My homebrew rules for "Elan-ification" [Archive] - Wizards Community

My homebrew rules for "Elan-ification" [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
JulesCARV
08-30-07, 03:26 PM In my setting, elans are a fairly new idea, still in its primitive stages. Rather than being administered by a secretive cabal, it's a publicly known psionic research project. The eventual goal of the project that created elans is a sort of transhumanoidism -- overcoming death and the other limits people face. Currently, it only works on humans, because the tribe in which this project is administered, funded, conducted, etc, is a predominantly human tribe, and they had to start somewhere, but eventually they'd like to extend it to halflings, elves, gnomes, dwarves, etc.

Still, it's currently extremely experimental, and usually doesn't work. In addition, those even capable of participating in the process must have considerable psychometabolic abilities.

Prerequisites:
-Must be human
-Must be able to manifest ectoplasmic form

The process
-Takes four days (96 hours), in which the character is unconscious
-It takes place in a laboratory, where the character must be naked, without any items.
-Currently, chances are 1 in 12 that the process works (12 on a d12 roll, or whatever). In other cases, the participant must make a DC 20 fortitude save or die. With a successful save, the character does not undergo the transformation into elan, but still survives as a human.

As an elan:
-You become a level 1 character, choosing your class and first level feat within 6 hours of the end of the process, while your mind is still plastic.
-You retain your existing ability scores, with the exception of any bonuses (such as inherent bonuses) or increases from level ups divisible by four, and charisma, which is reduced by 2.

Thoughts?
Ecureuil_Diabolique
08-30-07, 04:14 PM Well first of all. I like the idea of putting more into the whole "Elan-ification" process, although I would allow it so that it's more likely that a player character can become one, allowing a +1 to the die roll to achieve a 12 for every manifester level above the first.

Also, I would think that they would get at least the extra power point if they don't get the racial abilities. I mean possibly killing yourself to get a -2 cha doesn't seem like a mechanically sound plan. Of course being an awesome immortal psionic being is cool and all, but they should actually be more psionic than a normal human.
JulesCARV
08-30-07, 04:23 PM Well, yes. They would gain all elan racial traits, such as resistance, resilience, naturally psionic, etc.

Maybe it could be success more likely, like 1/3rd of the time, rather than 1/12th.

Also, I think there would be something about how participants can't have many dependents, or must have some form of inheritance to leave to them. Someone with dependent kids, for example, is usually excluded, since the process would usually leave them fatherless.

I should note that, currently, I do want it to be a bad deal for most people. Elans are still supposed to be rare. In time, the psychometabolic researchers would like to make the process more reliable, decreasing the risk of failure, and also requiring less of the participantant, such as not requiring such manifesting abilities and not requiring that they be human, so that the path to semi-immortality would be open to all, but currently they're not supposed to be anywhere near that point. (Also, they'd eventually like to make elans better, without the charisma drain, with darkvision, etc. They're still not near that point, though.)
Lycanthromancer
08-31-07, 04:02 PM Perhaps the process has gotten a little farther along. What you described was how it was at first, and now it's a 1-in-3 or a 1-in-4 chance.

Hmm. Otherwise, I do like what you have so far. Any more details on the experiments? Perhaps it has something to do with replacing your body-cells with ectoplasm?
DracoPhoenix
09-03-07, 08:33 AM Try statting it up so Elan is a template - should be relatively straight forward, but I don't know if it sh/would incur a +LA.

As for the process, fluff wise, you should consider making it a semi-secret organisation preforming it, keeps it more in line with the original fluff. More of they approach prospective subjects, though they do consider applicants, but they're not exactly in the Arcane Pages.

Also, if you can, consider looking at the Dragon Reborn Rebirth ritual for how it covers the mechanics - which is a similar effect & may be of some help. It would also allow for higher level conversion.

