat, it would made a cool character. Though I didn't roll the stats for it.

Also there are rules for this in savage species I believe.
tallric_kruush
02-23-07, 04:35 PM IFor character concept for a jungle based game I had a concept of a awaken Ape Wizard named Nazrat, it would made a cool character. Though I didn't roll the stats for it.

Also there are rules for this in savage species I believe.

You're right. I'm bored after a week of being ill and cooped-up indoors. I don't want all my joking to come across as trolling or being a jerk. If the DM wants to let the character go with it, then by all means do so. I've just found that, when a player who comes to the table with a funky idea like this, he generally (maybe not always) intends to make a fool of himself during the course of the game. A player like this can ruin the game for the other players who want to take it at least half-seriously.

Besides, I'm liking the Awakened Hyena Bard more all the time... :P
johnkretzer
02-23-07, 05:33 PM You're right. I'm bored after a week of being ill and cooped-up indoors. I don't want all my joking to come across as trolling or being a jerk. If the DM wants to let the character go with it, then by all means do so. I've just found that, when a player who comes to the table with a funky idea like this, he generally (maybe not always) intends to make a fool of himself during the course of the game. A player like this can ruin the game for the other players who want to take it at least half-seriously.

Besides, I'm liking the Awakened Hyena Bard more all the time... :P

Yeah true but those players can alway be recognized by other signs...
JeckAndon
02-23-07, 05:34 PM After reading this thread I want run a awakened animal character, i was thinking of a racoon rogue but i can't find the stats for a racoon and i was wondering if there were any rues in the books that could help me out.
Macrovore
02-23-07, 05:52 PM use a weasel. maybe with slightly different skill bonuses, and without the attach ability.

but he's not nearly as cool as a monkey ninja.
Cifer
02-23-07, 06:20 PM or an elephant scout with Hide in plain sight.
So... where's the joke at this one? I mean, it's plain to see elephants make good rogues. Did you ever spot one trying to sneak up on you and hiding in a cherry tree? See, that's how good they are.
tallric_kruush
02-24-07, 03:08 PM So... where's the joke at this one? I mean, it's plain to see elephants make good rogues. Did you ever spot one trying to sneak up on you and hiding in a cherry tree? See, that's how good they are.

:mymy:

I'll never turn my back on a cherry tree again.

I also still can't get the idea of an Awakened Hyena Bard singing his way onto the big stage in Sharn. What a crooner! I can't quite tell if he's singing or dying...
JulesCARV
02-24-07, 03:17 PM I've always thought that the Sharn city guard should have an awakened dog or two to help with the police work. Maybe that's already mentioned in City of Towers (which I don't have).
Edymnion
02-24-07, 04:48 PM He may not even stick with the Druid class. He could find his calling as a BARD!!:eek: Imagine the sweet sound of hyena calls leading the party to victory...Whoa, total Twilight Princess moment there.
Cabral
02-25-07, 08:00 PM I also still can't get the idea of an Awakened Hyena Bard singing his way onto the big stage in Sharn. What a crooner! I can't quite tell if he's singing or dying...
Hyenas have a favored class of Studio Audience ... but I can see a Hyena taking bard to be a stand-up comedian. :D
Dragom
02-25-07, 11:46 PM That's an Awakened Hyena, good sir. Awakened Hyena...

He may not even stick with the Druid class. He could find his calling as a BARD!!:eek: Imagine the sweet sound of hyena calls leading the party to victory...

No, A Worgs favoured class is Bard, Hyena's get Disiple of Yeenogoh.
Grimmsfeld
03-27-07, 03:23 AM Sorry to bump this dead thread, but I'm surprised no one else has thought of this: the badger paladin into frenzied berserker. Dangerously Cheesy.
BlackTiger
03-28-07, 12:04 AM I might never have seen this marvel if not for the bump :D

Awakened Animals make neat characters (I said Characters, not PC, per se) in Eberron.

But you know, there is an awakened wolf running around the Mournland. In addition to the Awaken spell itself, or being an agent of the druids, that is another angle for the uplifted animal background.
Daydreamer
03-28-07, 02:59 AM How about a gnoll? Basically its a hyena on two legs.
Splendide
03-28-07, 06:42 AM I played an awakened clawfoot reasonably recently. Combined with Tome of Battle, yeah, ouch ouch ouch. My cheesiest character in a long time...was a fun character though, I wrote into his background that he was required to teach his Tiger's Claw techniques (including Soaring Raptor Strike unsurprisingly) to any halfling who met his challenge.

