Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ericSHINRA 03-07-07, 11:35 PM	Revised Banzan in 9th post. BANZAN Banzan are odd-pig like humanoids which stand around five-feet in height and are usually just as wide. Though driven by their own selfish interests, Banzan can be a useful addition to any adventuring party so long as the price is right. Personality: Banzan are not known for their wit or manners but rather for their intense greed and the extent to which they’ll go to satisfy that unyielding avarice. Having no overall social structure, Banzan frequently mingle amongst the other races, some more decent then others. Placing little stock in family, tradition or even their own kind as a whole, Banzan tend to keep to themselves and see each other as rivals for the world’s riches. Valuing their own careers above all else, the Banzan have developed nearly three-hundred guidelines, ‘The Rules of Acquisition’ to ensure the profitability of their businesses and economic ventures. Aside from greed, the Banzan are also a symbol of gluttony. They can eat just about anything they get their hands on and suffer none of the side effects of food-poison or the like normal folk have to endure. Physical Description: Banzan are short and incredibly stocky creatures who come in a variety of colors ranging from deep red to bright blue. They stand no taller then five feet in height and usually weigh over three-hundred pounds. Unlike most other races, there is no appreciable difference between genders in regard to height and weight, or much else for that matter. Though they greatly value coin, most Banzan do not adorn themselves with material possessions apart from a multitude of expensive rings and bolts they pierce their ears and noses with. Their clothing is always simple and never flashy or eye-catching, coming in browns, blacks and grays. Relations: Unlikely to trust others, especially other Banzan, they usually keep to themselves. Though occasionally a group may form a small collective, such a thing rarely lasts, as Banzan constantly seek to out-do one another. Banzan see themselves superior to all other races and take great pleasure in ‘proving’ this through their often cruel, let legitimate business practices. Most Banzan live around three-hundred years and over their long lives can acquire massive fortunes they rarely pass on to anyone save their most beloved kin. Alignment: Though most Banzan base their entire lives around their three-hundred ‘Rules of Acquisition,’ they also believe in the unwritten rule, ‘When no appropriate rule applies, make one up’. With their backstabbing and cruel, though not necessarily evil disposition, most Banzan favor chaos over law and generally chose not to concern themselves with the moral issue of good versus evil. Banzan Lands: The Banzan have no lands of their own but freely mingle within most societies, save the humans of the north. The greatest number of Banzan are found in the ruins of Narshe. Religion: The Banzan are not known at all for their piety, though a select few will gladly toast to Olidamarra following a completion of a successful business transaction, legitimate or not. It is rare for a Banzan to think of others before himself and therefore rarely joins any sort of clergy. Language: Banzan speak a version of Terran among their own kind and and do business in Common. They do make a point, however, of mastering other tounges to help in creating a repertoire with races they do business. Adventures: Because of their unyeilding avarice, few Banzan will venture out into the world unless there is profit to be made and almost never dedicate themselves to a cause greater then themselves. It is quite possible, however, that the Banzan don't believe such a cause exists. Though tough, Banzan are unable to exert themselves for long periods of time. That said, they're not well-suited for combat or extended travel by foot.
