Perhaps of heav'n, if there a dog star be ... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Perhaps of heav'n, if there a dog star be ... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
ChimericPhase
08-19-07, 08:08 PM http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/boed_gallery/75115.jpg
Starpup

Starpups are the descendants of Moon Dogs (BoED pg179) that stayed too long on the Material Plane and crossbred with canines of the Material Plane. They have inherited some small vestige of their ancestor's powers, and often become champions of good.

Personality: Starpups are generally friendly and outgoing, although cautiously so with strangers or suspicious individuals. Most starpups are sharp observers, quick to notice and react to subtle behaviours and postures. They enjoy the anominity their appearance gives them, enabling them to move unhindered in the midsts of humanity.

Physical description: Starpups are smaller than their ancestors, but like their progenitors, they resemble shaggy dogs with a light of intelligence in their eyes and dexterous paws. Starpups have short oposable thumbs on their forepaws and their toes are more finger-like giving them the capacity for manipulation - enough to weild weapons or use items. Starpups can also stand and move (at half speed) on their hindlegs to make better use of their 'hands'.

Relations: Many starpups become personally attached to an individual or family, feeling they are fated gaurdians and therefore especially protective. Others favor the path of the loner hunter, ranging constantly in their personal goals - such as destroying or chasing out evil in the places they call home. Starpups that do choose to interact with the humanoid races are usually received very well and are rarely ever at odds with good-aligned races.

Alignment: Starpups strongly favor good, with more tendencies towards lawful than their Moon Dog ancestors, although many loners take on more of a neutral or chaotic intent.

Lands: Generally not recognized as a race, starpups have no lands of their own. However, many chose small areas, such as a small valley, or a particular district of a large city, as their own 'territory'. Prowling urban and rural wastelands alike, they feel an instinctive need to protect their adopted homelands.

Religion: Most starpups honor Valarian (BoED pg 76), the god of forests and creatures. More urban starpups are inclined towards whatever good deity is prominent in their city, particularly Pelor or Ehlonna.

Languages: Starpups speak Common, their bonus languages are Celestial, Elven, Halfling, Gnome, and Infernal.

Names: Starpup names vary greatly. Some choose names for themselves, others carry on the names of their celestial grandsires and dams. Many take on names given to them by others such as their campanions or, if fitting, from their enemies.

Adventures: Most starpups adventure willingly and eagerly, often when an humanoid friend(s) choses the adventuresome path, starpups find themselves falling naturally into a pack-like comradery. Some adventure to determine their place in the world and still others are driven to wander as their intelligence sets them above mundane canines, and their other worldly-ness arouses suspicisions amid more simple folk.

Starpup Racial Traits

-2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma; Starpups are insightful and personable, but their mixed heritage has dimmed their intelligence.

Small: a small character gets a +1 size bonus to Armor Class, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks. A Small character’s carrying capacity is three-quarters of that of a Medium character.

A Starpup's base land speed is 30 feet. As quadrupeds, starpups can move at this speed even when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load (unlike other creatures, whose speed is reduced in such situations). Also, a starpup may stand upright and move at half their speed in order to use their hands more effeciently. However, when standing upright a starpup's speed is reduced by armor or load weight as per normal.
Example: Blackfur can move 30 ft, or he can stand and move 15 ft. However, when he dons his full plate armor, his standing speed is reduced to 10 ft. (Apply armor penalty first, then divide in half)

Lowlight Vision: Starpups can twice as far as humans in low light conditions.

Spell-Like Abilities: 1/day—speak with animals (canines only, duration 1 minute).

Scent (Ex): A starpup can detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.

Howl (Su): 1x/day when a starpup howls, evil creatures within 40 ft must make a Will save (DC equals 10+1/2HD+Cha) or be shaken for 1d4 rounds. A creature that makes a succesful Will save cannot be affected by the same starpup's howl for 24 hours. This is a sonic mind-affecting fear effect.

Starpup Racial Feats

MoonPup
Your Moon Dog ancestor is not so distant as you think. As such, you feel the connection to the celestial ancestor more keenly. You are more like a Moon Dog than other Starpups.
Preq: race Starpup, 1st level
Benefit: Medium size: medium creatures have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size. Speed increases by 10 ft.

