[Race] Drip... drip... drip... [Archive] - Wizards Community

[Race] Drip... drip... drip... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
The Vorpal Tribble
03-09-08, 06:48 PM Sewerfolk
http://tn3-2.deviantart.com/300W/images3.deviantart.com/i/2005/153/9/e/guy_in_the_sewer____by_sjaB.jpg

Within the lowermost recesses of the oldest cities where the walls drip and the refuse of those above flow down are found the Sewerfolk, humans adapted to the chill, festering climes of the urban bowels. Like maggots they prowl its depths, eking out a living by scavenging and a complete lack of shame. They are a stoic people, who take whatever life throws at them without complaint and makes the best of it. Resigned to their fate, they are always willing to take a chance in what many think of as bravery, searching into the deepest pits and foulest lairs.

Sewerfolk Racial Traits
Sewerfolk are not dissimilar from standard mankind, though they tend to be several inches shorter than normal norm in general, and quite thin and long of limb. They are possessed of an unhealthy pallor and their eyes are abnormally large and dark. Their noses are small and seem somewhat atrophied, with nostrils barely more then pinpricks in the underside of the organ. They where their hair long and matted, though otherwise they appear completely hairless and slick-skinned. They wear brown and green clothes covered in a thick layer of something that appears as mold or chemical ooze, though could conceivably be something much worse.

* Charisma -4, Constitution +2: Sewerfolk are incredibly nauseating examples of humankind and smell more or less as one would imagine. However, life in this damp squalor has seen that only the healthiest specimens have survived to breed.

* Medium: As medium creatures, sewerfolk have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

* Humanoid (Human): Sewerfolk are of human descent and are affected by spells and like as if they were purely human.

* 4 extra skill points at 1st level and 1 extra skill point at each additional level. Though not having the unmatched potential of most humans, sewerfolk are as able to pick up multiple skills with ease.

* Scavenger: Sewerfolk gain a +2 racial bonus on Appraise, Spot and Survival checks.

* Low-Light Vision: Sewerfolk can see twice as far as a normal human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.

* Resigned: Sewerfolk gain a +2 bonus to resist fear and sorrow effects, such as from Crushing Despair.

* Slumgullet: Sewerfolk can gain sustenance from near anything organic, regardless of its freshness or source. They gain a +4 racial bonus on Fortitude saves to resist the effects of ingested poisons, as well as on Fortitude saves to resist diseases caused by ingested substances (such as spoiled food). They are also immune to nausea and Blinding Sickness.

* Stench (Ex): Sewerfolk are almost overwhelming in their personal body odor. Those within 10 feet of a sewerfolk must succeed on a DC 11 Fortitude save or become sickened for as long as they are in range. If one succeeds on the save they are immune to the sewerfolk's stench for 24 hours.
As well, a sewerfolk can be detected at twice the range of a creature's scent ability.

* Level Adjustment: +0

* Automatic Language: Tradesign. Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic)

* Favored Class: Rogue

Sewerfolk Society
Sewerfolk are a silent, solemn race as benefits a people who live a life of squatting beside flowing sewage for marketable items or a tasty treat. They possess near nothing, yet are content with their lot, and distinctly lack any obvious ambition.

Lands
Sewerfolk are to be found wherever water flows the deepest beneath urban locales, though they make their homes in the drier holes, cellars and forgotten corners of the dark underground. '

Alignment
Sewerfolk tend to remain uncaring one way or the other to non-sewerfolk, and display only a vague ethical system that allows them to survive with what little they can acquire. As such they tend towards neutral alignments, though like all humans individuals across the entire spectrum are to be found.

Settlements
Sewerfolk form clans of extended family or friends, usually merely enlarging their stakes as their numbers grow until they merge with other clans and their property. Their personal dwellings are akin to rat nests, comfortable materials shredded or bundled up for comfort, and their few personal items tucked within.

Beliefs
If sewerfolk possess any particular beliefs they keep it amongst themselves and outsiders rarely have the stomach to stay in their presence long enough to inquire. Having been reduced to their current state by generations of the most extreme poverty, and knowing that even the poorest of other peoples shun them in disgust, it is likely their belief is that they have been abandoned by any higher power and must simply continue to subsist.