I wouldn't consider the chance of failure though - this is usually done at character creation, so you'd basically be re-rolling stats until 1) you passed your transformation process and 2) with the stats you wanted. (You can choose to fail a save if you get really crappy numbers).
JulesCARV
09-05-07, 12:34 AM If you started off as an elan, you're assumed to be one who made it. This is only if you're a human to start with, then want to become an elan.
DracoPhoenix
09-06-07, 09:55 AM If you started off as an elan, you're assumed to be one who made it. This is only if you're a human to start with, then want to become an elan.

Reading it through again, I've noticed one (possibly large) flaw that really needs attention - fluff wise, it's good.

Mechanically, it's the same result - your PC ends up a L1 Elan.

If someone decided mid campaign they wanted an Elan, they'd be better off killing their character and rolling a L(group lowest or what ever new PC rules apply) character who was created Elan at L1, but coincidentally took a very similar build progression otherwise. Which defeats the purpose of your idea.

That's why I suggested templating it. Then it could be applied at any level (and to any body), by simply modifying ability etc scores & special abilities.

The chance of failure is fine for fluff (& NPCs - adds to the rarity of the species), but seeing as the player is unlikely to pick Elan just play a L1 human - and possibly a dead one at that, unless a d12 says otherwise, it is mechanically mute.

Nor are they likely to want something that can kill them outright (again, see the suicide + re-roll above) & requires potentially more than attempt (with a save vs death effect) at higher levels - consider a penalty to con (temporary or permanent) to a failed save.

Also, fluff wise you've limited it to a 5th level egoist (9th other discipline via the Exp. knowledge feat) & L7 psi-war - all of which they are then going to lose.

If you switched the pre-req to be the psionic body feat, it would open it up to other psionic based creatures & classes, while in keeping with the flavour.

As it stands, you've not offered the player any reason to take up the Elan process beyond taking it at 1st like anyone else.
Lycanthromancer
09-06-07, 02:06 PM Muahahaha...I have an idea that might work, even with the 'normal' elanification process (including the knockback to level 1).

I invented a power called sands of time which can let you throw someone into the depths of the past, or far into the future (among other things). Just have the elan fail his save, and then spend a few hundred-thousand years trying to find his way back. If they're high level, he could be reaching just that point by the time he finds them. :)
Ra-Tiel
09-06-07, 02:33 PM Muahahaha...I have an idea that might work, even with the 'normal' elanification process (including the knockback to level 1).

I invented a power called sands of time which can let you throw someone into the depths of the past, or far into the future (among other things). Just have the elan fail his save, and then spend a few hundred-thousand years trying to find his way back. If they're high level, he could be reaching just that point by the time he finds them. :)
Now this could actually work. However, I'd modify it a little. The Elan is actually created at first level as usual, but then the psionic ritual causes him to live through his previous life again, making the same - or different - choices on his journey. When he finally wakes up, he is the same ECL as before (adjusted for any possible LA from the Elan template) but a different race.

As for the mechanical aspect: may I offer a simple suggestion? Why not just make it a manifester level check instead of a d12 roll? This way you could also more easily adjust the probability of people succeeding at the ritual (DC 50 for virtually nobody, DC 10 for almost everyone, etc).

Also, I wouldn't kill off characters who failed. Just say that those who fail the ML check by 10 or more suffer from a feeblemind effect until cured (no save). This also puts the character in a bad situation, but is more easily reversable than death, which ultimately means it's more appealing to players.
Alpha_Moose
09-06-07, 04:28 PM Muahahaha...I have an idea that might work, even with the 'normal' elanification process (including the knockback to level 1).

I invented a power called sands of time which can let you throw someone into the depths of the past, or far into the future (among other things). Just have the elan fail his save, and then spend a few hundred-thousand years trying to find his way back. If they're high level, he could be reaching just that point by the time he finds them. :)
Or use a Thought Bottle. That allows this to be used mid-campaign, basically as interestingly flavored retraining.
sijigs
09-07-07, 06:39 PM Elanificer: "You take the red pill.. and you stay in Wonderland I'll show you how deep the rabbit hole goes..."