ShadowPup
You can touch the shadows, if only lightly
Prereq: MoonPup
Benefit: When in shadowed areas, the shadows themselves grant you a +1 dodge bonus and a +4 circumstance bonus to Hide and Move Silent checks.

LuckyPup
The power of your celestial blood tips things in your favor sometimes.
Prereq: Starpup, Cha 13
Benefit: 1x/day add +2 luck bonus to any one roll.

Divine Howl
Your howl has the fury of celestial righteousness in it.
Preq: MoonPup, Cha 13, any good alignment
Benefit: Your Howl is more powerful. 3x/day when a Starpup howls, evil creatures within 40 ft that succede on their Will save are shaken for 1 round, those that fail are frightened for 1d6 rounds.

- So gimme some feedback on this please. On one hand I'm thinking about just bumping them up to medium, but then I need something else for the Moonpup feat. Also, what is everyone's opinion on the LA?
malykoth
08-19-07, 08:28 PM I like it a lot...nice idea.

However, I'm not sure I'm feeling the attributes. The penalty to Con just seems like a poor choice. All dogs I know are very durable and can run and play for hours. I suggest you remove that penalty, and replace it with a -2 to Int. The text says they mated with mundane canines, so a slight dulling of the intellect might not be out of place. They can be shrewed and canny (more guided by Wisdom, anyway), but not much on knowledge, guided more by instinct than planning.

I picture their two-legged walking as being akward...perhaps a -2 circumstance penalty to Dex-based skills and rolls while on two legs?

I think the speaks with animals ability is weak enough to allow at will. This also reflects their close kinship to canines.

I like the feats, but I think Moonpup is a bit too weak. Maybe another minor bonus, like a +2 to all Cha-based skill checks when interacting with good outsiders, and to Intimidate checks when interacting with evil outsiders.

I suck at determining LA's...at least a +1, due to the Wis/Cha bonuses. Add in howl (limited number of uses?) and scent, and you have +2. Perhaps you could safely add low light vision for a nice +2? As I said, I'm not the best to ask...
ChimericPhase
08-19-07, 09:26 PM I like it a lot...nice idea.

However, I'm not sure I'm feeling the attributes. The penalty to Con just seems like a poor choice. All dogs I know are very durable and can run and play for hours. I suggest you remove that penalty, and replace it with a -2 to Int. The text says they mated with mundane canines, so a slight dulling of the intellect might not be out of place. They can be shrewed and canny (more guided by Wisdom, anyway), but not much on knowledge, guided more by instinct than planning.

This sounds reasonable. I think I will impliment this.

I picture their two-legged walking as being akward...perhaps a -2 circumstance penalty to Dex-based skills and rolls while on two legs?

The Mood Dog takes no penalty when walking upright except to move at half speed. I took that limitation and I increased it to be affected by armor. You can imagine how limiting it would be in a fight to only be able to move 10ft? While a starpup isn't slowed while in armor and on all fours, he can't use his hands to use weapons, items, or cast spells - he has to stand up for that. I feel this is a strong limitation as it is.

I like the feats, but I think Moonpup is a bit too weak. Maybe another minor bonus, like a +2 to all Cha-based skill checks when interacting with good outsiders, and to Intimidate checks when interacting with evil outsiders.
I don't know... MoonPup increases size, which drops small penalties and increases weight bearing. Also makes the Starpup big enough to be ridden, anyone say cohort for a gnome paladin? woot! Also, it gives a speed increase. I tend to dislike feats that give tons of stuff up front. MoonPup is mainly my key for the racial feats, which I designed to give the Starpup more of the Moon Dog abilities and flavor.

I suck at determining LA's...at least a +1, due to the Wis/Cha bonuses. Add in howl (limited number of uses?) and scent, and you have +2. Perhaps you could safely add low light vision for a nice +2? As I said, I'm not the best to ask...

I'd like to keep it as low as possible. Howl should probably be limited, maybe 1x/day, with the Divine Howl increasing it to 2-3 times?

In another thread, I've held out the debate that Scent is not worth as much as WotC make it out to be.

