Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Threefists 04-27-07, 07:38 AM	Speech [Monstrous] you gain the power of speech. Prerequisite: Int 8, Wis 8, Speak Language 1 rank, Iron Will. Benefit: You gain the ability to speak in one language, plus a additional language per point of intelligence bonus. A negative intelligence does not impact on the language itself, only the usage of it. Special: If a creature has multiple heads, Speech only applies to one head, chosen at the time the feat is taken. The target of this Feat must have vocal cords, or at least the ability to roar, gasp or even mutter. A Ooze cannot take this feat, although a Gibbering Mouther could (Assuming it could control it's urge to Gibber....)
runestar 04-27-07, 08:58 AM	Dragons can already speak. Isn't there already a magic item which lets you speak in wildshape?(MoTW?) Would it confer the ability of speech to creatures not normally capable of it? Seems mostly fluff to me.
Threefists 04-27-07, 10:09 AM	As the feat is Monstrous in nature, I was designing it for the purpose of possible PC's such as Griffons, Dragonnes and Wyverns, and other such creatures. Also, it would make for some great RP if the PC's are trying to steal Wyvern's eggs to raise some quick cash on the black market and the Mother, lying dying on the floor of the rookery, cries out "No! Please, spare my eggs!" In light of that, should I raise the Int and Wis requirements to 11 to illustrate just how much more intelligent and aware such a creature should be, or should I leave it at 8 for both so that it's more in-reach of NPC's the DM creates? Also, MotW? You mean Races/Manual of the Wild?
runestar 04-27-07, 10:21 AM	It should be in Masters of the Wild. It has been a very long time since I last read the book, but there should be something along that line inside. The problem with raising the mental stat requirements is that it then becomes unattainable for the majority of the very creatures it was designed to benefit. I dunno - it seems odd that animals would be able to "learn" how to speak normally. This seems more in line with a magic item, not a mundane feat...:confused:
Threefists 04-27-07, 10:51 AM	Well, it's not normal animals. Normal Animals get Awaken to speak, and get additions to their mental scores to boot. This Feat's designed to only be useable by Dragons, Aberrations and Magical Beasts. Thus, no Animals can take it unles they've already been awakened, and thus the would not need this feat. I don't have access to Masters of the Wild, would it be possible to PM me the item in question so I can balance the use of a precious Feat against a few thousand gold's worth of item? It would be greatly appreciated! Sample Beasties: (pardon me if the lists are a bit small, very tired my end and my arm is hurting like all hell....yes I know some of them can speak Draconic...zzzzzzz! *faceplants into his keyboard and stays there*) Dragons: Wyverns, Dragonnes, Pseudodragon Abberations: Gelatanous Creatures, Mimic, Rust Monster Magical Beasts: Unicorns (Surprise! They don't actually speak!) Gryphons, Chimera, phoera.
tarkin 04-27-07, 11:11 AM	The basic idea is reasonable, even if few creatures would take it. However, I personally would remove the following pre-reqs: Abberation, Dragon, Magical Beast I see no reason to prevent a Druid, were-wolf, or polymorphing spellcaster from taking this, letting them speak while in animal form.
keith187 04-27-07, 11:18 AM	I don't see how being able to talk would lower their bite damage. When a druid takes natural spell their wild shaped forms don't become weaker do to srtain or anything like that. I'm also fairly sure that a person who doesn't talk can't bite harder then one who can. Don't get me wrong though I can see where you're comming from on the reduced damage, but you're adding a drawback to a feat that would be taken mainly for flavor purposes.
runestar 04-27-07, 11:27 AM	I don't have MoTW either. I only remember seeing it once when I was browsing through the book(I did not end up purchasing it). So my impression of it is very vague as well, save for a very general idea of what it does. You will have to look somewhere else, I am afraid...:(
keith187 04-27-07, 11:35 AM	I just looked it up you're thinking of the Torc of Animal speech, but it just lets you use speak with animals at will.
Threefists 04-27-07, 07:29 PM	Blast, there goes the item idea....alright, adjusting feat to suit comments! Thank you very much!
runestar 04-27-07, 10:13 PM	I just looked it up you're thinking of the Torc of Animal speech, but it just lets you use speak with animals at will. Then just give it to the party fighter and he will be able to understand you in wildshape.:)
Threefists 04-28-07, 01:00 AM	Adjusted to include one rank or skill point (depending on which term you prefer) in Speak Language to qualify for the Feat. It makes more sense than the beastie just up and talking one day. That 1 or 2 skill points invested into Speak Language represents all the time and effort the Magical Animal/Dragon/Aberration has invested in learning to speak at least one language.