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
JulesCARV 08-30-07, 03:26 PM	In my setting, elans are a fairly new idea, still in its primitive stages. Rather than being administered by a secretive cabal, it's a publicly known psionic research project. The eventual goal of the project that created elans is a sort of transhumanoidism -- overcoming death and the other limits people face. Currently, it only works on humans, because the tribe in which this project is administered, funded, conducted, etc, is a predominantly human tribe, and they had to start somewhere, but eventually they'd like to extend it to halflings, elves, gnomes, dwarves, etc. Still, it's currently extremely experimental, and usually doesn't work. In addition, those even capable of participating in the process must have considerable psychometabolic abilities. Prerequisites: -Must be human -Must be able to manifest ectoplasmic form The process -Takes four days (96 hours), in which the character is unconscious -It takes place in a laboratory, where the character must be naked, without any items. -Currently, chances are 1 in 12 that the process works (12 on a d12 roll, or whatever). In other cases, the participant must make a DC 20 fortitude save or die. With a successful save, the character does not undergo the transformation into elan, but still survives as a human. As an elan: -You become a level 1 character, choosing your class and first level feat within 6 hours of the end of the process, while your mind is still plastic. -You retain your existing ability scores, with the exception of any bonuses (such as inherent bonuses) or increases from level ups divisible by four, and charisma, which is reduced by 2. Thoughts?
Ecureuil_Diabolique 08-30-07, 04:14 PM	Well first of all. I like the idea of putting more into the whole "Elan-ification" process, although I would allow it so that it's more likely that a player character can become one, allowing a +1 to the die roll to achieve a 12 for every manifester level above the first. Also, I would think that they would get at least the extra power point if they don't get the racial abilities. I mean possibly killing yourself to get a -2 cha doesn't seem like a mechanically sound plan. Of course being an awesome immortal psionic being is cool and all, but they should actually be more psionic than a normal human.
JulesCARV 08-30-07, 04:23 PM	Well, yes. They would gain all elan racial traits, such as resistance, resilience, naturally psionic, etc. Maybe it could be success more likely, like 1/3rd of the time, rather than 1/12th. Also, I think there would be something about how participants can't have many dependents, or must have some form of inheritance to leave to them. Someone with dependent kids, for example, is usually excluded, since the process would usually leave them fatherless. I should note that, currently, I do want it to be a bad deal for most people. Elans are still supposed to be rare. In time, the psychometabolic researchers would like to make the process more reliable, decreasing the risk of failure, and also requiring less of the participantant, such as not requiring such manifesting abilities and not requiring that they be human, so that the path to semi-immortality would be open to all, but currently they're not supposed to be anywhere near that point. (Also, they'd eventually like to make elans better, without the charisma drain, with darkvision, etc. They're still not near that point, though.)
Lycanthromancer 08-31-07, 04:02 PM	Perhaps the process has gotten a little farther along. What you described was how it was at first, and now it's a 1-in-3 or a 1-in-4 chance. Hmm. Otherwise, I do like what you have so far. Any more details on the experiments? Perhaps it has something to do with replacing your body-cells with ectoplasm?
DracoPhoenix 09-03-07, 08:33 AM	Try statting it up so Elan is a template - should be relatively straight forward, but I don't know if it sh/would incur a +LA. As for the process, fluff wise, you should consider making it a semi-secret organisation preforming it, keeps it more in line with the original fluff. More of they approach prospective subjects, though they do consider applicants, but they're not exactly in the Arcane Pages. Also, if you can, consider looking at the Dragon Reborn Rebirth ritual for how it covers the mechanics - which is a similar effect & may be of some help. It would also allow for higher level conversion. I wouldn't consider the chance of failure though - this is usually done at character creation, so you'd basically be re-rolling stats until 1) you passed your transformation process and 2) with the stats you wanted. (You can choose to fail a save if you get really crappy numbers).
