Viath (PEACH) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Viath (PEACH) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Braces
10-26-07, 08:51 PM Hello all. First registered to the forums less than an hour ago after a lurking for a few months. Without futher ado, I present the viath.

Viath
http://www.sullivanet.com/redwall/encyc/scans/tribes/badrang.jpg

"It was folly, trying to outrun the viath."
-Githyanki pirate captain Klavya Saamasal

Because they have inhabited the Material Plane for thousands of years, many do not realize that viath are not native to it. Legend of old shows them as originating from the swirling mists of the Astral Plane, living in floating adamantine citadels. However, they were driven nearly to extinction by the githyanki and their dragon cohorts, and forced to find refuge in the Material Plane. Lithe, agile warriors with powerful psionic potential, the viath are an unusual, exotic and rather xenophobic people.

Personality: As previously stated, the viath are a xenophobic race, rarely making contact with the outside world. Outsiders find them rather quiet and humorless, although they are unmatched in their zeal to help a friend in need. Their long lifespans lead viath to have a broad, farsighted view on life, although they can be extremely focused on the present when the need arises. Viath appreciate all manners of fine art, such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, sculpting, or any manner of things.

Physical Description: Above all else, viath resemble humanoid otters (but don't tell viath that to his face). They are quite tall, the average male standing from six and a half to seven feet. Females are quite shorter, ranging from five to six feet. While their bodies contain only slightly more muscle mass than a human, much of their bone structure is hollow, allowing their muscles to move their bodies far more quickly than other races. Their fur is most commonly a shade of brown, but blacks, whites, and grays are not uncommon. They also often have very subtle stripes or patches of darker fur. Occasionally, one might find a red or orange viath. Their catlike eyes range the spectrum from yellow to purple, with any hue in between. Viath prefer light clothing and rarely, if ever, wear shoes or boots unless necessary for protection.

Relations: Viath shun most contact with non-viath, preferring to b left alone in their lands. Their only regular contact is with elves, with whom they share their broad outlook on life. Viath hate githyanki with a furious passion for driving them away from the Astral Plane, and thus find common ground with the githzerai. Viath also have a very postive relationship with the bronze dragons, who aid them in battle to great effect.

Alignment: Viath tend toward neutrality on both the good-evil and law-chaos axes, although they generall will choose good over evil and law over chaos when faced with a choice.

Viath Lands: Viath on the Material Plane inhabit the warm, tropical southern coast, living in small, isolated cities. These cities are typically ruled by an oligarchy of several noble familes. Some viath, however, remain on the Astral Plane, typically riding their bronze dragon companions in guerilla strikes against githyanki strongholds.

Religion: Viath are not particularly religious, but temples exist devoted to Inkhasnein, the father of their race, who, legend says, still resides on the Astral Plane.

Language: Viath speak Auran, but adventurers, diplomats, and others associated with the outside world usually learn Common.

Names: Viath usually have long names which can be shortened for ease of use. Males usually have alliterative first and last names. Those who have accomplished great feats sometimes disregard their last name in favor of a title.

Male Names: Aizertyn, Eiltarion, Ianlamin, Khensechal, Nalteivari, Tizaerthein, Viaharu, Xarughil, Zalitorai

Female Names: Aliande, Clytemnestra, Cyrennia, Illia, Medeya, Nalarienne, Nevale, Teikalia, Uncessi

Family Names: Analiar, Ercanian, Iltierne, Khorvalis, Nilzhakia, Tiendari, Vhanguari, Xancassir, Zerakea

Titles: Angelfury, Fiendhammer, Nightshadow, Ironbow, Fellsword, Bladewind, Ravensong, Demonhide, Sundragon

Adventures: Most viath encountered outside their homelands are nobles, for whom it is customary to travel the planes for several years before taking their throne. Other wandering viath may be exiles or truth-seekers. Such viath are often rangers, swordsages, or wilders.

RACIAL TRAITS

+2 Strength, +6 Dexterity, -2 Constitution: Viath are incredibly agile, but their hollow bone structure leaves them rather fragile.
Monstrous Humanoid (Extraplanar): Viath are not subject to spells or effects that affect humanoids only, such as charm person or dominate person.
Medium: As Medium creatures, viath have no penalties or bonuses due to size.
Viath base speed is 40 feet.
Darkvision out to 60 feet.
+2 natural armor.
Weapon Familiarity: Viath treat katanas (bastard swords) as martial weapons rather than exotic weapons. In addition, a viath may use the Weapon Finesse feat with this weapon, even though it does not normally apply.
Naturally Psionic: Viath gain 2 bonus power points at 1st level. This benefit does not grant them the ability to manifest powers unless they gain that ability through another source, such as levels in a psionic class.
Psi-Like Abilities: 3/day- burst; 1/day- psionic levitate. Manifester level is equal to 1/2 Hit Dice (minimum 1st).
Power Resistance (Ex): A viath has power resistance equal to her Hit Dice +12.
Automatic Languages: Common, Auran. Bonus Languages: Abyssal, Celestial, Draconic, Elven, Gith, Undercommon.
Favored Class: Psychic Warrior.
Level Adjustment: +2.