ericSHINRA 03-08-07, 12:04 PM	BANZAN RACIAL TRAITS: medium monstrous humanoid ~ +2 Constitution, -2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma ~ Medium size. ~ Base Land Speed: 20 feet. ~ Stability: Banzan gain a +4 bonus on ability checks made to resist being bull rushed or tripped when standing on the ground (but not when climbing, flying, riding, or otherwise not standing firmly on the ground). ~ Sweat Glands: Banzan lack the normal sweat glands other creatures possess and take a -4 penalty to checks involving exhaustion. ~ Cast Iron Stomach: Banzan have a +4 bonus to fortitude saves against injested poison(including alcohol), spoiled food or other toxic substances. ~ +3 racial bonus to Sense Motive, Bluff and Appraise checks. ~ +1 Natural Armor bonus. ~ Automatic Languages: Terran, Common. ~ Favored Class: Rogue. ~ Level Adjustment: +0 BANZAN PARAGON: GAME RULE INFORMATION Table: The Banzan Paragon Level BAB Fort Ref Will Special 1st +0 +2 +0 +0 Shrewd Merchant, Improved Tolerance 2nd +1 +3 +0 +0 Natural Armor Increase 3rd +2 +3 +1 +1 Ability boost (Con +2) Banzan paragons have the following game statistics. Abilities: Though not the most suitable combatants, Constitution helps the Banzan survive their travels and live long, healthy lives. Alignment: Usually Chaotic Neutral Hit Die: d10. Class Skills The Banzan paragon's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Appraise (Int),Bluff(Cha) Craft (Int), Diplomacy(Cha), Forgery(Int), Gather Information(Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge(Any)(Int), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Slight of Hand(Dex) and Speak Language. Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier. Class Features All of the following are class features of the Banzan paragon class. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Banzan paragons are proficient with all simple weapons, with light, medium, and heavy armorand with shields (but not with tower shields). Shrewd Merchant (Ex): A Banzan Paragon may add his class levels the following skill checks, Appraise(Int), Sense Motive(Wis) and Bluff(Cha). Improved Tolerance (Ex): At 1st Level, a Banzan’s resistance to ingested poison improves by 2. Natural Armor Increase (Ex.): At 2nd level, a Banzan’s natural armor bonus improves by 1. Ability Boost (Ex): At 3rd level, a Banzan paragon's Constitution score increases by 2 points.
ericSHINRA 03-09-07, 10:21 AM	I figure enough time has certainly passed since I first posted, yet no response whatsoever. Interesting... >_< 03-07-07, 11:35 PM Original Post Yesterday, 12:04 PM Racial Traits and Paragon Levels moved to second post.
ericSHINRA 03-17-07, 11:46 PM	No comments at all? T_T
bobothechimp 03-18-07, 01:21 AM	Looks good. I like it.
ericSHINRA 03-18-07, 01:40 AM	Looks good. I like it. Would have appreciated a more detailed response but... Thanks, I think.
Shedeo 03-18-07, 02:17 AM	Alright, I'll give it a whirl. Firstly, the flavor text seems good, I actually like it, though I could give some insight on that once I'm a bit more awake if you'd like. Now onto the crunch of the matter. Firstly, having them LA +0 is fine, I'd say that they look alright for that, despite all the other things. Usually people say that a +1 natural armor deserves a LA by itself, but I tend to disagree. Now the problem is that they're Monstrous Humanoid, which make them immune to such spells as Charm Person and Dominate Person. This does deserve a level adjustment. So, were I you, I'd just change their type to Humanoid (Banzan.) Lastly, bump the bonuses on the skill checks to +2. As a general rule of thumb, never use an odd number. That said, I really like the race's concept and the way it was carried out. Good job.
ericSHINRA 03-18-07, 05:03 PM	Thanks for the imput. I'd love to hear what you think of the flavor text, too. I think I'll take your advice on the issue of skill Bonuses. The Natural Armor just seems to fit with the race overall so I wasn't to concerned about it and realized they might be a powerful +0 LA. I completely forgot about the type of creature the Banzan is would affect it's ability to be affected by certain spells. Revised Banzan in next post.