Anyway in terms of system, I took the basic 2HD of animal HD as required to be a clawfoot, then two levels of magical beast as per the Awaken spell, and went with an LA of 1. It should probably be an LA of 2.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
bob_schroeder 02-22-07, 04:51 PM	Hi, one of my players wants to play a awakened (like oalian) hyena. after looking at the stats for a hyena, I thought why not? (very FFVII to me;) ) But I am not sure how this race would look like. Maybe a 2HD magical animal and no LA because of the drawbacks of being an animal? Some Suggestions?
King Donkey 02-23-07, 12:45 PM	Would they describe that under the awaken spell description? For just rp purposes, the heir of Siberys for the animal breeding house can cast Awaken once a day. (Gah, i'm posting on the Eberron boards and I totally brainfarted on their name....)
Edymnion 02-23-07, 12:54 PM	Would they describe that under the awaken spell description? For just rp purposes, the heir of Siberys for the animal breeding house can cast Awaken once a day. (Gah, i'm posting on the Eberron boards and I totally brainfarted on their name....)House Vidalas. :) And I would point out to the player that, since you don't have hands as an awakened hyena, you could not weild weapons, and you could not cast any spells with a somantic component. You (as in he, the player) would be advised to try something else...
tallric_kruush 02-23-07, 01:05 PM	Hopefully, this is just a passing desire, and the player will change his/her mind. Edy pointed out several disadvantages above that may set the player back on the humanoid path. I have to wonder, with all the possible humanoid, monstrous humanoid, giant, etc... races the player could reasonably come up with for his/her character--why an awakened animal?? :uh-huh: That seems like a headache in the making, not just for the player in question, but also for the DM and fellow players as well (depending how the DM handles the obvious hurdles to come).
goblin_pride 02-23-07, 01:12 PM	House Vidalas. :) And I would point out to the player that, since you don't have hands as an awakened hyena, you could not weild weapons, and you could not cast any spells with a somantic component. You (as in he, the player) would be advised to try something else... Vadalis. On the other hand though, Edy, he has weapon already attached. I would recommend a different base creature if you're going to go that route, though. Casters are out unless you do some sort of primate. Although, can you imagine a awakened wolf ranger? Track and scent? There's a winning combination.
Kid SixXx 02-23-07, 01:26 PM	Hi, one of my players wants to play a awakened (like oalian) hyena. after looking at the stats for a hyena, I thought why not? (very FFVII to me;) ) Yep, sounds like he's going for the Red XIII (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_XIII) build. Anway, spells aren't really an issue (ie. Just research versions of the same spell with no somantic componant. I'm sure that not even dragons just stand there waggling their claws in the air like goofs.) and as goblin_pride said, weapons aren't an issue either because he's already has teeth and claws that can be enhanced via magic to bypass DR (ie. Greater Magic Fang + Permanency + Natural Weapon). If he's going for the Red XIII look, I'd also suggest an awakened wolf. An awakened Ghost Tiger would be even more "eberrony."
tallric_kruush 02-23-07, 01:40 PM	Vadalis. On the other hand though, Edy, he has weapon already attached. I would recommend a different base creature if you're going to go that route, though. Casters are out unless you do some sort of primate. Although, can you imagine a awakened wolf ranger? Track and scent? There's a winning combination. If you're looking to optimize (which I almost hate to take part in with this case;) ), why not the Awakened Fleshraker Dinosaur!! He'd be from Q'barra, Xen'drik, or the Talenta Plains, of course. The fleshraker is the Blue Ribbon Winner of the Animal Companion Cheese of the Year Award two years running, and a favorite to win again (barring something more cheeserific in MM5). I first found this guy while looking for an animal companion for a Xen'drik druid. You'll find him pictured on p.39 and stats on p.40 of MMIII. Judging from the picture, he would also be the frontrunner for having the worst breath of the party. I certainly wouldn't be a stickler about good roleplaying on that particular point. Though a bag of Doritos (a banned substance at my table) would probably do the trick. Check him out here: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/mmiii_gallery/82983.jpg He's the guy in the middle, if you couldn't tell.