Relations
Sewerfolk are cordial with all other peoples and are almost unheard of to fight amongst themselves or with others. They are however cunning and skillful barterers with a strong ethical code against stealing, though are quite content to take of anything obviously abandoned or lost. Amongst themselves they share what they can, making sure all have the basics.

Language
Sewerfolk are absolutely quiet, using a type of intuitive sign language to get across their intentions, though rarely anyone besides for other sewerfolk can speak it with any degree of fluency.
Watsyurname529
03-09-08, 06:57 PM Okay, cool race first off. I like the human sewer rat thing. Well on to my opinions!

Ability Scores: Seems reasonable, the only thing is that now there's no way to play any Cha-based character and be effective at it. Maybe lower it to -2 and give penalties to all social skills?

Otherwise the rest is fine. If the lowering of Cha penalty to -2 is too overpowering, then I would say you could drop the Resigned trait or something of the sort.

Otherwise, pretty good for anything except a Cha-based character, unless you want one heck of a challange.
Drizztrocks
03-09-08, 07:39 PM Sounds like an episode of Futarama. :P
ciaran
03-09-08, 11:47 PM I don't get the Appraise bonus. I'd replace it with Search maybe.
jradd777
03-10-08, 12:08 AM I like the Appraise... they probably find a lot of things lost down in the sewer and figure out what they are and what they might be used for (aka, what sort of value they may hold, in a roundabout way). I love the overall concept. And I disagree about there being that much of a problem with the Cha penalty, since there is already a good precedent for that. Sure, most people won't want to deal with it and it is something that would be a problem for a while... but I think it could be worked around to a degree and eventually nullified by items or clever feats (I know most people call it bad design to make something that would rely on those things)... however, I am the kind of person that will allow a great challenge if it might make a really cool storyline. I'd love to play a Sewerfolk that overcomes his deficits to be a great (insert cha-based class).
The Vorpal Tribble
03-10-08, 12:58 PM What jradd said. He put it close enough to how I was going to respond ;)

But really, sure, not many sorcerer sewerfolk, but then the same can go for dwarves.
ToastedAmphibian
03-11-08, 07:40 PM Why a set DC on the stench? Why not 10+1/2HD+Con Mod?

Troglodyte stench is 10+2/2+2 = 13
jradd777
03-11-08, 08:53 PM Troglodytes are also LA +2. I think he was playing it safe to keep his race below any LA... testing the waters to make sure that the stench wouldn't be too much and then if people did think it needed to be stronger, raise it from there.

I think you've done an overall great job, as far as just the racial abilities. I haven't had a chance to read the rest of the fluff in depth, though, I'll try to reply to that sometime.
The Vorpal Tribble
03-12-08, 01:42 PM Yeah, basically just assigned a DC 11 to it. They don't exactly 'produce' the stench per se, so it can't be based on HD or anything, and it's not something that'd make you fall on your face either. Just really really gross instead of incapacitating.
ToastedAmphibian
03-12-08, 04:47 PM Well, if thats the case you might want to just ditch it entirly, and just say its part of their low charisma. Keep the double scent range, but drop the whole stench abilty because the range and the DC are so low as to make it pretty much useless. About the only thing youll do is make your elf mage nauseous if he gets enervated enough.