JulesCARV 09-05-07, 12:34 AM	If you started off as an elan, you're assumed to be one who made it. This is only if you're a human to start with, then want to become an elan.
DracoPhoenix 09-06-07, 09:55 AM	If you started off as an elan, you're assumed to be one who made it. This is only if you're a human to start with, then want to become an elan. Reading it through again, I've noticed one (possibly large) flaw that really needs attention - fluff wise, it's good. Mechanically, it's the same result - your PC ends up a L1 Elan. If someone decided mid campaign they wanted an Elan, they'd be better off killing their character and rolling a L(group lowest or what ever new PC rules apply) character who was created Elan at L1, but coincidentally took a very similar build progression otherwise. Which defeats the purpose of your idea. That's why I suggested templating it. Then it could be applied at any level (and to any body), by simply modifying ability etc scores & special abilities. The chance of failure is fine for fluff (& NPCs - adds to the rarity of the species), but seeing as the player is unlikely to pick Elan just play a L1 human - and possibly a dead one at that, unless a d12 says otherwise, it is mechanically mute. Nor are they likely to want something that can kill them outright (again, see the suicide + re-roll above) & requires potentially more than attempt (with a save vs death effect) at higher levels - consider a penalty to con (temporary or permanent) to a failed save. Also, fluff wise you've limited it to a 5th level egoist (9th other discipline via the Exp. knowledge feat) & L7 psi-war - all of which they are then going to lose. If you switched the pre-req to be the psionic body feat, it would open it up to other psionic based creatures & classes, while in keeping with the flavour. As it stands, you've not offered the player any reason to take up the Elan process beyond taking it at 1st like anyone else.
Lycanthromancer 09-06-07, 02:06 PM	Muahahaha...I have an idea that might work, even with the 'normal' elanification process (including the knockback to level 1). I invented a power called sands of time which can let you throw someone into the depths of the past, or far into the future (among other things). Just have the elan fail his save, and then spend a few hundred-thousand years trying to find his way back. If they're high level, he could be reaching just that point by the time he finds them. :)
Ra-Tiel 09-06-07, 02:33 PM	Muahahaha...I have an idea that might work, even with the 'normal' elanification process (including the knockback to level 1). I invented a power called sands of time which can let you throw someone into the depths of the past, or far into the future (among other things). Just have the elan fail his save, and then spend a few hundred-thousand years trying to find his way back. If they're high level, he could be reaching just that point by the time he finds them. :) Now this could actually work. However, I'd modify it a little. The Elan is actually created at first level as usual, but then the psionic ritual causes him to live through his previous life again, making the same - or different - choices on his journey. When he finally wakes up, he is the same ECL as before (adjusted for any possible LA from the Elan template) but a different race. As for the mechanical aspect: may I offer a simple suggestion? Why not just make it a manifester level check instead of a d12 roll? This way you could also more easily adjust the probability of people succeeding at the ritual (DC 50 for virtually nobody, DC 10 for almost everyone, etc). Also, I wouldn't kill off characters who failed. Just say that those who fail the ML check by 10 or more suffer from a feeblemind effect until cured (no save). This also puts the character in a bad situation, but is more easily reversable than death, which ultimately means it's more appealing to players.
Alpha_Moose 09-06-07, 04:28 PM	Muahahaha...I have an idea that might work, even with the 'normal' elanification process (including the knockback to level 1). I invented a power called sands of time which can let you throw someone into the depths of the past, or far into the future (among other things). Just have the elan fail his save, and then spend a few hundred-thousand years trying to find his way back. If they're high level, he could be reaching just that point by the time he finds them. :) Or use a Thought Bottle. That allows this to be used mid-campaign, basically as interestingly flavored retraining.
sijigs 09-07-07, 06:39 PM	Elanificer: "You take the red pill.. and you stay in Wonderland I'll show you how deep the rabbit hole goes..."