Astral Viath
Some viath stayed behind as the rest of their race fled to the Material Plane, choosing instead to make a stand against the githyanki. Astral viath are the same as their Material counterparts, except as listed below.

+6 Dexterity, +4 Intelligence, -2 Constitution. These replace the Material viath's racial modifiers.
Type: Outsider (psionic).
+1 natural armor. This replaces the Material viath's bonus to natural armor.
+1 power point per Hit Dice.
Favored class: Psion.

Age: As elans are written in the book (with maximum age, not counting errata.)

So what do you all think? I'd like this to be LA +2 (maybe +3, but preferably not) so I'd like some suggestions as to accomplish this, if needed. Cheers.
Lokathor
10-26-07, 09:23 PM SR equal to HD... Sure you didn't mean SR equal to 10 + HD? It's a caster level check to beat, so a first wizard will roll 11+ on average. 10 or 12 plus HD is required to avoid half or so of all spells. The 12 is if you want the HD you're missing from the LA to be "factored in". Drow have SR 11 + HD with LA +2, for example.

Missing 2 HD is hurtful, maybe toss on another point of NA, maybe not. For having "powerful psionic potential", 1 pp isn't much. Maybe 1 per HD like the Kalashtar, or at least 2.

With the line "Although they have inhabited the Material Plane for tens of thousands of years, many do not realize that viath are not native to it." It's more like "Because they have..". I mean, if they've been around for 20k+ years.... who on earth would ever expect them to be extraplanar? Viath themselves probably don't even know they're extraplanar.

Actually, having been on the material plane for "tens of thousands of years" would probably have naturalized the species into being native to the material plane.

Very..... Redwall. I like it.
Braces
10-26-07, 09:48 PM SR equal to HD... Sure you didn't mean SR equal to 10 + HD? It's a caster level check to beat, so a first wizard will roll 11+ on average. 10 or 12 plus HD is required to avoid half or so of all spells. The 12 is if you want the HD you're missing from the LA to be "factored in". Drow have SR 11 + HD with LA +2, for example.

Missing 2 HD is hurtful, maybe toss on another point of NA, maybe not. For having "powerful psionic potential", 1 pp isn't much. Maybe 1 per HD like the Kalashtar, or at least 2.

With the line "Although they have inhabited the Material Plane for tens of thousands of years, many do not realize that viath are not native to it." It's more like "Because they have..". I mean, if they've been around for 20k+ years.... who on earth would ever expect them to be extraplanar? Viath themselves probably don't even know they're extraplanar.

Actually, having been on the material plane for "tens of thousands of years" would probably have naturalized the species into being native to the material plane.

Very..... Redwall. I like it.

Glad you like it. ;)

You make some very good points, especially with the SR. I think I'll make it 12+HD; I was worried that too high might be unbalanced.

Another good point on the 'tens of thousands of years' bit. Perhaps if I simply said 'thousands of years' it might make more sense.

1 pp per HD seems a bit unbalanced, perhaps 2 at 1st level would be better. I think the NA is fine, the Monster Manual says that fur supplies only 1 NA, and I don't want the viath to be unbalanced.
Lokathor
10-26-07, 10:14 PM Well, as I said, the Kalashtar are an Eberron race that, among other nice bonuses, gets 1 pp per HD; they're LA +0. It wouldn't be at all out of line in an LA +2 race like this one. Also, normal fur gives +1 up to +3, depending on the fur.

You should probably give out an extra NA point or 1pp/HD. You've got a race that's kinda at LA +1.75 right now. The Psi-Likes aren't too great. I guess the +6 to Dex does something. Actually, if you're using LA buyoff I'd leave it exactly where you have it now. If you're not using LA buyoff then I'd still add a tiny bit (probably just the NA, since more players benefit from that).
Braces
10-26-07, 10:46 PM Ah, decisions, decisions...

