A new spellcasting concept. (Working on a name) [Archive] - Wizards Community

A new spellcasting concept. (Working on a name) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Gurthoron
09-19-05, 12:26 PM During my usual perusal of interesting homebrew classes on these boards, I came across one that allowed the character to use a couple psionic powers as spell-like abilities. However, each use of these abilities dealt subdual damage to the character. I loved this idea as it portrays the character being weakened and drained from their use of spells. Thus, I am trying to create a spellcasting class off of it. I am basing it off psionics as powers have built in costs that make them easy to judge subdual damage. However, I'm running into a few snags.

It is going to be a spontaneous spellcasting class, D8 hit dice, with spell DCs based off of Con, as that is going to be the vital score.

I have to forbid creatures immune to subdual from this class (undead and constructs) but I am unsure how to balance critters with fast healing and regeneration. I also am not sure how to cope with healing spells.

Now I could just make the damage you take unhealable except for a good nights sleep, (or maybe a miracle or wish) but I am not sure this would be the best way to go. Opinions?

I am also not sure whether to go wilder-style (Less powers known, better armor/weapon use) or psion style (more powers, bonus feats)

I would follow the normal psion power rules (overchanneling, etc.) as well as feats, although I probably would not use the psionic focus side for metamagic. Metamagicing would probably just be a full-round action instead.

Thoughts? Opinions?
The_Ditto
09-19-05, 12:43 PM Look closer at the feat: Body Fuel ... from XPH ... adjust it based on a PrC ... ;)
(ie allow the PrC to make it more efficient as it progresses ... )

That solves alot of your problems and restrictions ... ability burn is ability burn ... not much is immune to that!!
:tiphat:
Gurthoron
09-20-05, 01:42 PM Yeah, but thats a little mean for someone who based all his casting off. I'd like to avoid any kind of ability drain as it just doesn't work well for casting spells.

I'm thinking it will have to be "special" subdual damage that doesn't go away except with rest. Maybe give them a healing power that is cheap, but takes time (heals 1 point a level, costs 1 point to cast, takes 10 min. to cast, self only) so it cannot be used to continually replenish one's self in combat.

Any other thoughts or ideas? Maybe a name for this?
BaelinWhale
09-20-05, 02:14 PM Call it the 'Channeler' since that describes the class and ability.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Gurthoron 09-19-05, 12:26 PM	During my usual perusal of interesting homebrew classes on these boards, I came across one that allowed the character to use a couple psionic powers as spell-like abilities. However, each use of these abilities dealt subdual damage to the character. I loved this idea as it portrays the character being weakened and drained from their use of spells. Thus, I am trying to create a spellcasting class off of it. I am basing it off psionics as powers have built in costs that make them easy to judge subdual damage. However, I'm running into a few snags. It is going to be a spontaneous spellcasting class, D8 hit dice, with spell DCs based off of Con, as that is going to be the vital score. I have to forbid creatures immune to subdual from this class (undead and constructs) but I am unsure how to balance critters with fast healing and regeneration. I also am not sure how to cope with healing spells. Now I could just make the damage you take unhealable except for a good nights sleep, (or maybe a miracle or wish) but I am not sure this would be the best way to go. Opinions? I am also not sure whether to go wilder-style (Less powers known, better armor/weapon use) or psion style (more powers, bonus feats) I would follow the normal psion power rules (overchanneling, etc.) as well as feats, although I probably would not use the psionic focus side for metamagic. Metamagicing would probably just be a full-round action instead. Thoughts? Opinions?
The_Ditto 09-19-05, 12:43 PM	Look closer at the feat: Body Fuel ... from XPH ... adjust it based on a PrC ... ;) (ie allow the PrC to make it more efficient as it progresses ... ) That solves alot of your problems and restrictions ... ability burn is ability burn ... not much is immune to that!! :tiphat:
Gurthoron 09-20-05, 01:42 PM	Yeah, but thats a little mean for someone who based all his casting off. I'd like to avoid any kind of ability drain as it just doesn't work well for casting spells. I'm thinking it will have to be "special" subdual damage that doesn't go away except with rest. Maybe give them a healing power that is cheap, but takes time (heals 1 point a level, costs 1 point to cast, takes 10 min. to cast, self only) so it cannot be used to continually replenish one's self in combat. Any other thoughts or ideas? Maybe a name for this?
BaelinWhale 09-20-05, 02:14 PM	Call it the 'Channeler' since that describes the class and ability.