Melvin the Mediocre 02-23-07, 03:06 PM	An awakened animal druid could eventually shape change into a halfling and cast :) Does your player know that hyenas are amoung the top 10 worst smelling animals on our planet? Granted Eberron has some new things like ooze mephits that might knock the hyena off the top 10 list, but that doesn't mean it will smell any better.
tallric_kruush 02-23-07, 03:23 PM	An awakened animal druid could eventually shape change into a halfling and cast :) Does your player know that hyenas are amoung the top 10 worst smelling animals on our planet? Granted Eberron has some new things like ooze mephits that might knock the hyena off the top 10 list, but that doesn't mean it will smell any better. Interesting idea, that shapechanging hyena-to-halfling... Do you think the awakened hyena will out-stink the awakened fleshraker?:thinks: ;) It's nice to know someone else thought about the implications of playing a stinking animal (literally) as a PC. You definitely aren't likely to ever be welcome at the dinner table with the high-society types. Dragonmarked scions, diplomats, etc... tend to be a self-important lot, not prone to dining with awakened boars and such. Upon further review, I would recommend the Awakened Seeing Eye Riding Dog. Who's gonna keep you out of the restaurant/house enclave/etc..., then? OK, all facetiousness aside, there was an Giant Owl character named Hu'ur'hnn in "The City of Towers" novel. He was a guest at one of Dantian d'Lyrandar's parties aboard Pride of the Wind. He's a magical beast, rather than an awakened animal, but the point's made. His presence, I would think, should prove anything's possible.
Cifer 02-23-07, 03:49 PM	and you could not cast any spells with a somantic component. I'd say natural spell might be useable here, despite a lack of wildshaping. Anway, spells aren't really an issue (ie. Just research versions of the same spell with no somantic componant. I'm sure that not even dragons just stand there waggling their claws in the air like goofs.) Sorry? Stilling a spell usually costs +1 spell level. I very much doubt a hyena's research will be that effective...
tallric_kruush 02-23-07, 04:00 PM	...I very much doubt a hyena's research will be that effective... That's an Awakened Hyena, good sir. Awakened Hyena... He may not even stick with the Druid class. He could find his calling as a BARD!!:eek: Imagine the sweet sound of hyena calls leading the party to victory...
Macrovore 02-23-07, 04:05 PM	according to the FAQ, casters without hands just move their bodies. they CAN cast spells if they don't. so hyena casters are in. but you can't beat the awakened monkey ninja :D or an elephant scout with Hide in plain sight.
tallric_kruush 02-23-07, 04:12 PM	according to the FAQ, casters without hands just move their bodies. they CAN cast spells if they don't. so hyena casters are in. but you can't beat the awakened monkey ninja :D or an elephant scout with Hide in plain sight. Between the hyena bard, the monkey ninja, and the elephant scout, we'd have quite a "rogue"-based campaign going, should they ever team up...
Tanvalis 02-23-07, 04:21 PM	I'd see no problem with allowing an animal spellcaster as the setting already has a tree spellcaster and last I check trees don't have fingers either, nor are branches flexible enough to make the intricate somatic gestures that humans can do with thier hands. Yet don't Naga's also cast spells? I'm sure that each race has it's own versions of the same gestures that allow them to cast spells I don't see why an awakened animal wouldn't be able to come up with the same.
Macrovore 02-23-07, 04:25 PM	exactly. Nagas were the example The Sage used in the FAQ.
johnkretzer 02-23-07, 04:26 PM	Hopefully, this is just a passing desire, and the player will change his/her mind. Edy pointed out several disadvantages above that may set the player back on the humanoid path. I have to wonder, with all the possible humanoid, monstrous humanoid, giant, etc... races the player could reasonably come up with for his/her character--why an awakened animal?? :uh-huh: That seems like a headache in the making, not just for the player in question, but also for the DM and fellow players as well (depending how the DM handles the obvious hurdles to come). IFor character concept for a jungle based game I had a concept of a awaken Ape Wizard named Nazrat, it would made a cool character. Though I didn't roll the stats for it. Also there are rules for this in savage species I believe.