ericSHINRA 03-18-07, 05:06 PM	Revised BANZAN Banzan are odd pig-like humanoids which stand around five-feet in height and are usually just as wide. Though driven by their own selfish interests, Banzan can be a useful addition to any adventuring party so long as the price is right. Personality: Banzan are not known for their wit or manners but rather for their intense greed and the extent to which they’ll go to satisfy that unyielding avarice. Having no overall social structure, Banzan frequently mingle amongst the other races, some more decent then others. Placing little stock in family, tradition or even their own kind as a whole, Banzan tend to keep to themselves and see each other as rivals for the world’s riches. Valuing their own careers above all else, the Banzan have developed nearly three-hundred guidelines, ‘The Rules of Acquisition’ to ensure the profitability of their businesses and economic ventures. Aside from greed, the Banzan are also a symbol of gluttony. They can eat just about anything they get their hands on and suffer none of the side effects of food-poison or the like normal folk have to endure. Physical Description: Banzan are short and incredibly stocky creatures who come in a variety of colors ranging from deep red to bright blue. They stand no taller then five feet in height and usually weigh over three-hundred pounds. Unlike most other races, there is no appreciable difference between genders in regard to height and weight, or much else for that matter. Though they greatly value coin, most Banzan do not adorn themselves with material possessions apart from a multitude of expensive rings and bolts they pierce their ears and noses with. Their clothing is always simple and never flashy or eye-catching, coming in browns, blacks and grays. Relations: Unlikely to trust others, especially other Banzan, they usually keep to themselves. Though occasionally a group may form a small collective, such a thing rarely lasts, as Banzan constantly seek to out-do one another. Banzan see themselves superior to all other races and take great pleasure in ‘proving’ this through their often cruel, let legitimate business practices. Most Banzan live around three-hundred years and over their long lives can acquire massive fortunes they rarely pass on to anyone save their most beloved kin. Alignment: Though most Banzan base their entire lives around their three-hundred ‘Rules of Acquisition,’ they also believe in the unwritten rule, ‘When no appropriate rule applies, make one up’. With their backstabbing and cruel, though not necessarily evil disposition, most Banzan favor chaos over law and generally chose not to concern themselves with the moral issue of good versus evil. Banzan Lands: The Banzan have no lands of their own but freely mingle within most societies, the more xenomorphic nations. Religion: The Banzan are not known at all for their piety, though a select few will gladly toast to Olidamarra following a completion of a successful business transaction, legitimate or not. It is rare for a Banzan to think of others before himself and therefore rarely joins any sort of clergy. Language: Banzan speak a version of Terran among their own kind and and do business in Common. They do make a point, however, of mastering other tounges to help in creating a repertoire with races they do business. Adventures: Because of their unyeilding avarice, few Banzan will venture out into the world unless there is profit to be made and almost never dedicate themselves to a cause greater then themselves. It is quite possible, however, that the Banzan don't believe such a cause exists. Though tough, Banzan are unable to exert themselves for long periods of time. That said, they're not well-suited for combat or extended travel by foot. BANZAN RACIAL TRAITS: Medium Humanoid(Banzan) ~ +2 Constitution, -2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma ~ Medium size. ~ Base Land Speed: 20 feet. ~ Stability: Banzan gain a +4 bonus on ability checks made to resist being bull rushed or tripped when standing on the ground (but not when climbing, flying, riding, or otherwise not standing firmly on the ground). ~ Sweat Glands (EX): Banzan lack the normal sweat glands other creatures possess and take a -4 penalty to checks involving exhaustion. ~ Cast Iron Stomach(EX): Banzan have a +4 bonus to fortitude saves against injested poison(including alcohol), spoiled food or other toxic substances. ~Back-Stabber (EX): A Banzan is always considered to have a rogue level equal to his character level + 4 whenever he is determining whether or not he can catch an opponent flat-footed. ~ +2 racial bonus to Sense Motive, Bluff and Appraise checks. ~ +1 Natural Armor bonus. ~ Automatic Languages: Terran, Common. ~ Favored Class: Rogue. ~ Level Adjustment: +0 BANZAN PARAGON: GAME RULE INFORMATION Table: The Banzan Paragon Level BAB Fort Ref Will Special 1st +0 +2 +0 +0 Shrewd Merchant, Improved Tolerance 2nd +1 +3 +0 +0 Natural Armor Increase 3rd +2 +3 +1 +1 Ability boost (Con +2) Banzan paragons have the following game statistics. Abilities: Though not the most suitable combatants, Constitution helps the Banzan survive their travels and live long, healthy lives. Alignment: Usually Chaotic Neutral Hit Die: d10. Class Skills The Banzan paragon's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Appraise (Int),Bluff(Cha) Craft (Int), Diplomacy(Cha), Forgery(Int), Gather Information(Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge(Any)(Int), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Slight of Hand(Dex) and Speak Language. Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier. Class Features All of the following are class features of the Banzan paragon class. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Banzan paragons are proficient with all simple weapons, with light, medium, and heavy armor and with shields (but not with tower shields). Shrewd Merchant (Ex): A Banzan Paragon may add his class levels the following skill checks, Appraise(Int), Sense Motive(Wis) and Bluff(Cha). Improved Tolerance (Ex): At 1st Level, a Banzan’s resistance to ingested poison improves by 2. Natural Armor Increase (Ex.): At 2nd level, a Banzan’s natural armor bonus improves by 1 Ability Boost (Ex): At 3rd level, a Banzan paragon's Constitution score increases by 2 points.
