Post/Author/DateTime	Post
obrysii 03-13-07, 12:02 PM	While thinking about the Shard species in Star Wars, I came up with this idea. Crystalkin Crystalkin are similar to psicrystals and they share a common origin: psionic power manifest in crystaline form. However, Crystalkin have broken free from their masters, and have built a society themselves. Personality: Crystalkin tend to be slow to act: their immortal lives make them pace themselves. As with dragons and other long-lived races, most take the long view. Their bodies are extremely durable, and with their small size, they are able to take their time to get into proper positions before they act. Many seclude themselves for centuries, focusing on the inner secrets of their existence: psionic power moulded into crystaline form. While they do not have a physical gender, like Warforged they take on the traits associated with males or females. Physical Description: Crystalkin appear similar to the gems to which they are named after. There are many kinds of Crystalkin, and each bares some semblence to their namesake. Diamond Crystalkin are nearly transparent, many-faceted, and very hard; Jade Crystalkin are firey red; Emerald Crystalkin can take many colored forms, but mostly appear as brilliant green; Talc Crystalkin are powdery white. They are all of very small size, and often add to themselves so that they can appear as jewelry. The name "Crystalkin" is not exact, as many Crystalkin did not manifest in the form of a gem. The most common Crystalkin is not in the form of a gem: the low-cast Talc Crystalkin. Relations: Crystalkin do not understand why other races fight with one another. As with long-lived beings, they take the long view and often do not interact with these other races. Needing nothing that the mortal races need, save an understanding of their own existence, seperates them from often working with those mortal kind. However, many are drawn to these other races because they are puzzled over their own destines and their own creation. Alignment: While Crystalkin tend to be Lawful Neutral, they have no specific alignment restrictions. Crystalkin Lands: Crystalkin tend to burrow deep into the ground and live in caves or even in rock. They have laid some claim on a portion of the Underdark, but can be found all over the world. Their social structure revolves around castes of different types of Crystalkin: Talc are the lowest, and Diamond are the highest. Religion: Crystalkin often worship the Gem Dragons, as well as Saidor. However, as they spread they find many new religions and are quick to adapt these religions. Language: Crystalkin, despite lacking any appearent organ for speech, are capable of it. They speak in a willowy, organic voice and their native Crystaline tongue is extremely slow to speak. They speak Common, and gain Crystaline as a bonus language. Names: Their names are often based off of gems. A common name among male Crystalkin is Lapis, while a common name among females is Lazuli. Adventurers: Crystalkin, when their passion for learning of Creation is sparked, are willing to adventure across the world to find the answers they seek. They can be of any class, but given their physical limitations, spellcasting and psionic classes tend to be the ones most commonly encountered. -- All Crystalkin possess the following traits: *Str --*, Dex --*, Con +2 *Immobile: Crystalkin cannot naturally move, and thus lack Str and Dex scores. *Psionic Movement (su): A crystalkin can use its' inherent psionic powers to grant itself mobility. If it spends one power point, as a standard action, the Crystalkin can grant itself a move speed of 20', as leg-like tendrils of psionic ectoplasm form around its' body. If a crystalkin spends three power points, as a standard action, the Crystalkin can sprout ectoplasmic wings, granting it a fly speed of 20' (Good). Either of these modes of movement lasts for 24 hours. If the Crystalkin spends an additional power point, it gains limbs with which weapons and spells may be held or cast, respectively. Their Str and Dex scores are dependent on how many power points they spend for this movement, based on the following table: PP Str Dex 1 1 10 2 2 12 3 2 14 *Naturally psionic: Crystalkin possess 3 bonus power points. *Type: Construct (Living Construct subtype) *Size: Dimunitive. Crystalkin are dimunitive in size, granting them a +4 bonus on AC and attacks. They have a +12 bonus on Hide checks and a -12 penalty on Grapple checks. *Sonic Vulnerability (su): Crystalkin's inherent crystaline form makes it vulnerable to sonic attacks. As such, they take an additional +50% damage from sonic attacks. *+8 racial bonus on Disguise when attempting to look like an ordinary gem. *Favored Class: Psion (or Sorceror, if in a nonpsionic campaign) The Racial Castes (All Crystalkin must be one of the following): Diamond Crystalkin Diamond Crystalkin