tallric_kruush 02-23-07, 04:35 PM	IFor character concept for a jungle based game I had a concept of a awaken Ape Wizard named Nazrat, it would made a cool character. Though I didn't roll the stats for it. Also there are rules for this in savage species I believe. You're right. I'm bored after a week of being ill and cooped-up indoors. I don't want all my joking to come across as trolling or being a jerk. If the DM wants to let the character go with it, then by all means do so. I've just found that, when a player who comes to the table with a funky idea like this, he generally (maybe not always) intends to make a fool of himself during the course of the game. A player like this can ruin the game for the other players who want to take it at least half-seriously. Besides, I'm liking the Awakened Hyena Bard more all the time... :P
johnkretzer 02-23-07, 05:33 PM	You're right. I'm bored after a week of being ill and cooped-up indoors. I don't want all my joking to come across as trolling or being a jerk. If the DM wants to let the character go with it, then by all means do so. I've just found that, when a player who comes to the table with a funky idea like this, he generally (maybe not always) intends to make a fool of himself during the course of the game. A player like this can ruin the game for the other players who want to take it at least half-seriously. Besides, I'm liking the Awakened Hyena Bard more all the time... :P Yeah true but those players can alway be recognized by other signs...
JeckAndon 02-23-07, 05:34 PM	After reading this thread I want run a awakened animal character, i was thinking of a racoon rogue but i can't find the stats for a racoon and i was wondering if there were any rues in the books that could help me out.
Macrovore 02-23-07, 05:52 PM	use a weasel. maybe with slightly different skill bonuses, and without the attach ability. but he's not nearly as cool as a monkey ninja.
Cifer 02-23-07, 06:20 PM	or an elephant scout with Hide in plain sight. So... where's the joke at this one? I mean, it's plain to see elephants make good rogues. Did you ever spot one trying to sneak up on you and hiding in a cherry tree? See, that's how good they are.
tallric_kruush 02-24-07, 03:08 PM	So... where's the joke at this one? I mean, it's plain to see elephants make good rogues. Did you ever spot one trying to sneak up on you and hiding in a cherry tree? See, that's how good they are. :mymy: I'll never turn my back on a cherry tree again. I also still can't get the idea of an Awakened Hyena Bard singing his way onto the big stage in Sharn. What a crooner! I can't quite tell if he's singing or dying...
JulesCARV 02-24-07, 03:17 PM	I've always thought that the Sharn city guard should have an awakened dog or two to help with the police work. Maybe that's already mentioned in City of Towers (which I don't have).
Edymnion 02-24-07, 04:48 PM	He may not even stick with the Druid class. He could find his calling as a BARD!!:eek: Imagine the sweet sound of hyena calls leading the party to victory...Whoa, total Twilight Princess moment there.
Cabral 02-25-07, 08:00 PM	I also still can't get the idea of an Awakened Hyena Bard singing his way onto the big stage in Sharn. What a crooner! I can't quite tell if he's singing or dying... Hyenas have a favored class of Studio Audience ... but I can see a Hyena taking bard to be a stand-up comedian. :D
Dragom 02-25-07, 11:46 PM	That's an Awakened Hyena, good sir. Awakened Hyena... He may not even stick with the Druid class. He could find his calling as a BARD!!:eek: Imagine the sweet sound of hyena calls leading the party to victory... No, A Worgs favoured class is Bard, Hyena's get Disiple of Yeenogoh.
Grimmsfeld 03-27-07, 03:23 AM	Sorry to bump this dead thread, but I'm surprised no one else has thought of this: the badger paladin into frenzied berserker. Dangerously Cheesy.
BlackTiger 03-28-07, 12:04 AM	I might never have seen this marvel if not for the bump :D Awakened Animals make neat characters (I said Characters, not PC, per se) in Eberron. But you know, there is an awakened wolf running around the Mournland. In addition to the Awaken spell itself, or being an agent of the druids, that is another angle for the uplifted animal background.
Daydreamer 03-28-07, 02:59 AM	How about a gnoll? Basically its a hyena on two legs.
Splendide 03-28-07, 06:42 AM	I played an awakened clawfoot reasonably recently. Combined with Tome of Battle, yeah, ouch ouch ouch. My cheesiest character in a long time...was a fun character though, I wrote into his background that he was required to teach his Tiger's Claw techniques (including Soaring Raptor Strike unsurprisingly) to any halfling who met his challenge. Anyway in terms of system, I took the basic 2HD of animal HD as required to be a clawfoot, then two levels of magical beast as per the Awaken spell, and went with an LA of 1. It should probably be an LA of 2.