Post/Author/DateTime	Post
skio 05-18-07, 03:29 PM	I'm designing a homebrew race ('Weavelings') that are a mix of planetouched and mutants (xmen-like). Approximately one out of every 5.000 human births results into the birth of a weaveling, a human with unusual appearance and special powers. Most fear and distrust them as their powers make them a kind apart. Physical Description: Weavelings are humans with strange characteristics, the most usual being red, light blue or green skin. Many also have a multitude of other characteristics such as glowing red eyes and even horns and tails. Most weavelings age differently than normal humans, maturing at the age of 10 and reaching ages of 100-120 years old. Sages have attempted to categorize weavelings based on alignments (dark or light weavelings) or elements (weavelings of fire or air) but these categorizations seem rather naïve and incomplete. Personality: As humans, weavelings cannot be easily categorized, but most tend to be rebellious and eccentric, a result of the treatment they usually receive from their communities. The mistrust and resent of their environment usually sends them into wandering and makes them self-reliable and inventive. Many weavelings are drawn to arts and music. The race is is medium-sized, with no ability adjustments or any other bonus/penalty. They only possess darkvision 60ft. Their main bonus is that they possess a number of spell-like abilities, selected by the player. The trouble is assigning these spell-like abilities in a way that the race is balanced at +1 LA. Below I have my suggestion about the mechanic. A weaveling may choose a total of 3 levels of spells from the wizard/sorcerer spell list to possess as spell-like abilities (two 0 level spells count as one of 1st level). For example, the weaveling may choose three 1st level spells, one 3rd level or one 1st level and one 2nd level. These spell-like abilities can be used a total number of times per day equal to half the character's HD (round up). The caster level equals the character's total HD. Any suggetions?
YabaTheWhat 05-18-07, 06:06 PM	A weaveling may choose a total of 3 levels of spells from the wizard/sorcerer spell list to possess as spell-like abilities (two 0 level spells count as one of 1st level). For example, the weaveling may choose three 1st level spells, one 3rd level or one 1st level and one 2nd level. These spell-like abilities can be used a total number of times per day equal to half the character's HD (round up). The caster level equals the character's total HD. Any suggetions? Overall that doesn't sound too bad. You'll want to clarify whether each SLA may be used once/day per two character levels, or if that's the total number of uses for all SLAs. I can see a couple minor abuses, but the only one that might not be reasonably balanced with a sacrificed level is if the player chooses a second- or third-level spell that doesn't scale much in power by caster level. While one could make a similar argument about non-scaling first-level spells, the character could just as easily take a level of sorcerer for the same effect. For example, at 2hd, they could have a 2d6 fireball once/day. That's not really a problem. However, they could also have Fly or Dispel Magic or Invisibility Sphere once/day. Caster level only affects duration for the Fly and Invisibility spells, and only adds a small bonus on your Dispel Magic check. Scorching Ray is as powerful at first level as at sixth level. Bull's Strength will last an entire combat even at caster level 1. (One could say similar things about the barbarian Rage ability, but this stacks on top of barbarian rage.) On the other hand, for a similar level adjustment (LA+1), once could create a race with an ability similar to many of these SLAs. A creature could have a breath weapon, or winged flight, or spell resistance. So on the whole, it's probably still balanced. If they take low-level spells, it's like a single level of sorcerer, only it scales. If they take one more potent spell, it's like having a potent special ability, only its use is still limited.
Timedude 05-19-07, 07:58 AM	I like it. This is a clever little mini mechanic. As for how balenced it is, I've no clue.I don't do well with balence. I just really like the concept. Sounds like a race that could open up all sorts of new roleplaying possibilities.Hmm.. I'm going to try to keep up with this topic, and see how this developes. Good job! Tmedude
skio 05-19-07, 08:36 AM	You'll want to clarify whether each SLA may be used once/day per two character levels, or if that's the total number of uses for all SLAs. Indeed, my intention is that that all SLAs have a TOTAL number of uses 1/2lvls, ie, a 4HD weaveling can use his SLAs twice a day in any combination, regardless of hoa many SLAs he has chosen. I also consider halving the caster level (caster level = 1/2 HD, round up) The idea behind this race is to create characters that, by sacrificing a class level, they can receive one or two abilities that will make them more effective in their chosen class. For example, a fighter with Bull's strength, a rogue with invisibility etc (much like a superhero) Another reason for the creation of weavelings is an attempt to combine all planetouched races into a single race, in a way that the player is able to create limitless class/SLAs combinations. In my campaign setting, there is little knowledge about planes (although I assume they are as normal), so the term 'planetouched' is inappropriate. Thanks for the support