are the rulers of Crystalkin society. They appear as finely cut diamonds of immense size--they are nearly completely transparent, except for the faint glow of their animating energy within them. They are extremely durable, however, and tend to put themselves in the front-lines along with their fellow Crystalkin. *Hardness 5 *Light vulnerability (su): Diamond Crystalkin take +50% damage from light-based attacks (such as Searing Light). *LA +2 Jade Crystalkin Jade Crystalkin tend to be firey in nature: quicker to anger than the typical Crystalkin, Jade Crystalkin favor fire-based attacks if possible. They appear as large jade cut with quality facets that seem to reflect the spark of their creation. *Hardness 1 *+1 bonus on caster levels/manifester levels when casting spells/powers with the (fire) subtype. *LA +2 Emerald Crystalkin Compared to Jade Crystalkin, Emerald Crystalkin are down-to-earth. They glow faintly with a green aura from deep within them, and it often matches their green exterior. Within the constraints of their social structure, they tend to be diplomats and court members. *Hardness 1 *+1 bonus on caster level/manifester level when casting spells/powers with the (earth) subtype. *LA +2 Talc Crystalkin The Talc Crystalkin, lacking the shine and luster of their rarer brethren, are the commoners of Crystalkin society. Often subjegated beneath the other types, they are nonetheless competent beings. Lacking the physical durability of their higher-caste Crystalkin, they are not any weaker against sonic attacks than a typical human. They appear to be small blocks of Talc, a powdery-white mineral. *Powder (ex): A Talc crystalkin can release excessive talc powder from its' form once per day as a standard action, which spreads out in a 10' radius. This talc powder cloud lasts for one minute and grants the Crystalkin concealment. *No sonic vulnerability (su): Their softer forms have one benefit: it absorbs sonic damage far easier than the other Crystalkin: they do not take any additional damage from sonic attacks. *LA +2
YabaTheWhat 03-13-07, 12:17 PM	A race incapable of moving on its own is generally unplayable.
obrysii 03-13-07, 12:18 PM	*Psionic Movement (su): A crystalkin can use its' inherent psionic powers to grant itself mobility. If it spends one power point, as a standard action, the Crystalkin can grant itself a move speed of 15', as leg-like tendrils of psionic ectoplasm form around its' body. If a crystalkin spends three power points, as a standard action, the Crystalkin can sprout ectoplasmic wings, granting it a fly speed of 20' (Good). Either of these modes of movement lasts for 8 hours. If the Crystalkin spends two additional power points, it gains limbs with which weapons and spells may be held or cast, respectively. Their Str and Dex scores are dependent on how many power points they spend for this movement, based on the following table: Please read the entire entry before you pass judgement.
obrysii 03-15-07, 11:15 AM	So ... does anyone else have any feedback on this race?
kaionon 03-15-07, 01:22 PM	They should all be +2 LA. As being that talc removes their main vulernability and gains a ability as well- even if it has no hardness. In total though they don't seem that bad, though they can only really be a caster despite the LA. If I recall a psicrystal automaticly gains a dex bonus when it manifests a movement though. you could put that for the purpose of movement it can use it's caster stat in place of it's str or dex as it has to control the limbs/ mobility with it's mind/ willpower. Otherwise you would have to use at least 6 power points/day to just move at all for the day.
obrysii 03-15-07, 02:09 PM	I put a table in, that shows what their Str and Dex scores become when they manifest their movement abilities. But they are limited on their movement. It's what keeps them in line with others: if they chose to Fly, then they can't move (unless they have a surplus of power points from classes) until the next day when they 'recharge'.
DarkRhystar 03-15-07, 02:19 PM	You can't put "Hardness" on a creature; it's object only. If the creature has a tough outer shell, you give it a bonus to Natural Armor AC or Damage Reduction. The whole Psionic Movement part is cute, but looks like a cheap way to gain fly speed especially for a race that is so amazingly pigeonholed into psionic classes. The combination of Diminutive and the favored class is very powerful. Diminutive is very much not a disadvantage in this case. Your post is also unclear as to whether or not you must select a racial caste. PS: This race is practically unplayable without psionic classes and/or feats. A race so badly pigeonholed is depressing.
obrysii 03-15-07, 02:21 PM	Please explain "Animated Objects" and "Psicrystals" then. They're creatures and they have a Hardness score. How would you suggest it become not so "pigeon-holed"?
