Post/Author/DateTime	Post
nighttree 09-27-07, 10:02 PM	I have been working on a setting specific template for our game, and would like to get some opinions as to LA. The template is based loosly off of the Spellwarped template(+3 LA). Has the same "type change", spell resistance, and spell absorption ability, but different options as to what can be done with the absorbed energy (most of the options are closer to the Incantifier PrC from DR 339). Less ability score increases, and no natural armor bonus. However the abilities that absorbed spell energy can be directed to are pretty good (they dont last as long, but the empower ability is pretty good). I am leaning towards keeping it a LA +3 template, but thought I would get some opinions first (as I am still getting this whole LA assignment thing down). Scion Template Size and Type: The creatures type changes to Aberration, do not recalculate the creatures hit die, base attack, saves, or skill points. The creature gains the augmented subtype if necessary. Size is unchanged. Special Qualities: A Scion has all the special qualities of the base creature, plus the following special qualities. Spell Resistance (Ex): A Scion gains spell resistance equal to 11 + it's Hit Dice. Spell Absorption (Su): Whenever a spell fails to penetrate a Scions spell resistance, the Scion gains one of the following benefit. Heal: 1D4 hit points per spell level, but cannot be healed more than his maximum number of hit points. Renew: The Scion can regain a spell slot of the absorbed spells level that he has already cast that day. Empower: The Scion can increase his caster level, for the next spell he casts by a factor equal to the level of the spell absorbed. The increased caster level effects all level-based variables of the spell, including range, area of effect, spell penetration, and the difficulty of dispelling the spell. You can exceed the normal level-fixed limits of a spell, so a 9th level Scion could could cast a Fireball spell as a 12th level caster and deal 12D6 fire damage if routing a 3rd level absorbed spell. Spell Eater (Su): A Scion can heal himself (or use any other spell absorption ability) using arcane energy drained from single-use or charged magic items. This ability requires a full round action and can only be used on an item the Scion is holding (or in direct physical contact with). Using Spell eater on a potion or scroll destroys the item, using this ability on a charged item drains 5 charges (giving the Scion 5 spell levels to absorb). This ability has no effect on multiple-use items without charges, like magic weapons, armor, or rings. Arcane Body (Ex): At 13 HD, a Scions body ceases to function as most living creatures do, coursing with unbridled magical energies. While not undead, elements of his existence are fundamentally warped by the arcane energies he relies upon to sustain him. A Scion does not heal naturally, nor can he be healed through normal magical means. Only through draining magic using his Spell absorption, or Spell eater abilities can a Scion replenish his physical health. However he no longer has any need to eat, drink, or sleep, and does not take aging penalties or negative effect from aging and has no maximum age. Arcane Sight (Su): A Scion's senses function as if under a permanent Arcane Sight spell. Abilities: Increase from the base creature as follows. +2 Con, +4 Cha. LA: ?????
nighttree 09-28-07, 12:20 PM	Nineteen views and not one opinion :(
LefferDP 09-30-07, 04:14 PM	I think any template that enhances a spellcaster needs to be fairly powerful to make up for the LA. Even a +2LA puts them a spell level behind spellcasters of as similar CR, and therefore potentially makes a huge difference. Thus, I would feel comfortable with a +2LA for this, assuming you don't allow LA buyoff.