Vision I'd rather go one or the other: low light or darkvison, but not both. If it'll keep under a +1, I'll drop them to low light vision.
ChimericPhase
08-23-07, 01:44 AM :bump: Just fishing for a few more opinions before I call it done.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ChimericPhase 08-19-07, 08:08 PM	http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/boed_gallery/75115.jpg Starpup Starpups are the descendants of Moon Dogs (BoED pg179) that stayed too long on the Material Plane and crossbred with canines of the Material Plane. They have inherited some small vestige of their ancestor's powers, and often become champions of good. Personality: Starpups are generally friendly and outgoing, although cautiously so with strangers or suspicious individuals. Most starpups are sharp observers, quick to notice and react to subtle behaviours and postures. They enjoy the anominity their appearance gives them, enabling them to move unhindered in the midsts of humanity. Physical description: Starpups are smaller than their ancestors, but like their progenitors, they resemble shaggy dogs with a light of intelligence in their eyes and dexterous paws. Starpups have short oposable thumbs on their forepaws and their toes are more finger-like giving them the capacity for manipulation - enough to weild weapons or use items. Starpups can also stand and move (at half speed) on their hindlegs to make better use of their 'hands'. Relations: Many starpups become personally attached to an individual or family, feeling they are fated gaurdians and therefore especially protective. Others favor the path of the loner hunter, ranging constantly in their personal goals - such as destroying or chasing out evil in the places they call home. Starpups that do choose to interact with the humanoid races are usually received very well and are rarely ever at odds with good-aligned races. Alignment: Starpups strongly favor good, with more tendencies towards lawful than their Moon Dog ancestors, although many loners take on more of a neutral or chaotic intent. Lands: Generally not recognized as a race, starpups have no lands of their own. However, many chose small areas, such as a small valley, or a particular district of a large city, as their own 'territory'. Prowling urban and rural wastelands alike, they feel an instinctive need to protect their adopted homelands. Religion: Most starpups honor Valarian (BoED pg 76), the god of forests and creatures. More urban starpups are inclined towards whatever good deity is prominent in their city, particularly Pelor or Ehlonna. Languages: Starpups speak Common, their bonus languages are Celestial, Elven, Halfling, Gnome, and Infernal. Names: Starpup names vary greatly. Some choose names for themselves, others carry on the names of their celestial grandsires and dams. Many take on names given to them by others such as their campanions or, if fitting, from their enemies. Adventures: Most starpups adventure willingly and eagerly, often when an humanoid friend(s) choses the adventuresome path, starpups find themselves falling naturally into a pack-like comradery. Some adventure to determine their place in the world and still others are driven to wander as their intelligence sets them above mundane canines, and their other worldly-ness arouses suspicisions amid more simple folk. Starpup Racial Traits -2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma; Starpups are insightful and personable, but their mixed heritage has dimmed their intelligence. Small: a small character gets a +1 size bonus to Armor Class, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks. A Small character’s carrying capacity is three-quarters of that of a Medium character. A Starpup's base land speed is 30 feet. As quadrupeds, starpups can move at this speed even when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load (unlike other creatures, whose speed is reduced in such situations). Also, a starpup may stand upright and move at half their speed in order to use their hands more effeciently. However, when standing upright a starpup's speed is reduced by armor or load weight as per normal. Example: Blackfur can move 30 ft, or he can stand and move 15 ft. However, when he dons his full plate armor, his standing speed is reduced to 10 ft. (Apply armor penalty first, then divide in half) Lowlight Vision: Starpups can twice as far as humans in low light conditions. Spell-Like Abilities: 1/day—speak with animals (canines only, duration 1 minute). Scent (Ex): A starpup can detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell. Howl (Su): 1x/day when a starpup howls, evil creatures within 40 ft must make a Will save (DC equals 10+1/2HD+Cha) or be shaken for 1d4 rounds. A creature that makes a succesful Will save cannot be affected by the same starpup's howl for 24 hours. This is a sonic mind-affecting fear effect. Starpup Racial Feats MoonPup Your Moon