DarkRhystar 03-15-07, 03:49 PM	Please explain "Animated Objects" and "Psicrystals" then. They're creatures and they have a Hardness score. Show me where the Animate Objects spell has the word "creature" or where it says the objects animated are no longer objects. Animated objects are simply objects with capabilities greater than normal objects. Their presence in the MM is the best straw you'll find. Psicrystals are a much more compelling argument however they seem like objects with creature-like properties. Since my knowledge (and experience) with them is limited, I'll give you that one. Though I would say that if a splat book contradicts a Core book, I'm usually one to go with the Core unless it's a direct rules update/errata situation. Anyhow, look in the PhB glossary and read the definition of Hardness. Pretty explicit stuff. How would you suggest it become not so "pigeon-holed"? Rewrite Psionic Movement so as not to rely on power points but rather on Hit Die. It will scale with character automatically (which is something I think you want) and not be irrevocably tied to power points (non-psionic classes won't be handicapped).
obrysii 03-15-07, 04:00 PM	Show me where the Animate Objects spell has the word "creature" or where it says the objects animated are no longer objects. Animated objects are simply objects with capabilities greater than normal objects. Their presence in the MM is the best straw you'll find. From the Monster section of the SRD (and subsequently, from the MM): Hardness (Ex) An animated object has the same hardness it had before it was animated. As well: Animated Objects are "creatures" in the strict sense that they are as much a "creature" as a Golem or a Warforged is. Animated Objects can be found here. (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/animatedObject.htm) Psicrystals are a much more compelling argument however they seem like objects with creature-like properties. Since my knowledge (and experience) with them is limited, I'll give you that one. Though I would say that if a splat book contradicts a Core book, I'm usually one to go with the Core unless it's a direct rules update/errata situation. Psicrystals (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/monsters/psicrystal.htm) Rewrite Psionic Movement so as not to rely on power points but rather on Hit Die. It will scale with character automatically (which is something I think you want) and not be irrevocably tied to power points (non-psionic classes won't be handicapped). What sort of scaling do you propose?
YabaTheWhat 03-15-07, 04:31 PM	Hardness is the same as DR adamantine, because adamantine weapons override object hardness. For example, hardness 5 is DR 5/adamantine. Scale value accordingly. Even if it lasts "only" 8 hours per day, that's still 8 hours longer than any other creature can fly without a level adjustment. It offers all the same strategic advantages. The psicrystal creature will not need to walk while the party is resting, so that leaves it 8 hours per day when someone has to carry it around. So what? It's basically guaranteed mobility during all critical situations, provided that either {a} it takes a psionic class (and I see no reason whatsoever for it to do otherwise), or {b} the party plans such that they don't have two combat situations more than 8 hours apart.
obrysii 03-15-07, 04:33 PM	So it effectively has a Fly Speed if and when it chooses to spend the points needed to fly. I guess I don't see a problem with that? So this race balanced at LA +2?
DarkRhystar 03-15-07, 04:58 PM	Hardness is the same as DR adamantine, because adamantine weapons override object hardness. For example, hardness 5 is DR 5/adamantine. Scale value accordingly. This is very much incorrect. Hardness is subtracted from all damage dealt to an object. Magical, elemental, mundane...etc. Hardness of 5 is essentially DR 5/- (barring hardness ignoring weapons), Resistance to Fire 5, Resistance to Cold 5, Resistance to Electricity 5, Resistance to Acid 5, Resistance to Divine 5, Resistance to Vile 5, Resistance to X damage 5...etc. Because it applies against everything, it's too good for creatures so creatures only have Damage Reduction and Resistance. Giving a creature Hardness X is giving it a lot of stuff and going against the Players Handbook which says that hardness is a property of objects (in the object section and as part of Hardness's own definition). What sort of scaling do you propose? You have... 20' move speed 20' fly speed (good maneuverability) Limbs You could start them as 1 use/day abilities (each with a duration), have the flight gained later, and increase them to 2 uses/day and then at will as certain hit die levels. The only real goal is to move away from power points as the limiting factor.
Halaku 03-15-07, 05:39 PM	perhaps give them speed 15 and under the effects of a permanent skate effect?