I think I'll bump it up to NA +2. Makes the race more useful for non-psionic classes. Thanks for all your help. :)

EDIT: Ooo, just had an idea. Perhaps a variant strain for those who stayed behind on the Astral Plane. Full outsider type, 1pp/HD, only a +4 dex bonus, no str bonus, but int +4 and favored class of psion.
Lokathor
10-26-07, 11:00 PM And all the fun of being summoned away from what you're doing without any warning. Poor otters.
tenguroEd
10-27-07, 12:06 AM Hm,very interesting. I like this cause it reminds me of the redwall book series, and it's a pretty good looking race.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Braces 10-26-07, 08:51 PM	Hello all. First registered to the forums less than an hour ago after a lurking for a few months. Without futher ado, I present the viath. Viath http://www.sullivanet.com/redwall/encyc/scans/tribes/badrang.jpg "It was folly, trying to outrun the viath." -Githyanki pirate captain Klavya Saamasal Because they have inhabited the Material Plane for thousands of years, many do not realize that viath are not native to it. Legend of old shows them as originating from the swirling mists of the Astral Plane, living in floating adamantine citadels. However, they were driven nearly to extinction by the githyanki and their dragon cohorts, and forced to find refuge in the Material Plane. Lithe, agile warriors with powerful psionic potential, the viath are an unusual, exotic and rather xenophobic people. Personality: As previously stated, the viath are a xenophobic race, rarely making contact with the outside world. Outsiders find them rather quiet and humorless, although they are unmatched in their zeal to help a friend in need. Their long lifespans lead viath to have a broad, farsighted view on life, although they can be extremely focused on the present when the need arises. Viath appreciate all manners of fine art, such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, sculpting, or any manner of things. Physical Description: Above all else, viath resemble humanoid otters (but don't tell viath that to his face). They are quite tall, the average male standing from six and a half to seven feet. Females are quite shorter, ranging from five to six feet. While their bodies contain only slightly more muscle mass than a human, much of their bone structure is hollow, allowing their muscles to move their bodies far more quickly than other races. Their fur is most commonly a shade of brown, but blacks, whites, and grays are not uncommon. They also often have very subtle stripes or patches of darker fur. Occasionally, one might find a red or orange viath. Their catlike eyes range the spectrum from yellow to purple, with any hue in between. Viath prefer light clothing and rarely, if ever, wear shoes or boots unless necessary for protection. Relations: Viath shun most contact with non-viath, preferring to b left alone in their lands. Their only regular contact is with elves, with whom they share their broad outlook on life. Viath hate githyanki with a furious passion for driving them away from the Astral Plane, and thus find common ground with the githzerai. Viath also have a very postive relationship with the bronze dragons, who aid them in battle to great effect. Alignment: Viath tend toward neutrality on both the good-evil and law-chaos axes, although they generall will choose good over evil and law over chaos when faced with a choice. Viath Lands: Viath on the Material Plane inhabit the warm, tropical southern coast, living in small, isolated cities. These cities are typically ruled by an oligarchy of several noble familes. Some viath, however, remain on the Astral Plane, typically riding their bronze dragon companions in guerilla strikes against githyanki strongholds. Religion: Viath are not particularly religious, but temples exist devoted to Inkhasnein, the father of their race, who, legend says, still resides on the Astral Plane. Language: Viath speak Auran, but adventurers, diplomats, and others associated with the outside world usually learn Common. Names: Viath usually have long names which can be shortened for ease of use. Males usually have alliterative first and last names. Those who have accomplished great feats sometimes disregard their last name in favor of a title. Male Names: Aizertyn, Eiltarion, Ianlamin, Khensechal, Nalteivari, Tizaerthein, Viaharu, Xarughil, Zalitorai Female Names: Aliande, Clytemnestra, Cyrennia, Illia, Medeya, Nalarienne, Nevale, Teikalia, Uncessi Family Names: Analiar, Ercanian, Iltierne, Khorvalis, Nilzhakia, Tiendari, Vhanguari, Xancassir, Zerakea Titles: Angelfury, Fiendhammer, Nightshadow, Ironbow, Fellsword, Bladewind, Ravensong, Demonhide, Sundragon Adventures: Most viath encountered outside their homelands are nobles, for whom it is customary to travel the planes for several years before taking their throne. Other wandering viath may be exiles or truth-seekers. Such viath are often rangers, swordsages, or wilders. RACIAL TRAITS +2 Strength, +6 Dexterity, -2 Constitution: Viath are incredibly agile, but their hollow bone structure leaves them rather fragile. Monstrous Humanoid (Extraplanar): Viath are not subject to spells or effects that affect humanoids only, such as charm person or dominate person. Medium: As Medium creatures, viath have no penalties or bonuses due to size. Viath base speed is 40 feet. Darkvision out to 60 feet. +2 natural armor. Weapon