Dog ancestor is not so distant as you think. As such, you feel the connection to the celestial ancestor more keenly. You are more like a Moon Dog than other Starpups. Preq: race Starpup, 1st level Benefit: Medium size: medium creatures have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size. Speed increases by 10 ft. ShadowPup You can touch the shadows, if only lightly Prereq: MoonPup Benefit: When in shadowed areas, the shadows themselves grant you a +1 dodge bonus and a +4 circumstance bonus to Hide and Move Silent checks. LuckyPup The power of your celestial blood tips things in your favor sometimes. Prereq: Starpup, Cha 13 Benefit: 1x/day add +2 luck bonus to any one roll. Divine Howl Your howl has the fury of celestial righteousness in it. Preq: MoonPup, Cha 13, any good alignment Benefit: Your Howl is more powerful. 3x/day when a Starpup howls, evil creatures within 40 ft that succede on their Will save are shaken for 1 round, those that fail are frightened for 1d6 rounds. - So gimme some feedback on this please. On one hand I'm thinking about just bumping them up to medium, but then I need something else for the Moonpup feat. Also, what is everyone's opinion on the LA?
malykoth 08-19-07, 08:28 PM	I like it a lot...nice idea. However, I'm not sure I'm feeling the attributes. The penalty to Con just seems like a poor choice. All dogs I know are very durable and can run and play for hours. I suggest you remove that penalty, and replace it with a -2 to Int. The text says they mated with mundane canines, so a slight dulling of the intellect might not be out of place. They can be shrewed and canny (more guided by Wisdom, anyway), but not much on knowledge, guided more by instinct than planning. I picture their two-legged walking as being akward...perhaps a -2 circumstance penalty to Dex-based skills and rolls while on two legs? I think the speaks with animals ability is weak enough to allow at will. This also reflects their close kinship to canines. I like the feats, but I think Moonpup is a bit too weak. Maybe another minor bonus, like a +2 to all Cha-based skill checks when interacting with good outsiders, and to Intimidate checks when interacting with evil outsiders. I suck at determining LA's...at least a +1, due to the Wis/Cha bonuses. Add in howl (limited number of uses?) and scent, and you have +2. Perhaps you could safely add low light vision for a nice +2? As I said, I'm not the best to ask...
ChimericPhase 08-19-07, 09:26 PM	I like it a lot...nice idea. However, I'm not sure I'm feeling the attributes. The penalty to Con just seems like a poor choice. All dogs I know are very durable and can run and play for hours. I suggest you remove that penalty, and replace it with a -2 to Int. The text says they mated with mundane canines, so a slight dulling of the intellect might not be out of place. They can be shrewed and canny (more guided by Wisdom, anyway), but not much on knowledge, guided more by instinct than planning. This sounds reasonable. I think I will impliment this. I picture their two-legged walking as being akward...perhaps a -2 circumstance penalty to Dex-based skills and rolls while on two legs? The Mood Dog takes no penalty when walking upright except to move at half speed. I took that limitation and I increased it to be affected by armor. You can imagine how limiting it would be in a fight to only be able to move 10ft? While a starpup isn't slowed while in armor and on all fours, he can't use his hands to use weapons, items, or cast spells - he has to stand up for that. I feel this is a strong limitation as it is. I like the feats, but I think Moonpup is a bit too weak. Maybe another minor bonus, like a +2 to all Cha-based skill checks when interacting with good outsiders, and to Intimidate checks when interacting with evil outsiders. I don't know... MoonPup increases size, which drops small penalties and increases weight bearing. Also makes the Starpup big enough to be ridden, anyone say cohort for a gnome paladin? woot! Also, it gives a speed increase. I tend to dislike feats that give tons of stuff up front. MoonPup is mainly my key for the racial feats, which I designed to give the Starpup more of the Moon Dog abilities and flavor. I suck at determining LA's...at least a +1, due to the Wis/Cha bonuses. Add in howl (limited number of uses?) and scent, and you have +2. Perhaps you could safely add low light vision for a nice +2? As I said, I'm not the best to ask... I'd like to keep it as low as possible. Howl should probably be limited, maybe 1x/day, with the Divine Howl increasing it to 2-3 times? In another thread, I've held out the debate that Scent is not worth as much as WotC make it out to be. Vision I'd rather go one or the other: low light or darkvison, but not both. If it'll keep under a +1, I'll drop them to low light vision.
ChimericPhase 08-23-07, 01:44 AM	:bump: Just fishing for a few more opinions before I call it done.