obrysii 03-15-07, 11:31 PM	Hardness is subtracted from all damage dealt to an object. Magical, elemental, mundane...etc. Hardness of 5 is essentially DR 5/- (barring hardness ignoring weapons), Resistance to Fire 5, Resistance to Cold 5, Resistance to Electricity 5, Resistance to Acid 5, Resistance to Divine 5, Resistance to Vile 5, Resistance to X damage 5...etc. This not quite true. Hardness halves fire damage and acid damage, and quarters electricity and cold damage. It takes full damage from sonic, force, and every other sorts of attacks (before Hardness). So if it takes 10 points of fire damage, it actually ignores all of it. Because it applies against everything, it's too good for creatures so creatures only have Damage Reduction and Resistance. Giving a creature Hardness X is giving it a lot of stuff and going against the Players Handbook which says that hardness is a property of objects (in the object section and as part of Hardness's own definition). It does not go against the PHB! I cited examples where it is applied to creatures. The Animated Objects, as per their STATS, and Psicrystals, which these Crystalkin are based off of. Additionally, Psicrystals have Hardness 8, whereas the Diamond Crystalkin is the only Crystalkin that acquires more than Hardness 1. You have... 20' move speed 20' fly speed (good maneuverability) Limbs You could start them as 1 use/day abilities (each with a duration), have the flight gained later, and increase them to 2 uses/day and then at will as certain hit die levels. The only real goal is to move away from power points as the limiting factor. This could work.
DarkRhystar 03-16-07, 04:01 AM	This not quite true. Hardness halves fire damage and acid damage, and quarters electricity and cold damage. It takes full damage from sonic, force, and every other sorts of attacks (before Hardness). So if it takes 10 points of fire damage, it actually ignores all of it. Partially correct. Those modifiers take place before hardness is applied. Notice how they're not listed in the entry under hardness but rather in a later entry. This is because they're not a result of the hardness property itself but of the simple quality of being an object. It does not go against the PHB! hardness: A measure of an object's ability to resist damage. Only damage in excess of the object's hardness is actually deducted from the object's hit points upon a successful attack. If you're making an playable object, the Races board may not be the best place for it. :P I cited examples where it is applied to creatures. The Animated Objects, as per their STATS, and Psicrystals, which these Crystalkin are based off of. Animated Objects are still objects however they are specially treated as creatures as per the spell and the MM (PhB has a small blip about them on 165). Psicrysals (as I said before) are a better argument. However, the precedents set by splat books are not all good ones. For example, should we look at Shivering Touch or Wraithstrike spells as good precedents? Psicrystals fall into that where they break a core rule (Hardness for objects, DR for creatures) by being in an ambiguous zone of "Is it a creature... or an object?" Additionally, Psicrystals have Hardness 8, whereas the Diamond Crystalkin is the only Crystalkin that acquires more than Hardness 1. Why not just give it DR 5/Adamantine along with all the resistances that go along with it? You obviously want them so why not at least be honest about it? I think it's because hardness looks pretty darn innocuous whereas DR and a boatload of energy resistances don't.
obrysii 03-16-07, 09:06 AM	I guess I fail to see what the problem is. Why is Hardness so hard for someone to wrap their mind around? It's a more efficient use of space, and in truth is much more powerful. As well, we have two examples of creatures that exist that have Hardness--one of which this race is like a lower-powered independent version of.
DarkRhystar 03-16-07, 02:32 PM	I guess I fail to see what the problem is. Why is Hardness so hard for someone to wrap their mind around? It's a more efficient use of space, and in truth is much more powerful. As well, we have two examples of creatures that exist that have Hardness--one of which this race is like a lower-powered independent version of. I suppose it's just that it's more valuable than it appears to be. Anywho, I hope my criticism (as harsh as I know it came off) helped. Good luck with your race. :)
Ovistavin 03-16-07, 02:56 PM	Personally I like the Crystalkin as is. I have no problem with the movement being based of PP. It makes the Crystalkin one of the few naturally psionic races that can use their PP if they don't take a psionic class (Elans being the only other race I can think of). I can see the point of the scaling option, but in my opinion having to use all of the PPs to fly is a limiting factor in itself. Especially, if a Crystalkin is a spellcaster they can't cast spells with M, F, or DF if it uses its flight. This isn't a limiting factor for psionics though. This is a psionic race after all, so I don't have a problem with this. I think hardness is fine for this race. It's composed of crystal! I would think any race that was composed of any material (metal, wood, etc) would have hardness.
Ninetails Demon 03-16-07, 08:21 PM	How do they reproduce? In what manner do they escape their masters? Just wondering.
Argo 04-24-07, 05:52 PM	How do they reproduce? Well, when a mancrystal and a womancrystal fall in love, they... wait a minute--how DO they reproduce?
obrysii 04-24-07, 06:24 PM	I can think of two possibilities: 1. Crystalkin know of some secret of psionically creating more Crystalkin...but due to the extreme (ie, immortal) lifespan they possess, it is a rare occasion that it happens. 2. Spontaneous Generation: A "wild surge" of psionic energy spontaneously produces the Crystalkin, and their cities often revolve around this source of psionic energy.