AMGriffin 03-18-07, 05:40 PM	They seem like the older 2E orcs to me sorta, being greedy pig men. On another note... The dwarf violently owns this creature.
ericSHINRA 03-18-07, 05:41 PM	They seem like the older 2E orcs to me sorta, being greedy pig men. On another note... The dwarf violently owns this creature. Having never played 2nd Edition I'll take your word on that. I'm not sure I'd compare the Banzan to Dwarves, despite their similar features. Also, the Banzan isn't built to be a symbol of combat prowess like a Dwarf but to rather be a different kind of Rogue.
Shedeo 03-19-07, 01:15 AM	Something you may consider, then, if you want them to be excellent at back-stabbing people, and to bump them up a bit. I thougth this up off the top of my head, so here we go. Back-Stabber (EX): A Banzan is always considered to have a rogue level equal to his character level + 4 whenever he is determining whether or not he can catch an opponent flat-footed. Basically means that if a 14th level Banzan fighter is going to betray his 14th-level rogue friend, he can catch them flat-footed regardless.
morbid_freak 03-19-07, 01:18 AM	They move a little slow though. Jack up the speed, it'll still be balanced!
ericSHINRA 03-19-07, 01:29 AM	Something you may consider, then, if you want them to be excellent at back-stabbing people, and to bump them up a bit. I thougth this up off the top of my head, so here we go. Back-Stabber (EX): A Banzan is always considered to have a rogue level equal to his character level + 4 whenever he is determining whether or not he can catch an opponent flat-footed. Basically means that if a 14th level Banzan fighter is going to betray his 14th-level rogue friend, he can catch them flat-footed regardless. I figured most Banzan NPCs will be using the Feat Variant from UA but how much would that raise the Level Adjustment? They move a little slow though. Jack up the speed, it'll still be balanced! I see no reason why they'd have a Base Land Speed greater then 20. They're not supposed to be swift at all.
Shedeo 03-19-07, 01:32 AM	I agree with ericSHINRA on the base speed part. And if you ask me, with the race as-is, it wouldn't increase the LA at all. Its a good ability to have, but not incredibly broken since at lower levels its relatively useless and at higher levels, its use is still limited.
ericSHINRA 03-19-07, 01:40 AM	I agree with ericSHINRA on the base speed part. And if you ask me, with the race as-is, it wouldn't increase the LA at all. Its a good ability to have, but not incredibly broken since at lower levels its relatively useless and at higher levels, its use is still limited. I debated on allow them the ability to move unhindered in armor like Dwarves but that was an older, more suitable for combat version and I thought it would step on the Dwarves toes. Alright, I think I'll take your advice. So long as it doesn't raise the LA I'm fine with adding said feature.
Shedeo 03-19-07, 03:32 AM	No, I don't think it would be unbalancing at all, and it would prove to be a nice, different ability for them. I would like to get a second opinion, but I think its fine.
ericSHINRA 03-19-07, 10:49 AM	No, I don't think it would be unbalancing at all, and it would prove to be a nice, different ability for them. I would like to get a second opinion, but I think its fine. Now that I think about it, I might want to come up with an alternate ability seeing as the Banzan was supposed to be a different type of rogue then your standard stealthy thief.