Familiarity: Viath treat katanas (bastard swords) as martial weapons rather than exotic weapons. In addition, a viath may use the Weapon Finesse feat with this weapon, even though it does not normally apply. Naturally Psionic: Viath gain 2 bonus power points at 1st level. This benefit does not grant them the ability to manifest powers unless they gain that ability through another source, such as levels in a psionic class. Psi-Like Abilities: 3/day- burst; 1/day- psionic levitate. Manifester level is equal to 1/2 Hit Dice (minimum 1st). Power Resistance (Ex): A viath has power resistance equal to her Hit Dice +12. Automatic Languages: Common, Auran. Bonus Languages: Abyssal, Celestial, Draconic, Elven, Gith, Undercommon. Favored Class: Psychic Warrior. Level Adjustment: +2. Astral Viath Some viath stayed behind as the rest of their race fled to the Material Plane, choosing instead to make a stand against the githyanki. Astral viath are the same as their Material counterparts, except as listed below. +6 Dexterity, +4 Intelligence, -2 Constitution. These replace the Material viath's racial modifiers. Type: Outsider (psionic). +1 natural armor. This replaces the Material viath's bonus to natural armor. +1 power point per Hit Dice. Favored class: Psion. Age: As elans are written in the book (with maximum age, not counting errata.) So what do you all think? I'd like this to be LA +2 (maybe +3, but preferably not) so I'd like some suggestions as to accomplish this, if needed. Cheers.
Lokathor 10-26-07, 09:23 PM	SR equal to HD... Sure you didn't mean SR equal to 10 + HD? It's a caster level check to beat, so a first wizard will roll 11+ on average. 10 or 12 plus HD is required to avoid half or so of all spells. The 12 is if you want the HD you're missing from the LA to be "factored in". Drow have SR 11 + HD with LA +2, for example. Missing 2 HD is hurtful, maybe toss on another point of NA, maybe not. For having "powerful psionic potential", 1 pp isn't much. Maybe 1 per HD like the Kalashtar, or at least 2. With the line "Although they have inhabited the Material Plane for tens of thousands of years, many do not realize that viath are not native to it." It's more like "Because they have..". I mean, if they've been around for 20k+ years.... who on earth would ever expect them to be extraplanar? Viath themselves probably don't even know they're extraplanar. Actually, having been on the material plane for "tens of thousands of years" would probably have naturalized the species into being native to the material plane. Very..... Redwall. I like it.
Braces 10-26-07, 09:48 PM	SR equal to HD... Sure you didn't mean SR equal to 10 + HD? It's a caster level check to beat, so a first wizard will roll 11+ on average. 10 or 12 plus HD is required to avoid half or so of all spells. The 12 is if you want the HD you're missing from the LA to be "factored in". Drow have SR 11 + HD with LA +2, for example. Missing 2 HD is hurtful, maybe toss on another point of NA, maybe not. For having "powerful psionic potential", 1 pp isn't much. Maybe 1 per HD like the Kalashtar, or at least 2. With the line "Although they have inhabited the Material Plane for tens of thousands of years, many do not realize that viath are not native to it." It's more like "Because they have..". I mean, if they've been around for 20k+ years.... who on earth would ever expect them to be extraplanar? Viath themselves probably don't even know they're extraplanar. Actually, having been on the material plane for "tens of thousands of years" would probably have naturalized the species into being native to the material plane. Very..... Redwall. I like it. Glad you like it. ;) You make some very good points, especially with the SR. I think I'll make it 12+HD; I was worried that too high might be unbalanced. Another good point on the 'tens of thousands of years' bit. Perhaps if I simply said 'thousands of years' it might make more sense. 1 pp per HD seems a bit unbalanced, perhaps 2 at 1st level would be better. I think the NA is fine, the Monster Manual says that fur supplies only 1 NA, and I don't want the viath to be unbalanced.
Lokathor 10-26-07, 10:14 PM	Well, as I said, the Kalashtar are an Eberron race that, among other nice bonuses, gets 1 pp per HD; they're LA +0. It wouldn't be at all out of line in an LA +2 race like this one. Also, normal fur gives +1 up to +3, depending on the fur. You should probably give out an extra NA point or 1pp/HD. You've got a race that's kinda at LA +1.75 right now. The Psi-Likes aren't too great. I guess the +6 to Dex does something. Actually, if you're using LA buyoff I'd leave it exactly where you have it now. If you're not using LA buyoff then I'd still add a tiny bit (probably just the NA, since more players benefit from that).
Braces 10-26-07, 10:46 PM	Ah, decisions, decisions... I think I'll bump it up to NA +2. Makes the race more useful for non-psionic classes. Thanks for all your help. :) EDIT: Ooo, just had an idea. Perhaps a variant strain for those who stayed behind on the Astral Plane. Full outsider type, 1pp/HD, only a +4 dex bonus, no str bonus, but int +4 and favored class of psion.
Lokathor 10-26-07, 11:00 PM	And all the fun of being summoned away from what you're doing without any warning. Poor otters.
tenguroEd 10-27-07, 12:06 AM	Hm,very interesting. I like this cause it reminds me of the redwall book series, and it's a pretty good looking race.