That would probably give you enough extra leeway to raise their favored class to "Any"
jradd777
03-13-08, 11:35 AM That's a good point about grabbing up some leeway. However, it would still be somewhat effective at low levels. The other problem is, as well, this would affect even allies, right? Each day, they'd have to make new saves, etc. Maybe it is a bit too much to deal with. Favored class any would also bring more into light their lineage from humans, too.
The Vorpal Tribble
03-14-08, 08:46 PM Well, keep in mind that a single use of prestidigitation would clean them all purty.
jradd777
03-15-08, 04:48 AM I thought prestidigitation never actually did anything... like... it would make you look less unclean... but never clean... like the example said something about they could make a little bridge but you'd never want to attempt walking on it because it probably wouldn't support any weight at all or something similar to that effect...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
The Vorpal Tribble 03-09-08, 06:48 PM	Sewerfolk http://tn3-2.deviantart.com/300W/images3.deviantart.com/i/2005/153/9/e/guy_in_the_sewer____by_sjaB.jpg Within the lowermost recesses of the oldest cities where the walls drip and the refuse of those above flow down are found the Sewerfolk, humans adapted to the chill, festering climes of the urban bowels. Like maggots they prowl its depths, eking out a living by scavenging and a complete lack of shame. They are a stoic people, who take whatever life throws at them without complaint and makes the best of it. Resigned to their fate, they are always willing to take a chance in what many think of as bravery, searching into the deepest pits and foulest lairs. Sewerfolk Racial Traits Sewerfolk are not dissimilar from standard mankind, though they tend to be several inches shorter than normal norm in general, and quite thin and long of limb. They are possessed of an unhealthy pallor and their eyes are abnormally large and dark. Their noses are small and seem somewhat atrophied, with nostrils barely more then pinpricks in the underside of the organ. They where their hair long and matted, though otherwise they appear completely hairless and slick-skinned. They wear brown and green clothes covered in a thick layer of something that appears as mold or chemical ooze, though could conceivably be something much worse. * Charisma -4, Constitution +2: Sewerfolk are incredibly nauseating examples of humankind and smell more or less as one would imagine. However, life in this damp squalor has seen that only the healthiest specimens have survived to breed. * Medium: As medium creatures, sewerfolk have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size. * Humanoid (Human): Sewerfolk are of human descent and are affected by spells and like as if they were purely human. * 4 extra skill points at 1st level and 1 extra skill point at each additional level. Though not having the unmatched potential of most humans, sewerfolk are as able to pick up multiple skills with ease. * Scavenger: Sewerfolk gain a +2 racial bonus on Appraise, Spot and Survival checks. * Low-Light Vision: Sewerfolk can see twice as far as a normal human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions. * Resigned: Sewerfolk gain a +2 bonus to resist fear and sorrow effects, such as from Crushing Despair. * Slumgullet: Sewerfolk can gain sustenance from near anything organic, regardless of its freshness or source. They gain a +4 racial bonus on Fortitude saves to resist the effects of ingested poisons, as well as on Fortitude saves to resist diseases caused by ingested substances (such as spoiled food). They are also immune to nausea and Blinding Sickness. * Stench (Ex): Sewerfolk are almost overwhelming in their personal body odor. Those within 10 feet of a sewerfolk must succeed on a DC 11 Fortitude save or become sickened for as long as they are in range. If one succeeds on the save they are immune to the sewerfolk's stench for 24 hours. As well, a sewerfolk can be detected at twice the range of a creature's scent ability. * Level Adjustment: +0 * Automatic Language: Tradesign. Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic) * Favored Class: Rogue Sewerfolk Society Sewerfolk are a silent, solemn race as benefits a people who live a life of squatting beside flowing sewage for marketable items or a tasty treat. They possess near nothing, yet are content with their lot, and distinctly lack any obvious ambition. Lands Sewerfolk are to be found wherever water flows the deepest beneath urban locales, though they make their homes in the drier holes, cellars and forgotten corners of the dark underground. ' Alignment Sewerfolk tend to remain uncaring one way or the other to non-sewerfolk, and display only a vague ethical system that allows them to survive with what little they can acquire. As such they tend towards neutral alignments, though like all humans individuals across the entire spectrum are to be found. Settlements Sewerfolk form clans of extended family or friends, usually merely enlarging their stakes as their numbers grow until they merge with other clans and their property. Their personal dwellings are akin to rat nests, comfortable materials shredded or bundled up for comfort, and their few personal items tucked within. Beliefs If sewerfolk possess any particular beliefs they keep it amongst themselves and outsiders rarely have the stomach to stay in their presence long enough to inquire. Having been reduced to their current state by generations of the most extreme poverty, and knowing that even the poorest of other peoples shun them in disgust, it is likely their belief is that they have been abandoned by any higher power and must simply continue to subsist. Relations Sewerfolk are cordial with all other peoples and are almost unheard of to fight amongst themselves or with others. They are however cunning and skillful barterers with a strong ethical code against stealing, though are quite content to take of anything obviously abandoned or lost. Amongst themselves they share what they can, making sure all have the basics. Language Sewerfolk are absolutely quiet, using a type of intuitive sign language to get across their intentions, though rarely anyone besides for other sewerfolk can speak it with any degree of fluency.
Watsyurname529 03-09-08, 06:57 PM	Okay, cool race first off. I like the human sewer rat thing. Well on to my opinions! Ability Scores: Seems reasonable, the only thing is that now there's no way to play any Cha-based character and be effective at it. Maybe lower it to -2 and give penalties to all social skills? Otherwise the rest is fine. If the lowering of Cha penalty to -2 is too overpowering, then I would say you could drop the Resigned trait or something of the sort. Otherwise, pretty good for anything except a Cha-based character, unless you want one heck of a challange.
Drizztrocks 03-09-08, 07:39 PM	Sounds like an episode of Futarama. :P
ciaran 03-09-08, 11:47 PM	I don't get the Appraise bonus. I'd replace it with Search maybe.
jradd777 03-10-08, 12:08 AM	I like the Appraise... they probably find a lot of things lost down in the sewer and figure out what they are and what they might be used for (aka, what sort of value they may hold, in a roundabout way). I love the overall concept. And I disagree about there being that much of a problem with the Cha penalty, since there is already a good precedent for that. Sure, most people won't want to deal with it and it is something that would be a problem for a while... but I think it could be worked around to a degree and eventually nullified by items or clever feats (I know most people call it bad design to make something that would rely on those things)... however, I am the kind of person that will allow a great challenge if it might make a really cool storyline. I'd love to play a Sewerfolk that overcomes his deficits to be a great (insert cha-based class).
The Vorpal Tribble 03-10-08, 12:58 PM	What jradd said. He put it close enough to how I was going to respond ;) But really, sure, not many sorcerer sewerfolk, but then the same can go for dwarves.
ToastedAmphibian 03-11-08, 07:40 PM	Why a set DC on the stench? Why not 10+1/2HD+Con Mod? Troglodyte stench is 10+2/2+2 = 13
jradd777 03-11-08, 08:53 PM	Troglodytes are also LA +2. I think he was playing it safe to keep his race below any LA... testing the waters to make sure that the stench wouldn't be too much and then if people did think it needed to be stronger, raise it from there. I think you've done an overall great job, as far as just the racial abilities. I haven't had a chance to read the rest of the fluff in depth, though, I'll try to reply to that sometime.
The Vorpal Tribble 03-12-08, 01:42 PM	Yeah, basically just assigned a DC 11 to it. They don't exactly 'produce' the stench per se, so it can't be based on HD or anything, and it's not something that'd make you fall on your face either. Just really really gross instead of incapacitating.
ToastedAmphibian 03-12-08, 04:47 PM	Well, if thats the case you might want to just ditch it entirly, and just say its part of their low charisma. Keep the double scent range, but drop the whole stench abilty because the range and the DC are so low as to make it pretty much useless. About the only thing youll do is make your elf mage nauseous if he gets enervated enough. That would probably give you enough extra leeway to raise their favored class to "Any"
jradd777 03-13-08, 11:35 AM	That's a good point about grabbing up some leeway. However, it would still be somewhat effective at low levels. The other problem is, as well, this would affect even allies, right? Each day, they'd have to make new saves, etc. Maybe it is a bit too much to deal with. Favored class any would also bring more into light their lineage from humans, too.
The Vorpal Tribble 03-14-08, 08:46 PM	Well, keep in mind that a single use of prestidigitation would clean them all purty.
jradd777 03-15-08, 04:48 AM	I thought prestidigitation never actually did anything... like... it would make you look less unclean... but never clean... like the example said something about they could make a little bridge but you'd never want to attempt walking on it because it probably wouldn't support any weight at all or something similar to that effect...